The Arianespace program launched its first rocket of 2016 last night from its launchpad in French Guiana.

The Ariane Five rocket is carrying a payload that contains Intelsat's next generation communications satellite, Intelsat 29e.

The rocket will launch the satellite into orbit for Intelsat, who provide high-performance connectivity services for media and mobile broadband communications.

Arianespace is scheduled to launch two further Intelsat satellites in 2016.

The launch phase was successful and if the rest of the mission is successful the satellite will be inserted into orbit. From there the satellite will provide high-speed broadband for customers in North and South America.

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