Arianespace and its Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.

This was the fourth Soyuz family mission in 2013. 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 satellite 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 April 2013, 212 Ariane launches, 30 Soyuz launches (four at the Guiana Space Centre and 26 at Baikonur with Starsem) and the first launch of Vega have been performed. The company has a backlog of 20 Ariane 5, 11 Soyuz and three Vega launches, equaling three years of business.