Arianespace

Soyuz integration is fully underway for Arianespace's milestone launch with four O3b Networks satellites

May 23, 2013

The Soyuz launcher for Arianespace's next medium-lift mission is rapidly taking shape at French Guiana as this vehicle undergoes its build-up for a June flight with the first four satellites in O3b Networks' connectivity constellation.

Arianespace Japan Week 2013: 27 years in Japan

May 21, 2013

Since opening its Tokyo office in 1986, then launching the first Japanese commercial satellite, JCSAT-1, in 1989, Arianespace has become a major partner to Japanese manufacturers and operators.

Arianespace's Stephane Israel underscores strong partnership with Japan during Tokyo customer meetings

May 20, 2013

Stephane Israel initiated his first major international customer visits today, as Arianespace's new Chairman and CEO met with key Japanese partners during the company's annual Arianespace Japan Week activities in Tokyo.

Readying Arianespace's first mission for O3b Networks: Launcher and payload integration are underway at the Spaceport

May 20, 2013

Preparations for Arianespace's next Soyuz flight are in full swing at multiple locations across the Spaceport, including the start-up of satellite installation in the S5 payload preparation center, and initiation of launcher build-up within the ELS launch site's MIK integration building.

Ariane Flight VA214's launch vehicle marks a preparation milestone

May 15, 2013

The third Ariane 5 for launch in 2013 has now completed basic build-up at the Spaceport, taking the next step toward Arianespace's two-passenger mission planned from French Guiana in July.

O3b Networks' initial satellite is fueled for Arianespace's upcoming Soyuz launch from the Spaceport

May 15, 2013

The first Arianespace Soyuz mission for O3b Networks has moved into its next phase of preparations at the Spaceport, as fueling is now underway with the global satellite services provider's spacecraft that will provide connectivity for emerging markets worldwide.

ATV Albert Einstein is installed on its Ariane 5 launcher for Arianespace's next heavy-lift mission

May 14, 2013

Arianespace marked one of the final steps in preparations for the next Ariane 5 launch as Europe's fourth Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) was integrated atop the heavy-lift workhorse at the Spaceport.

The fourth Automated Transfer Vehicle is ready to meet up with its Ariane 5

May 8, 2013

Fueling has been completed at the Spaceport in French Guiana for Europe's fourth Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), readying it for a planned June launch with Arianespace's workhorse Ariane 5 on an International Space Station servicing mission.

Middle East market focus with Arianespace Sales Director Tony Thoma

May 7, 2013

This week's Global Space and Satellite Forum (GSSF) in Abu Dhabi is the Middle East's leading space and satellite event. Arianespace is an active participant at the forum, with its team led by Tony Thoma, the company's Sales Director.

Vega marks a series of "firsts" on its initial mission under Arianespace's operational responsibility

May 7, 2013

Arianespace's light-lift Vega launcher performed an intricate mission from the Spaceport today, successfully delivering three satellite passengers at two different Sun-synchronous orbital altitudes during a flight lasting just over two hours.

Arianespace Flight VV02 scheduled for the night of May 6 to 7

May 6, 2013

Given the weather conditions over the Guiana Space Center on May 5, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace have decided to restart the countdown for Vega Flight VV02. This mission will place three satellites into orbit: Proba-V, VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1. If the favorable trend in weather conditions continues, the launch is now scheduled for the night of May 6-7, 2013.

Unfavorable high-altitude winds postpone Vega�s mission from the Spaceport with a trio of satellites

May 3, 2013

High-altitude winds over the Spaceport in French Guiana have resulted in the decision by Arianespace and the European Space Agency to postpone tonight�s Vega mission with three satellite payloads.

Final countdown underway for Vega�s second flight from the Spaceport

May 3, 2013

Tonight�s mission of the lightweight Vega launcher with three satellite passengers from French Guiana is on track, as the countdown continues for an 11:06:31 p.m. liftoff at the Spaceport.

