Nearly a month after a launch abort on September 5th (caused by an electrical failure in a Solid Rocket Booster, which was discovered following main engine ignition) an Ariane-5 rocket carrying 2 American communication satellites lifted off from Kourou, French Guiana yesterday.
Ariane-5 is the European Space Agencies heavy booster of choice, and although it has had its history of failures, it’s still quite the capable and successful booster. The launch site, located virtually on the equator, allows for efficient launching of payloads like communications satellites, which require very high orbits over the equator if they are to be used in a stationary style – think the satellites that provide television service, and how they are always in the same spot in the sky.
Anyway, this looks to have been a nominal launch, with the same long first stage burn that has a charm to it compared to the rather sudden liftoff caused by SRB ignition. Ariane-5 is a beautiful booster all around. Enjoy this launch video, with accompanying replays in the later half during the 1st stage burn.