Milestones
Since its creation in 1980 as the world's first commercial space transportation company, Arianespace has led the launch services industry with many operational firsts and numerous record-setting missions.
1979
December

December 24, 1979 December 24, 1979

First Ariane

The first Ariane is launched. The mission uses an Ariane 1 version, and is performed from the ELA 1 facility at the Guiana Space Center. The launcher carries the European CAT technological capsule and ballast simulating a typical satellite payload.

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