Ready for liftoff: Vega is authorized for its May 3 flight from the Spaceport

May 2, 2013

The second Vega mission from French Guiana has been given its "green light" for liftoff tomorrow night, following completion of the launch readiness review earlier today at the Spaceport.

Vega is readied for its May 3 liftoff with a three-satellite international payload

May 1, 2013

The second Vega mission from French Guiana has entered its final preparation phase as the lightweight launcher is readied for a nighttime liftoff on May 3 with a trio of satellites as its payload.

Checkout is underway with O3b Networks' four satellites to be orbited on the next Arianespace Soyuz launch

April 29, 2013

The first four satellites to serve O3b Networks in providing emerging market connectivity worldwide have entered their checkout phase at the Spaceport, readying them for a June flight on Arianespace's fifth mission from French Guiana with its medium-lift Soyuz launcher.

Arianespace�s launcher cadence continues with four missions being prepared for Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega

April 26, 2013

The Spaceport is operating to the rhythm of Arianespace�s launcher family, with four parallel mission campaigns now underway in French Guiana for the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega vehicles.

The dawn of a new era in connectivity: O3b Networks� first four satellites arrive for the next Arianespace Soyuz launch

April 25, 2013

The initial four O3b spacecraft to be launched by Arianespace on Soyuz have arrived in French Guiana, taking the global satellite operator one step closer to its goal of deploying a next-generation network that provides emerging market customers with access to fast, flexible and affordable connectivity.

Arianespace VV02 - Proba-V, VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1: Launch postponed by 24 hours

April 25, 2013

To carry out additional checks on the mobile gantry system used on the Vega launch complex (SLV), the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace have decided to postpone the Vega launch VV02 for 24 hours. It was originally scheduled for the night of May 2 to 3.

Success of the 1,803rd launch of Soyuz

April 24, 2013

The 1,803rd flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed on Wednesday, 24 April 2013 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 14:12 Moscow time (12:12 Paris time).

Vega's second Spaceport mission: the launcher is assembled and ready for final checkout

April 23, 2013

The lightweight Vega marked its latest step toward a planned May 2 launch as the basic build-up of this latest member in Arianespace's launcher family is now complete in French Guiana following the integration of a three-satellite payload.

Vega's three-satellite payload is integrated and ready for launch

April 19, 2013

The payload "stack" for Vega's second mission from French Guiana has been completed and is ready for installation on the lightweight launch vehicle at the Spaceport.

B-SAT's 20-year celebration includes a special recognition for Arianespace

April 19, 2013

The dependability of Arianespace's launch services and the company's long-standing presence in Japan were commemorated this month with a certificate of appreciation from satellite operator Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT).

Success of the 1,802nd launch of Soyuz

April 19, 2013

The 1,802nd flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed on Friday, 19 April 2013 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 14:00 Moscow time (12:00 Paris time).

Stephane Israel named Chairman and CEO of Arianespace

April 18, 2013

The Board of Directors of Arianespace today named Stephane Israel Chairman and CEO of the company, effective Monday, April 22, 2013.

29th National Space Symposium

April 12, 2013

Arianespace�s role as a dependable and secure launch services provider for national security payloads was a topic of focus at the 29th National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Payload integration is underway for Vega�s second mission from the Spaceport

April 12, 2013

The multi-satellite payload �stack� for Vega�s upcoming flight from French Guiana is now taking shape as the Arianespace-managed integration process advances at the Spaceport.

Arianespace announces 2012 results

April 12, 2013

Following the General Meeting of Shareholders on April 12, 2013 in Evry, near Paris, Arianespace announced net income of �1.7 million for 2012 on sales of �1,329 million.

Activity for the next two Ariane 5 missions is underway at the Spaceport

April 11, 2013

Launcher components for the third Arianespace Ariane 5 mission of 2013 have been delivered to French Guiana, while payload preparations for this year's second heavy-lift flight have marked a new milestone at the Spaceport.

