Ariane 5 launch. Artists impression of a typical satellite launch using an Ariane 5 rocket. At bottom left, the solid rocket boosters separate from the main body of the rocket 129 seconds after launch. 56 seconds later, at about 110km altitude, the nose fairing is jettisoned (centre). The small second stage is used to provide the final power to place the satellite in orbit (upper right). The background is a representation of the northern coast of South America, close to the Ariane 5 launch site at Kourou, French Guiana.