Arianespace CEO Stephane Israel announcing Jan. 25 that an Ariane 5 carrying SES-14 and Al Yah 3 lost contact with the ground shortly after ignition of the rocket's upper stage. The company later announced the satellites made it to orbit despite the anomaly.

The two satellites that launched Thursday evening on an Ariane 5 are in orbit and communicating with the ground despite a harrowing loss of contact with the rocket a few seconds after its upper stage ignited.

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Caleb Henry is a former SpaceNews staff writer.