Europe has launched two powerful space telescopes, Herschel and Planck, designed to peer into the origins of the universe and the formation of stars and galaxies.

The two observatories, together costing some 1.8 billion euros, were hurled into the skies by an Ariane 5 ECA heavy rocket from the European Space Agency's launch pad at Kourou, French Guiana.

"ESA is en route to the origin of the universe," declared Jean-Jacques Dordain, the agency's director general.

"Let's imagine that we shall see the first light after the 'Big Bang'," he added.

Around half an hour after lift-off the two spacecraft successfully separated from the rocket's upper stage to go their independent ways, prompting a wave of relieved applause to erupt at launch control.

The pair then sent an 'all-is-well' radio signal back to Kourou.

"Both satellites are alive!" ESA said in a Twitter update.