Arianespace Flight VA 216 / ASTRA 5B and Amazonas 4A

The workhorse Ariane 5 orbited a pair of payloads -- ASTRA 5B for SES and HISPASAT'S Amazonas 4A -- this evening, continuing the relationships with two customers that have come to rely on Arianespace's launch services. Lifting off from the Spaceport in French Guiana, Flight VA216 provided a total payload lift performance of some 9,580 kg. on the delivery mission to geostationary transfer orbit. It was one of multiple launch campaigns currently underway for Arianespace missions, covering its full launcher