Arianespace and its Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-05M manned transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station. This was the fifth Soyuz family mission in 2012.

With the introduction of Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG) and its successful historic launch on 21 October 2011, this famed Russian medium-class launch vehicle became an integral part of the European launch vehicle fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. Offered to the commercial market, the Soyuz in French Guiana is Europe’s reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.  

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading satellites launch company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, the company offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 15 July 2012, 207 Ariane launches (303 payloads), 26 Soyuz launches (2 at the Guiana Space Center and 24 at Baikonur with Starsem) and the first launch of Vega had been performed. The company has a backlog of 20 Ariane 5, 15 Soyuz and 4 Vega launches, equal to more than three years of business.