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Watch: Europe’s last Ariane-5 rocket blasts off

By Jonathan Amos

BBC Science Correspondent

@BBCAmos

The Ariane-5, Europe's heavy-lift rocket, has flown its final mission.

The vehicle, which has underpinned the continent's access to space for nearly three decades, ended its career by taking up two telecoms satellites.

It is generally agreed to have been a highly successful launcher, having suffered only two outright failures in 117 outings.

But the Ariane-5's retirement leaves Europe in a difficult position, with no replacement ready to take over.

The next-generation rocket, the Ariane-6, is still going through a development and testing phase and may not make its debut until next year.

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