BY SPACEFLIGHT NOW

Follow the preparations and launch of the Arianespace Ariane 4 rocket carrying the NSS 6 communications satellite. Reload this page for the very latest on the mission.
Flight data file
Vehicle: Ariane 44L
Payload: NSS 6
Launch date: Dec. 17, 2002
Launch time: 2304-0101 GMT (6:04-8:01 p.m. EST)
Launch site: ELA-2, Kourou, French Guiana, South America
Satellite broadcast: AMC 1 (GE 1), Transponder 22, Ku-band

Apollo 17 DVDs
NEW! The final lunar mission to date, the journey of Apollo 17, occurred 30 years ago this month. The mission is captured in this spectacular six- and two-disc sets. Pre-order today and save!
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Apollo 8 leaves the cradle
NEW! The December 1968 journey of the Apollo 8 crew into lunar orbit is relived in this unique three-disc DVD set. Pre-order today and save!
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Hubble Posters
Stunning posters featuring images from the Hubble Space Telescope and world-renowned astrophotographer David Malin are now available from the Astronomy Now Store.
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Hubble Calendar
NEW! This remarkable calendar features stunning images of planets, stars, gaseous nebulae, and galaxies captured by NASA's orbiting Hubble Space Telescope.
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New DVD
The conception, design, development, testing and launch history of the Saturn I and IB rocket is documented in this forthcoming three-disc DVD.
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The ultimate Apollo 11 DVD
NEW 3-DISC EDITION This exceptional chronicle of the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission features new digital transfers of film and television coverage unmatched by any other.
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