Ariane rocket flies into space

Europe’s most powerful rocket, carrying a payload of precious satellites, soared into space today from its South American base more than two years after its inaugural launch ended in disaster.

The Ariane-5 ECA, the world’s most powerful commercial launcher, took off at 9.03 Irish time from Kourou, French Guiana, a day after the launch was originally scheduled and after a slight delay when the countdown was interrupted.