Arianespace successfully launched PanAmSat's Galaxy 11 communications satellite on December 22. Here is a look back at the launch campaign and mission. Images copyright Arianespace.

Rolling toward launch The Ariane 4 rocket for Flight 125 is rolled from its assembly building to the ELA-2 launch complex on December 9.
Galaxy 11 readied The most powerful commercial communications satellite to be launched undergoes final preparations in Kourou. Galaxy 11 is the first Hughes HS702 satellite to fly.
Becoming one The Galaxy 11 spacecraft enclosed within the protective payload fairing joins the Ariane 4 rocket at the launch pad.
Time to go The 321-foot tall mobile service gantry is rolled away from the Ariane 4 rocket about six hours prior to liftoff. Once retracted, the rocket's third stage was fueled.
The business end Flight 125 used an Ariane 44L rocket, the most powerful Ariane 4 vehicle with four liquid-propellant strap on boosters.
Liftoff! For the 125th time in 20 years, an Ariane rocket launches from Kourou, French Guiana. This launch was the 10th of 1999 and third this month.
Tower clear With the 4 1/2-ton Galaxy 11 satellite aboard, the Ariane 4 rocket leaps from its launch pad to begin the 21 1/2-minute flight.
Soaring into the night Tracking cameras show the Ariane's initial ascent. Eight liquid-fueled engines firing - the four first stage engines and four strap-on boosters.
Thanks for the boost Having used all their liquid propellant, the four strap-on boosters are jettisoned from the Ariane to fall into the Atlantic.
Celebrations begin PanAmSat president Douglas Kahn and Arianespace chief operating officer Jacques Rossignol celebrate in the Jupiter control center. Kahn's T-shirt reads "The Momentum is Growing" in reference to PamAmSat's expansion.