Picture perfect liftoff

Ariane Flight VA207: A sunset launch window, limited clouds and excellent visibility combined to provide a postcard-like view of Ariane 5’s ascent from French Guiana during today’s successful mission with the EchoStar XVII and MSG-3 satellite payloads. This photo shows the liftoff and climb-out from the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch complex, with Ariane 5 powered by its Vulcain 2 cryogenic main engine and two solid propellant boosters. The excellent viewing conditions also enabled Ariane 5’s downrange trajectory to be followed, including separation of the solid boosters at an altitude of 67 km, and the payload fairing’s jettison at a 107-km altitude.