Dramatic launch views from remote cameras

Europe's Ariane 5 rocket, powered by 2.6 million pounds of thrust, rose from the launch pad in French Guiana just after sunset Wednesday, filling the sky with fire and a twisting plume of exhaust contorted by winds and illuminated by the day's last rays of sunlight.

The 17-story rocket launched the European Space Agency's fourth Automated Transfer Vehicle - nicknamed Albert Einstein - and delivered the 22-ton freighter into low Earth orbit about an hour after liftoff.

The Albert Einstein spacecraft is on a 10-day trip to the International Space Station, where it will deliver fuel and supplies.

Liftoff occurred at 2152:18 GMT (5:52:18 p.m. EDT; 6:52:18 p.m. local time).

These photos were taken by ESA photographer Stephane Corvaja with remote cameras placed around the launch pad.

See our Mission Status Center for the latest news on the launch.

Photo credit: ESA/Stephane Corvaja