The June 1996 Ariane 501 launch and subsequent failure are recorded in this direct broadcast from CSG Kourou. The period from the beginning of the launch window is covered.
Footage incorporated is as follows: Guiana's rainforests, Jupiter control centre, helicopter flybys of station; tourist board shots of French Guiana, inhabitants, widlife etc; Toucan viewing site, pan to show final assembly building, launchpad with launcher surrounded by lightning masts, vehicle integration building, Ariane 4 launchpad with launcher; animation film sequences to show launcher design, along with discussion of design and manufacturing footage (cryogenic main stage, Vulcan engine, series production of engines, engine testing, solid boosters, booster test firings, upper stage, static testing of storable fuel engine, equipment bay, fairing testing in vacuum chamber); telemetry station; short film to show transport of various components to Kourou, MN Toucan vessel, assembly; rollout of launcher from assembly building; hydrogen