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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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H0+04:05 |
Jettison Payload Fairing |
The 4-meter diameter payload fairing, built by Oerlikon Contraves, that protected Galaxy 4R during atmospheric ascent. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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