French rocket launches with two communications satellites Europe update | DW

France on Saturday (23.10.2021) launched an Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou in French Guiana, carrying several satellites, including a military communications satellite presented as a technology jewel.

The missile departed at 11:10 p.m. local time (03:10 CET). The countdown stopped at 9:56 p.m. local time, five minutes before the best launch time window, but restarted at 11:03 p.m.

The European company Arianespace clarified to AFP that there were doubts about the pressure system data, but tests were carried out that allowed to remove the doubt and continue the launch.

The rocket carried two communications satellites: SES-17, operated by the Luxembourg group SES, and Syracuse 4A, a telecommunications satellite developed by the French Ministry of Defense.

Commissioned by the Directorate General of Armaments, Syracuse 4A must allow the French armed forces to remain in contact during their movements, according to a mission presentation provided by Arianespace.

In turn, the SES-17 should provide coverage over the Americas, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean.

It is designed to revolutionize in-flight connectivity for aircraft users, responding to strong demand for data transmission in the shipping sectors and accelerating digital inclusion initiatives.

The mission would have taken 38 minutes and 41 seconds from takeoff. (afp)