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 (opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Arianespace)
3, 2, 1 ... Blast Off!
The Ariane 5 rocket lifted off from the Guiana Space Center (opens in new tab) 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.
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