An Ariane rocket has launched two powerful space telescopes, Herschel and Planck, designed to help scientists better understand the formation and origins of the universe, as well as the formation of stars and galaxies.

Reuters - An Ariane rocket launched two scientific space observatories on Thursday that will help scientists better understand the formation of the universe, space officials said.

The rocket blasted off from the European Space Agency's (ESA) launch centre in Kourou, French Guiana, on the northeast coast of South America at 10.12 am (1312 GMT).

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