"After a good flight of the solid boosters and core cryogenic stage, there was a problem with the upper stage and the desired orbit was not attained, " Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Marie Luton announced after the mission.

CNN: Ariane rocket puts satellites in defective orbit

The rocket was intended to lift the satellite into an orbit 35, 696 kilometers above the earth, but during its final burn, the upper stage engine shut down four minutes early, and the satellite was released into too low of an orbit.

FORBES: Another Russian Rocket Misses The Target

"Arianespace Flight 142 placed its dual satellite payload in a lower than desired orbit following a problem with the launcher's upper stage, " the statement said.

CNN: Ariane rocket puts satellites in defective orbit