RASCOM-QAF1R & NILESAT 201Ariane 5 ECA Arianespace Launch Status Success Wed · Aug 4th, 2010 4:59 PM EDT Watch Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QyodNeU_Bc Mission RASCOM-QAF1R & NILESAT 201 Type: Communications RASCOM-QAF 1R is a replacement for RASCOM-QAF 1 which suffered a leak and as a result only had a lifespan of 2 years. Providing Africa with telecommunications, covering the whole continent. Nilesat 201 is an Egyptian communications satellite which serves North Africa and the Middle East with Direct to Home TV and radio broadcasting. It operated at 7 degrees West. Location Ariane Launch Area 3 Kourou, French Guiana 151 launches have been at this location. Rocket Ariane 5 ECA Length: 57.7 meters Diameter: 5.4 meters First Launched: December 11, 2002 Ariane 5 is a heavy-lift launch vehicle, part of the Ariane rocket family. The Ariane 5 ECA rocket has been launched a total of 73 times with 71 successful and 2 failed launches. Agency Arianespace Type: Commercial Abbreviation: ASA Administration: CEO: Stéphane Israël Founded: 1980 Launchers: Ariane 5 | Vega Spacecraft: Country: FRA Arianespace SA is a multinational company founded in 1980 as the world's first commercial launch service provider. It undertakes the production, operation, and marketing of the Ariane programme. Their vehicles launch exclusively from French Guiana in South America. View Rocket Launch Schedule