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By the numbers

• The Soyuz launch vehicle has been in continuous production since 1957, demonstrating its unmatched reliability with more than 1,700 missions to date.
• Vega, which made its maiden flight in 2012, is designed with a target payload lift capability of 1,500 kg. on missions to a 700-km. circular orbit.

Soyuz & Vega at the Spaceport

The Spaceport begins operating to the “rhythm” of Arianespace's launcher family trio at the equator

The Arianespace launcher family “in action” at the Spaceport.  At left, the Ariane 5 moves to the Final Assembly Building on May 3 in preparation for a May 19 liftoff.  In the center, the first assembled Soyuz in French Guiana is ready for its simulated mission on May 5, while the full-scale Vega model (at right) awaits a final countdown rehearsal on its launch pad.

May 6, 2011

Arianespace’s strategy of offering a comprehensive launch vehicle family at the Spaceport is moving closer to reality, with this equatorial facility now in full preparations for introduction of the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega – which will join the heavy-lift Ariane 5 later this year.

The stepped-up pace of activity was evident across the Spaceport this week, with action in full swing at each of the launch sites for Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega.

In the northern sector, a flight-worthy Soyuz underwent a multi-day simulated launch campaign that culminated in a “virtual” mission on May 5, replicating the delivery of a broadband services satellite to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).

At the Spaceport’s central zone on May 3, an Ariane 5 was transferred from its Launcher Integration Building to the Final Assembly Building – where a dual-passenger payload of the ST-2 and GSAT-8 satellites will be installed for a GTO delivery mission on May 19.

Nearby, a representative full-scale Vega model was being disassembled during the week after completing mechanical testing on its launch pad, as well as a final countdown rehearsal.

“At Arianespace, we often use the motto: ‘Launches speak louder than words,’” said Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall.  “As we prepare for operations of our complete launcher family from the Spaceport beginning later this year, Arianespace’s commercial ‘voice’ will be heard clearer than ever before.”

Once Soyuz and Vega join Ariane 5 at French Guiana, this facility will be unique in simultaneously operating three commercial launchers – enabling Arianespace to meet payload lift requirements that range from small scientific spacecraft and other lighter-weight satellites to the heaviest telecommunications relay platforms and large resupply craft for the International Space Station.

- High-resolution images of the Soyuz “dry run” exercise are available in the Arianespace Image library.
   (Photos: ©Arianespace 2011)

- Follow the Soyuz “dry run” at the Spaceport with our complete story and photo coverage:

• May 5, 2011: Soyuz performs an on-target “virtual” inaugural mission from the Spaceport
• May 4, 2011: A Soyuz is “born” at the Spaceport
• May 3, 2011: Soyuz is given the “go” for its simulated first launch from the Spaceport
• May 2, 2011: Final preparations are underway for Soyuz' first “virtual” flight from the Spaceport"
• April 29, 2011: Photo report: Day 1 of the Soyuz “dry run” at the Spaceport in French Guiana
• April 29, 2011: A world's first: Soyuz is in the launch zone at Europe's Spaceport