Installed atop its mobile launch table, Ariane 5 completes the August 13 rollout from the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone. One of dual rail tracks on which the mobile launch table rides during the transfer is visible in the right foreground. The segment of track from the Final Assembly Building covers a 2.8-km distance, and includes a final curve leading into the launch zone.

The Ariane 5 is ready for liftoff from ELA-3 launch zone. This photo details the launch site's major elements, including the four lightning-strike protection towers, and two large flame ducts that funnel exhaust from Ariane 5's solid rocket boosters.

A 17-meter-long version of the Ariane 5 payload fairing was used to protect the dual payload of Superbird-7 and AMC-21 during the initial ascent phase. It carries the logos of Arianespace and the mission's two customer payloads, along with a decal honoring the current six-month-long French presidency of the European Union's Council.

Looking upward from the mobile launch table, two propellant feed arms are shown extending from the mast to Ariane 5's cryogenic upper stage. These arms are commanded to retract 5.5 seconds prior to the ignition of Ariane 5's cryogenic main stage, clearing the way for the launch's liftoff approximately seven seconds later.

Ariane 5 soars into cloudless skies over French Guiana during today's daytime launch from the Spaceport. The mission was Ariane 5's ninth during a 12-month period, meeting the satellite delivery needs of Arianespace customers. This photo was taken along the Carouabo River near Kourou.