Ariane rocket puts telecom satellites into orbit

KOUROU: An Ariane 5 rocket on Friday successfully placed two communications satellites into geostationary orbit, in the fifth such placement this year by Arianespace, the company said.

The rocket was carrying an Intelstat 17 satellite for Intelstat and a Hylas 1 satellite for Britain's Avanti Communications.

Weighing 7.5 tonnes, the Hylas 1 will supply Internet broadband in Europe capable of reaching isolated rural areas "from Ireland to Poland" as well as high definition television, said chief executive David Williams.

The Intelstat 17, weighing 5.5 tonnes, will provide telecommunications services in Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Asia.