Launch of TOPEX/Poseidon
4
H|0|ariane|Ariane 42P|9|18|
G|0|srb|SRBs|208|211|
H|0|sc|spacecraft|48|57|
H|0|phases|launch phase|776|787|
    The Ariane 42P carrying the TOPEX/Poseidon spacecraft was launched from the European Space Agency's Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, on August 10, 1992. 
    After 27 seconds of flight, the SRBs strapped to the Ariane separated and fell away from the rocket. 
    About three minutes later, the fuel in the first stage was exhausted, and the stage was jettisoned. 
    The second stage was ignited, and 30 seconds later the satellite's cover was jettisoned. After 95 seconds, the third stage took over for the final leg of the flight. 
    Once in orbit, the third stage performed several orientation maneuvers. Then the explosive bolts mounting the spacecraft to the rocket were fired, and the third stage backed away. This separation marked the end of the launch phase of the mission. 