Arianespace receives the second Vega for launch from French Guiana

April 9, 2013

The next Vega to be launched from French Guiana has been delivered to Arianespace, bringing the mission campaign into its final phase for a May 2 liftoff at the Spaceport.

Europe's next ATV resupply spacecraft enters final preparations for its Ariane 5 launch

March 29, 2013

Europe's fourth Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) to service the International Space Station is entering its final preparation phase for a planned Ariane 5 launch this spring from French Guiana on Arianespace's Flight VA213.

Success of the 1,801st launch of Soyuz

March 29, 2013

The 1,801st flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed on Friday, 29 March 2013 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 00:43 Moscow time (21:43 Paris time on Thursday, 28 March).

When quality counts: Arianespace reaffirms its North American market presence

March 22, 2013

The value, reliability and on-time delivery of Arianespace's services have resulted in multiple payload launch contracts from all major U.S.-based television broadcast and telecommunications providers - including the latest agreement with Intelsat announced this week.

Estonia's student cubesat satellite is ready for the next Vega launch

March 20, 2013

The tiny spacecraft passenger for Vega's upcoming Flight VV02 is getting the same "white glove" treatment as the launch's two larger payloads, with Estonia's ESTCube-1 student satellite now mission-ready at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Arianespace at Satellite 2013

March 19, 2013

At Satellite 2013, from Monday, March 18 to Thursday, March 21, in Washington, D.C., Arianespace reaffirms its position as the benchmark commercial launch services provider for the world's leading satellite manufacturers and operators.

Arianespace to launch three satellites for Intelsat

March 18, 2013

Arianespace announced today a launch services contract with Intelsat S.A., the world's leading provider of satellite services, for the launch of three satellites through 2017.

The two primary payloads for Vega's second launch are readied at the Spaceport

March 14, 2013

Payload preparations for the second Vega launch from French Guiana have commenced, with this upcoming mission's two primary satellite passengers - VNREDSat-1A and Proba-V - now undergoing their initial checkout at the Spaceport. Vega is the lightweight member of Arianespace's launcher family, which joins its medium-lift Soyuz and heavyweight Ariane 5 vehicles.

Vega receives its upper stage as the next mission's two primary passengers land in French Guiana

March 11, 2013

Both primary payloads for Vega's no. 2 flight have arrived at French Guiana, positioning them for integration on the light-lift launcher - which has marked another step in preparation for its mission in April from the Spaceport.

On the record with... Michel de Rosen, CEO of Eutelsat Communications

March 8, 2013

Arianespace and Paris-based Eutelsat Communications have developed an exceptional relationship over the last 30 years. During this time, Arianespace lofted 26 Eutelsat satellites with its Ariane launcher family - representing 60 percent of the operator's total spacecraft orbited to date.

Arianespace receives the Ariane 5 for its upcoming launch with Europe's ATV resupply spacecraft

March 7, 2013

The Spaceport's Final Assembly Building has welcomed its second Ariane 5 of 2013 as preparations in French Guiana advance for Arianespace's fourth heavy-lift launch of an Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV).

Arianespace to launch first two satellites for NBN (National Broadband Network) of Australia

March 4, 2013

The Australian operator NBN (National Broadband Network) has chosen Arianespace to launch its first two satellites, dedicated to broadband Internet services.

The light-lift member of Arianespace's launcher family is readied for its second mission

February 21, 2013

The Spaceport's ZLV launch site in French Guiana is busy with activity as the second Vega undergoes its assembly for a mission scheduled in April. Build-up of the smallest member in Arianespace's launcher family marked a new milestone this week when its solid propellant second-stage was integrated atop the first stage, which also uses solid propellant.

Success of the 1,800th launch of Soyuz

February 11, 2013

The 1,800th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed on Monday, 11 February 2013 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 18:41 Moscow time (15:41 Paris time).

