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: various shots of Ariane 5 on launchpad, and of Mission Control; helicopter views of CSG Guyana, showing cloud cover; pan down length of Ariane 5; base of launcher; cinetelescope view of Ariane 5; start of automatic sequence; ignition, lift-off; helicopter footage of failure, cuts out, footage of rain-down of debris; devastated faces of Mission Control personnel, Operations Director writes on pad; official announcement from Michel Mignot, Directeur du CSG/CNES; announcement from Jean-Marie Luton, ESA Directeur-General ; announcements from Francois Fillon, Ministre des Postes, des Telecommunications et de l'Espace and Yvan Ylieff, President du Conseil de l'ESA.
Other interviewees and speakers: Pierre Perez, CNES Adjoint Operations au Chef de Programme Ariane 5; Juan de Dalmau and Pierre Marx; and Mike M