Dual payload launched by Ariane

Europe's heavy-lift rocket, the Ariane-5 ECA, has put another two commercial telecommunications satellites in orbit.

The ProtoStar I spacecraft will deliver high-definition TV and broadband services across Asia.

The BADR-6 satellite has been put up to provide telecoms, multimedia and internet services to the Middle East and Africa.

Ariane lifted off from Kourou in French Guiana at 1847 local time (2147 GMT).

It was the fourth flight of the year for an Ariane vehicle.

Operating company Arianespace plans to fly a further three rockets in 2008 - the busiest schedule in the launcher's nine-year commercial history.

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