Arianespace initiated another busy year of launch activity with tonight’s successful Ariane 5 launch, which orbited payloads for two of the world’s leading satellite communications operators – Eutelsat and SES. The heavy-lift Ariane 5 is shown prior to its liftoff from the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone. After an on-time liftoff from the ELA-3 launch complex at Europe’s Spaceport, the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA deployed HOT BIRD™ 10 for Eutelsat, followed by NSS-9 for SES NEW SKIES. Two small Spirale auxiliary payloads for the French DGA defense procurement agency were then injected into orbit to complete the 34-minute mission.

More info:  http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2009/571.asp

Watch the launch: http://www.videocorner.tv/videocorner2/live_flv/index.php?langue=en

Predicted coverage of NSS-9