Europe’s Ariane 5 rocket returned to action on September 7, deploying a high-power communications satellite for French operator Eutelsat. Liftoff from the Centre Spatial Guyanais in Kourou, French Guiana occurred on time at 6:45 PM local time (21:45 UTC) at the opening of an 86-minute launch window.
Wednesday’s launch deployed Eutelsat Konnect VHTS — or Very High Throughput Satellite — into a supersynchronous geostationary transfer orbit. This advanced communications satellite will provide space-based internet services to Eutelsat’s European customers, including service to areas with poor terrestrial connectivity.