Arianespace Dec. 18 said it successfully launched the French military reconnaissance satellite Helios 2A from its launch site in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite was launched on an Ariane 5 rocket, which injected the satellite into Sun-synchronous orbit approximately one hour after its 1:26 p.m. local time liftoff. The rocket also delivered six auxiliary payloads into orbit. The launch was the sixteenth successful mission of the Ariane 5 configuration.

The EADS Astrium-built Helios 2A is the initial satellite in France’s second-generation defense and security spaceborne observation system, being conducted in conjunction with Belgium and Spain. Alcatel Space provided the high-resolution imaging instrument for the satellite.

On a related note, United Press International reported Dec. 19 that tracking stations in China have been monitoring the Helios 2A satellite for France. The report said it was the first time that the country has provided tracking services for foreign satellites.