Eutelsat and Arianespace sign new multi-year multiple launch services agreement

February 8, 2013

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) and Arianespace today announced the signature of a long-term multiple launch services agreement which guarantees launch capacity and flexibility to Eutelsat for its industry-leading expansion programme.

Ariane 5 delivers a record payload and completes back-to-back successes for Arianespace's launcher family

February 7, 2013

Ariane 5 provided another record payload lift performance during its year-opening dual-passenger flight this evening from the Spaceport in French Guiana, which came one day after a Soyuz success from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan that lofted six Globalstar second-generation constellation satellites.

Final countdown is underway for today's dual-passenger Arianespace Ariane 5 mission

February 7, 2013

Arianespace's Ariane 5 launch with the Amazonas 3 and Azerspace/Africasat-1a telecommunications satellites is on track for an evening liftoff, as fueling of the heavy-lift vehicle has now been authorized following a mid-day review of weather conditions at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Launcher preparations begin for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission with the Automated Transfer Vehicle

February 6, 2013

The launcher for Arianespace's fourth flight with an Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is rapidly taking shape at the Spaceport, preparing it for liftoff in the spring from French Guiana with the International Space Station resupply spacecraft.

The Spaceport's launch zone welcomes Arianespace's first Ariane 5 for liftoff in 2013

February 6, 2013

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's initial heavy-lift mission of 2013 is ready for liftoff tomorrow evening from French Guiana with a dual-passenger payload of the Amazonas 3 and Azerspace/Africasat-1a telecommunications satellites.

Arianespace/Starsem completes the deployment of Globalstar's constellation with a Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome

February 6, 2013

Today's successful orbiting of six spacecraft on a Starsem Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome marks the wrap-up of launch services currently contracted with Arianespace by Globalstar for the deployment of its second-generation constellation.

The first Ariane 5 flight of 2013 is "go" for its February 7 liftoff

February 5, 2013

The readiness review - which is held prior to all Arianespace missions - validated the status of Ariane 5, its Amazonas 3 and Azerspace/Africasat-1a spacecraft, along with the Spaceport's infrastructure and the system of downrange tracking stations.

Arianespace-Starsem Flight ST 26: Soyuz-Fregat - Globalstar-2; Postponed 24 hours

February 5, 2013

Due to the unfavourable weather conditions (high altitude winds) over the launch site in Baikonur, it was decided to postpone the Soyuz ST-26 launch by 24 hours.

Ariane 5 arrives in French Guiana for Arianespace's fourth launch of an Automated Transfer Vehicle

February 1, 2013

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's upcoming flight with an Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) resupply spacecraft has arrived in French Guiana, maintaining the mission pace for this industry-leading launcher.

Payload preparations continue apace for Arianespace's first two Ariane 5 flights of 2013

January 30, 2013

Preparations with passengers for Ariane 5's upcoming two flights are advancing in parallel at the Spaceport, underscoring the flexibility of this workhorse vehicle and highlighting the sustained pace of Arianespace's launch activity in 2013.

Arianespace's workhorse Ariane 5 takes up residence at the Space Foundation

January 29, 2013

A 1/20th scale model of Arianespace's heavy-lift Ariane 5 has been added to the Space Foundation Visitors Center's rocket display in Colorado, where the launcher is displayed inside its El Pomar Space Gallery.

Globalstar's second-generation satellites are encapsulated and ready for installation on their Starsem Soyuz launcher

January 28, 2013

Launcher build-up for the concluding Soyuz mission currently contracted with Arianespace's Starsem affiliate from Baikonur Cosmodrome is entering its final phase following the integration of its upper composite element - consisting of six Globalstar satellites, their dispenser system, the payload fairing and Fregat upper stage.

Six Globalstar satellites get their "kick" for next month's Arianespace/Starsem Soyuz launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome

January 25, 2013

Globalstar's cluster of second-generation satellites to be orbited by Soyuz from Baikonur Cosmodrome has been installed atop the Fregat upper stage, marking another milestone in a wrap-up flight for Arianespace's Starsem affiliate.

