Live coverage of the countdown and launch of an Ariane 5 rocket with the DirecTV 14 and GSAT 16 communications satellites. Text updates will appear automatically below; there is no need to reload the page. Follow us on Twitter.
Ariane 5
Probe into off-target Ariane 5 launch begins, SES and Yahsat payloads healthy
Arianespace will convene an independent inquiry board chaired by a top European Space Agency official to investigate why an Ariane 5 rocket flew off course Thursday night after liftoff from French Guiana with the SES 14 and Al Yah 3 telecom satellites, but both payloads will be salvaged to accomplish their planned missions, officials said Friday.
Ariane 5
Live coverage: Ariane 5 launch scrubbed by sensor problem
Arianespace’s third Ariane 5 launch of the year was set liftoff Friday from Kourou, French Guiana, but an issue with a sensor on the rocket’s first stage liquid hydrogen tank caused officials to scrub the launch attempt. The Ariane 5 is poised to carry three U.S.-built commercial satellites into orbit, while testing a few rocket upgrades, including a modified fairing needed for the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope next year.