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Feature story

Ariane 5: Nine launches with 17 satellites in 12 months

September 3, 2008

Arianespace confirmed that high performance, reliability and increased launch tempo go hand-in-hand with its nine successful Ariane 5 missions that orbited 17 payloads in 12 months.

These flights were performed from August 14, 2007 to August 14, 2008, providing accurate payload deliveries for a broad range of international customers.  As a result, Ariane 5 played a key role in the further development of global civil and military telecommunications networks, and performed its first mission in support of the International Space Station.

Ariane 5’s flights during the 12-month period orbited a total of 14 civilian telecommunications satellites, along with two secure military relay platforms and the Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) resupply spacecraft for the International Space Station.

The nine missions orbited a total payload mass of more than 75,000 kg., with its passengers ranging from the 1,967-kg. BSAT-3a telecommunications satellite to the 19,000-kg. ATV.  Ariane 5’s civilian and military telecommunications satellites were delivered to geostationary transfer orbit, while the ATV was deployed in low-Earth orbit.

Arianespace is continuing the Ariane 5’s sustained flight rate to meet growing customer demand for its commercial launch services.  A total of seven missions are planned during calendar year 2008 – of which five already have been performed.