Ariane 5 ES launches FM-15 - FM-18 Galileo satellites, 12 December

The launch – the 11th of the year for Arianespace – of the FM-15 through FM-18 involves the second use of the Ariane launch vehicle for a Galileo launch. Launch was on schedule at 18:36 UTC.

Payload lift performance for today’s mission – which is designated Flight VA240 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system – is estimated at 3,282 kg.