The Ariane 5 carrier rocket launched from the Kourou space center in French Guiana early on Thursday delivered its dual-satellite payload into orbit, the Arianespace satellite launch firm said.
During the mission, the heavy-lift Ariane 5 delivered the NILESAT 201 and RASCOM-QAF1R satellites, both built by Thales Alenia Space.
The NILESAT 201, equipped with 24 Ku-band and 4 Ka-band transponders, will provide direct television broadcasting for the Middle East, Africa and Gulf states from its orbital position of 7 degrees West.
RASCOM-QAF1R, designed and launched for the Regional African Satellite Communications Organization (RASCOM), will deliver communications services to rural parts of Africa, including long-distance domestic and international links, direct TV broadcasts and Internet access.
Thursday's blastoff was the third of seven launches scheduled for this year, and the 38th consecutive launch success for Ariane 5.
MOSCOW, August 5 (RIA Novosti)