Ariane 5 is ready for installation of its two payloads on Arianespace's first heavy-lift flight of 2013

January 23, 2013

Arianespace's first Ariane 5 for launch in 2013 is now ready to receive its two satellite passengers after this heavy-lift launcher was moved to the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building in French Guiana.

Azerspace/Africasat-1a is confirmed "fit" for launch on Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission

January 22, 2013

The Azerspace/Africasat-1a satellite on Arianespace's 2013 year-opening Ariane 5 mission has undergone its fit-check as preparations move ahead for the February 7 dual-passenger flight from French Guiana.

Arianespace at PTC'13 in Honolulu

January 22, 2013

Arianespace is participating in the PTC'13 conference organized by the Pacific Telecommunications Council in Honolulu from January 20 to 23, reaffirming its position as today's benchmark launch services company for the world's leading satellite manufacturers and operators.

Payload elements come together in Starsem's wrap-up Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome for Globalstar

January 21, 2013

The Soyuz launch campaign for Globalstar's final batch of second-generation satellites has entered a new phase at Baikonur Cosmodrome, with the "stack" of six spacecraft now positioned in the facility for its mating with the launcher's upper stage and encapsulation in the payload fairing.

Arianespace to launch Arabsat's first 6th generation satellite

January 19, 2013

Arianespace, Astrium and Thales Alenia Space today signed an agreement for the production and launch of Arabsat's first 6th generation satellite, Arabsat-6B.

The two satellite passengers for Arianespace's initial Ariane 5 flight in 2013 are readied at the Spaceport

January 18, 2013

Payload preparations for Arianespace's year-opening Ariane 5 mission are in full swing, with this upcoming flight's two telecommunications relay platforms - Amazonas 3 and Azerspace/Africasat-1a - undergoing their checkout procedures at the Spaceport.

Globalstar's final batch of second-generation satellites are integrated for their Starsem mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome

January 15, 2013

Six Globalstar satellites have been integrated on their dispenser for orbiting on the next Soyuz flight operated by Starsem, which is Arianespace's Euro-Russian affiliate responsible for commercial missions with this medium-lift launcher at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Amazonas 3 arrives in French Guiana for Arianespace's year-opening Ariane 5 launch

January 14, 2013

The HISPASAT Amazonas 3 satellite for Arianespace's first Ariane 5 mission of 2013 has arrived in French Guiana, marking the start of payload preparations for this year-opening dual-passenger flight from the Spaceport.

Cargo loading underway with the next ATV resupply spacecraft to be launched by Ariane 5

January 9, 2013

Arianespace's busy Ariane 5 flight schedule in 2013 includes the company's fourth launch of an Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) to the International Space Station, with cargo loading of the large resupply spacecraft now underway in French Guiana.

Arianespace addresses The Insurance Institute of London

January 9, 2013

Speaking in the ongoing lecture series organized by The Insurance Institute of London, Arianespace reaffirmed its partnership with today's leading space insurance firms.

Arianespace's industry leadership will continue with 12 launcher family missions planned in 2013

January 8, 2013

Applying the full benefits of its launcher family, Arianespace is targeting a total of 12 missions with Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega in 2013 - maintaining its launch services leadership and building on the company's exceptional performance of the past year.

Arianespace in 2013: Ten years of uninterrupted launch success, driving innovation and employment

January 8, 2013

After an especially successful year in 2012, Arianespace is gearing up for the New Year with the constant aim of further strengthening its world leadership in the launch services market.

Arianespace to launch VNREDSat-1A built by Astrium for Vietnam

January 4, 2013

Arianespace and Astrium today signed the launch contract for the VNREDSat-1A Earth observation satellite, on behalf of the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology. This ceremony was attended by ESA's Director General and by representatives of the Directorate of Launchers.

