CNES projects library
C
I
M
P
S
U
Ariane 5
The Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher assured Europe’s access to space since late 90s. It quickly established itself as the world leader in the launch market for geostationary telecommunications satellites, offering the ability to place 10 tonnes for a dual launch and 10.8 tonnes for a single launch into geostationary transfer orbit. It also provided the capacity to loft 21 tonnes into low Earth orbit, as it did for the ATV cargo spacecraft that ferried supplies to the International Space Station.
Ariane 5 was an evolutionary launcher. Five variants were built in two decades to accommodate increasingly heavier satellites and meet the needs of institutional and commercial customers. The last commercially operated variant was Ariane 5 ECA.
As of July 2023, Ariane 5 had accomplished 117 launches, with a straight run of 84 successes all variants included, making it one of the most reliable launchers in the world.
Ariane 5 was operated from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, alongside the Vega and Vega-C light launchers. Ariane 5 is set to be replaced by Ariane 6, a cheaper, even more powerful and versatile vehicle scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2024.
Mission's news feed
-
[Replay] Successful final flight of Ariane 5 (VA261) on 05/07 !
Relive with us the last launch in History of an Ariane 5 rocket carrying a French Defense satellite, Syracuse 4B, and a German technology demonstration satellite, Heinrich Hertz.
July 6, 2023
-
[CNESMAG] Space transportation:the crucial connection
Our new issue is now available!
June 9, 2023
-
[Success] Ariane 5 VA260 launch: JUICE probe (04/14)
Flight VA260 planned on April 13, 2023 has been delayed due to weather condition (risk of lightning) at the scheduled liftoff time from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The...
April 14, 2023