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Mission Update

Photo feature: A close-up view of Arianespace's Ariane 5 liftoff with the Automated Transfer Vehicle

March 23, 2012 – Ariane Flight VA205

Arianespace’s successful launch of the no. 3 Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) this morning was photographed on the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch pad in French Guiana, providing an unusual view of the Ariane 5’s initial climb-out from French Guiana.  This flight carried the heaviest payload ever lofted by the workhorse Arianespace launcher – lifting more than 20,000 kg., with over 19,700 kg. of the total represented by the ATV. 

At left, the Ariane 5 is shown before liftoff, positioned on its mobile launch table in front of the ELA-3 facility’s launch tower.  In the next photograph, umbilical cables separate from the launcher in a controlled pull-back as Ariane 5 begins its ascent.  The next two images show Ariane 5 clearing the launch tower, powered by the thrust from two solid-propellant boosters and the Vulcain 2 main cryogenic engine.  (Photos: ESA - S. Corvaja, 2012).

For more information on this launch success, read the press release and our Mission Update.

• See the Arianespace launch kit for further details.

• Related links:
  European Space Agency    
  Astrium