The third Ariane 5 rocket of 2010 has successfully launched two satellites into orbit – Nilesat 201 and Rascom-QAF1R.

The satellites will provide telecommunications services to Africa, the Middle East and Persian Gulf states.

During the mission, Nilesat 201 for Egyptian operator Nilesat released first in the flight sequence and was followed by Rascom-QAF1R for Pan-African satellite operator RascomStar-QAF within 29 minutes of flight.

Nilesat 201, weighing 3,200kg, carries 24 Ku-band and four Ka-band transponders and will be positioned at an orbital slot of 7°W.

The satellite will provide direct television broadcasting for the Middle East, Africa and Gulf states along with relay capability to open new markets such as broadband internet access.

The 3,050kg Rascom-QAF1R platform will be operated from an orbital position of 2.85°E.

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Rascom will deliver communications services to rural parts of Africa, including long-distance domestic and international links, direct TV broadcasts and internet access.

The rocket carried a total payload of 7,085kg including 6,250kg for the Nilesat 201 and Rascom-QAF1R satellites, along with integration hardware and the SYLDA 5 dual-payload dispenser system.