H0 |
Engine ignition |
Four first stage Snecma Viking 5 engines are started and undergo checkout prior to launch. |
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H0+00:04.2 |
Solid motor ignition |
The four solid-fueled rocket boosters strapped to the first stage of the Ariane 4 rocket are lit. |
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H0+00:04.4 |
Launch |
The Ariane 44P rocket lifts off from ELA-2 complex at Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, South America. |
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H0+00:11 |
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+01:12 |
Booster Separation |
Having burned all their solid propellant, the Fiat Avio-built strap-on boosters are jettisoned from the Ariane rocket's first stage to fall into the Atlantic Ocean. |
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H0+03:33 |
First Stage Separation |
The EADS Launch Vehicles-produced first stage of the Ariane 44P rocket is separated to fall into the Atlantic Ocean. |
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H0+03:34 |
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+04:26 |
Jettison Payload Fairing |
The 4-meter diameter payload fairing, built by Contraves, that protected Eutelsat W1 spacecraft during atmospheric ascent is separated. |
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H0+05:44 |
Second Stage Separation |
The Astrium-built second stage of the Ariane 44P rocket is jettisoned to fall into the Atlantic Ocean. |
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H0+05:47 |
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 Eutelsat W1 into orbit. |
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H0+18:49 |
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 EADS Launch Vehicles-built stage will now provide the necessary pointing and alignment for payload separation. |
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H0+20:09 |
Spacecraft Separation |
The Eutelsat W1 satellite is released into the desired geosynchronous transfer orbit. The predicted injection orbit features a perigee altitude of 300 km, apogee altitude of 35,786 km and inclination of 7 degrees. |
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