Spaceflight Now: V129
Flight 129 mission events

SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: April 17, 2000
H0 Engine ignition
Four first stage Snecma Viking 5 engines and two Snecma Viking 6 engines on the twin liquid strap-on boosters are started and undergo checkout prior to launch.
H0+00:04.4 Launch
The Ariane 42L rocket lifts off from ELA-2 complex at Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, South America.
H0+00:16 Start Pitch Maneuver
Following a vertical ascent phase, the rocket begins a 10-second pitch motion for positioning on the proper launch trajectory.
H0+02:20 Booster Separation
Having consumed their liquid propellant, the DaimlerChrysler Aerospace-built strap-on boosters are jettisoned from the Ariane rocket's first stage to fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
H0+03:14 First Stage Separation
The Aerospatiale Matra-built first stage of the Ariane 42L rocket is separated to fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
H0+03:17 Second Stage Ignition
The single Snecma Viking 4 engine aboard the Ariane's second stage is started, continuing the climb to orbit.
H0+04:05 Jettison Payload Fairing
The 4-meter diameter payload fairing, built by Oerlikon Contraves, that protected Galaxy 4R during atmospheric ascent.
H0+05:26 Second Stage Separation
The DaimlerChrysler Aerospace-built second stage of the Ariane 42L rocket is jettisoned to fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
H0+05:31 Third Stage Ignition
Following the release of the second stage, the single Snecma HM 7B third stage engine is started to complete the powered phase of flight to deliver Galaxy 4R into orbit.
H0+18:40 Third Stage Shutdown
After consuming its supply of liquid hydrogen and liquid oyxgen, the third stage engine shuts down. Injection into the required orbit follows two seconds later. The Aerospatiale Matra-built stage will now provide the necessary pointing and alignment for payload separation.
H0+20:48 Galaxy 4R Separation
The Galaxy 4R spacecraft is released into the desired geosynchronous transfer orbit. The predicted injection orbit features a perigee altitude of 200 km, apogee altitude of 33,455 km and inclination of 7 degrees.

Data source: Arianespace.
 Flight data file
Vehicle: Ariane 42L
Payload: Galaxy 4R
Launch date: April 19, 2000
Launch window: 0029-0139 (8:29-9:39 p.m. EDT on 18th)
Launch site: ELA-2, Kourou, French Guina
Pre-launch Briefing
Ariane 42L - Overview of the rocket to launch Galaxy 4R.

Purpose of Galaxy 4R - PanAmSat to enhance telecoomunications services to North America.

The Galaxy 4R satellite - Overview of the Hughes-built HS601 HP model spacecraft.
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 4R once in space.

Hughes Space and Communications - U.S. manufacturer of Galaxy 4R satellite.
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MISSION STATUS CENTER