Posted: Sat, Aug 7, 2021, 8:53 AM ET (1253 GMT)
An Ariane 5 launched July 30 on its first mission in nearly a year, successfully placing into orbit two communications satellites. The rocket lifted off from French Guiana at 5 pm EDT (2100 GMT) and deployed the Star One D2 and Eutelsat Quantum satellites into geostationary transfer orbits. The launch was the first for the Ariane 5 since August 2020 because of problems with the payload fairing separation system seen on that earlier launch as well as one in February 2020. The launch is the first of two before the Ariane 5 launches NASA's James Webb Space Telescope late this year.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  Spaceflight Now article
•  BBC article
•  Space.com article
•  Arianespace press release