Ariane 5
Ariane 5 is a major element in Europe’s unrestricted, independent access to space. Airbus Defence and Space, through the ArianeGroup joint-venture, the prime contractor and lead manufacturer, is one of the keys to this success, with experience dating back to the beginnings of the European space industry, the Diamant and early Ariane launchers...
| Up to 10 tons |
Geostationary Transfer orbit payload capacity |
| 80 |
Successful Launches in a row |
| 37,476 km/h |
The Higher Speed achieved by an Ariane rocket |
| Prime contractor |
within ArianeGroup |
The new-generation Ariane 5 continues the tradition of its famous predecessors, Ariane 1 to 4, but features a radically new design. Since 2005, the latest heavy-lift version of Ariane 5 has provided increased Geostationary Transfer Orbit payload capacity, up to 10 tons on dual launches, to meet the evolving demands of both commercial and institutional markets. It incorporates a new cryogenic upper stage carrying over 14 tons of propellants, and a strengthened cryogenic main stage, powered by the new Vulcain 2 engine.
A dual role partner
Sole prime contractor
Responsible of coordination
Since May 2003, we're in charge of coordinating some 64 companies across Europe, meaning that Airbus Safran Launchers delivers to Arianespace, the launch services marketing company, a complete, fully-tested, cost-effective launcher, in line with demanding market conditions.
Lead manufacturer
Responsible for the production
All Ariane 5 stages, the vehicle equipment bay, the dual launch system upper part structure (SYLDA) and flight software, along with a number of subassemblies, are built by Airbus Defence and Space through ArianeGroup. Our teams are on hand in Kourou, French Guiana, to support Arianespace during launch campaigns.