In Photos: Ariane 5 Rocket Launches DirecTV 16 and Eutelsat 7C Satellites

(Image credit: Arianespace)

A Sunset Liftoff

An Ariane 5 rocket successfully launched two new communications satellites, DirecTV 16 and Eutelsat 7C, into orbit on June 20, 2019. See photos of the mission in this gallery!

HERE: The Ariane 5 rocket is pictured soaring into space during a beautiful sunset, 26 seconds after liftoff. 

Full Story: Ariane 5 Rocket Lofts 2 Satellites Into Orbit in Gorgeous Sunset Launch

(Image credit: Arianespace)

3, 2, 1 ... Blast Off!

The Ariane 5 rocket lifted off from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana right on time, at 5:43 p.m. EDT (2143 GMT). 

(Image credit: Arianespace)

Ariane 5 Takes to the Skies

Despite the scattered thunderstorms in the area on launch day, the mission lifted off into surprisingly clear skies. 

(Image credit: Arianespace)

Stage Separation

The rocket's two side boosters are clearly visible after stage separation. 

(Image credit: Stéphane Israël/Arianespace/Twitter)

The Launch Site

The Ariane 5 rocket designated VA248 is transferred to the launch pad at Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, ahead of its planned launch of the T-16 and Eutelsat 7C communications satellites. 

(Image credit: Stéphane Israël/Arianespace/Twitter)

Ariane 5 Ready to Roll

The Ariane 5 rocket designated VA248 is readied for its trek from the assembly facility over to the launch pad at Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. 

(Image credit: Stéphane Israël/Arianespace/Twitter)

The Ariane 5

The Ariane 5 rocket designated VA248 is transferred to the launch pad at Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, ahead of its planned launch of the T-16 and Eutelsat 7C communications satellites. 

(Image credit: Arianespace)

Satellite Fit Check

The Eutelsat 7C communications satellite undergoes a fit check validation in the clean room at the S5 payload preparation facility in Kourou, French Guiana.

(Image credit: Arianespace)

Fueling Up

The T-16 communications satellite is filled with propellant at Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

(Image credit: AT&T)

DirecTV 16

An artist's rendering of the T-16 communications satellite, also known as DirecTV 16.

(Image credit: Eutelsat Communications)

Eutelsat 7C

A digital mockup of the Eutelsat 7C telecommunications satellite in orbit.