Video: Ariane 5 rocket lifts off with communications satellites

Video credit: Arianespace

A European Ariane 5 rocket climbed off its launch pad in French Guiana with nearly 3 million pounds of thrust Thursday, carrying two communications satellites to orbit for the Japanese military and British-based Avanti Communications.

The nearly 180-foot-tall (55-meter) Ariane 5 launcher took off at 2134 GMT (5:34 p.m. EDT; 6:34 p.m. French Guiana time) with the DSN 1/Superbird 8 and Hylas 4 communications satellites.

It was the 98th flight of an Ariane 5 rocket, and the second Ariane 5 mission of 2018.

Read our full story for details on the mission.

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