Spaceflight Now: V126
Photo Gallery:
Ariane 4 launches Galaxy 10R

SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: January 25, 2000


Arianespace successfully launched PanAmSat's Galaxy 10R communications satellite on January 25. Liftoff occurred at 0104 GMT. Images copyright Arianespace.

Ariane revealed
The 321-foot tall mobile service gantry is rolled away from the Ariane 4 rocket about six hours prior to liftoff. Once retracted, the rocket's third stage was fueled.
Tower
Rumbling to life
The Ariane 4 rocket's four first stage main engines and twin strap-on liquid-fueled boosters are ignited moments before liftoff.
Ignition
Blast off!
The Ariane 4 rocket ascents from the ELA-2 pad to begin the 21-minute long Flight 126 with Galaxy 10R.
Tower
Soaring into the night
Tracking cameras show the Ariane's six liquid-propellant engines firing during the first portion of launch. Sparkles are seen streaming from the exhaust plume.
Sparkles
Flight data file
Vehicle: Ariane 42L
Payload: Galaxy 10R
Launch date: Jan. 25, 2000
Launch window: 0104-0139 (8:04-8:39 p.m. EST on 24th)
Launch site: ELA-2, Kourou, French Guina

Video vault
The Ariane 42L rocket launches with PanAmSat's Galaxy 10R satellite from Kourou, French Guiana in South America.
  PLAY (1.1MB QuickTime file; courtesy Arianespace)

Pre-launch Briefing
Ariane 42L - Overview of the rocket to launch Galaxy 10R.

Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of the events to occur during launch.

Purpose of Galaxy 10R - PanAmSat to enhance cable TV programming to North America with new craft.

The Galaxy 10R satellite - Overview of the Hughes-built HS601 HP model spacecraft.

Ariane index - Listing of our previous Ariane coverage.

Explore the Net
Arianespace - European launch services provider that uses Ariane 4 and 5 rockets to carry satellites into space.

PanAmSat - Leading satellite communications provider and operator of Galaxy 10R once in space.

Hughes Space and Communications - U.S. manufacturer of Galaxy 10R satellite.

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