Final Ariane 5 rocket launched pair of satellites from French Guiana.
Ariane 5 successfully lifted off at 6:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, delivering its payloads to space. The mission lasted for 33 minutes, ending a spectacular 27-year run for the European rocket.
After nearly three decades of delivering precious payloads to space—including the Webb Telescope—the Ariane 5 rocket is set for retirement, and at a time when Europe is struggling to gain access to the final frontier.
The Ariane 6 will take over heavy-lift launches for Arianespace.