2012 in numbers: Arianespace continues to lead the industry for commercial launch services

December 31, 2012

Arianespace achieved an impressive and record-breaking year of activity during 2012, employing its complete launcher family to perform 10 total flights from the Spaceport in French Guiana with the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega; along with a Soyuz mission from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The final countdown is underway for Arianespace�s year-ending Ariane 5 mission

December 19, 2012

Arianespace has begun the final countdown for this evening's Ariane 5 mission from the Spaceport, which is to orbit a dual-passenger payload consisting of the Skynet 5D and Mexsat Bicentenario satellites.

Arianespace's 2012 wrap-up mission with Ariane 5 is ready for its liftoff from the Spaceport

December 18, 2012

The seventh - and final - Ariane 5 mission of 2012 is ready for its December 19 liftoff as the vehicle for this dual-payload Arianespace flight is now in the Spaceport's launch zone at French Guiana.

Arianespace's year-ending Ariane 5 flight is cleared for its December 19 liftoff

December 17, 2012

Arianespace's seventh and final Ariane 5 launch of 2012 has received its "green light" for liftoff with today's successful launch readiness review performed at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Another successful launch: Arianespace's new mobile application is now available

December 13, 2012

With the release of Arianespace's new mobile application, tablet and smartphone users around the globe can follow the company's launch activities through the swipe of a finger.

Six satellites for Globalstar's close-out Soyuz mission are ready for launch by the Starsem affiliate of Arianespace

December 12, 2012

The remaining two Globalstar satellites for next February's Arianespace/Starsem Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome are now at the Kazakhstan launch site, joining four other spacecraft for checkout and the subsequent integration on their medium-lift vehicle.

Arianespace's first Ariane 5 for launch in 2013 marks another preparation milestone

December 11, 2012

The initial Ariane 5 for launch by Arianespace in 2013 has completed its basic build-up at the Spaceport, advancing preparations for a February liftoff from French Guiana with the Amazonas 3 and Azerspace/Africasat-1 telecommunications satellites.

Arianespace readies its first Ariane 5 launch of 2013 with the Amazonas 3 and Azerspace/Africasat-1 satellites

December 7, 2012

As Arianespace nears completion of its 2012 launch activity, preparations are underway for the company's initial heavy-lift flight next year as an Ariane 5 takes shape for an early February mission from French Guiana with the Amazonas 3 and Azerspace/Africasat-1 telecommunications satellites.

Soyuz delivers from the Spaceport! Arianespace's medium-lift launcher orbits Pl�iades 1B

December 1, 2012

The maturity of Arianespace's Soyuz launch system at French Guiana � and its confirmed role as a full-fledged member of the company's launcher family � were demonstrated once again by tonight's successful orbiting of the Pl�iades 1B satellite from the Spaceport.

Arianespace's Soyuz mission with Pl�iades 1B is given the "go" for liftoff tomorrow from French Guiana

November 29, 2012

The fourth Arianespace Soyuz mission from French Guiana has been given the green light for liftoff tomorrow night, following the launch readiness review held today.

Satellite passengers for Arianespace's next Soyuz and Ariane 5 missions are highlighted on the launchers' payload fairings

November 28, 2012

A payload fairing not only performs the important role of protecting a launcher's passengers during ascent, it also provides an opportunity to put a spotlight on the spacecraft lofted during the mission.

Arianespace's launcher family cadence: Ariane 5 joins Soyuz in mission preparations at the Spaceport

November 27, 2012

The Spaceport is once again handling parallel campaigns with two different members of the Arianespace launcher family, as a heavy-lift Ariane 5 has moved to the Final Assembly Building to be readied for its December 19 flight, while a medium-lift Soyuz is now complete at a separate complex in French Guiana for a nighttime launch this Friday.

Integration of the Soyuz is now complete for Friday's Arianespace Spaceport mission with Pl�iades 1B

November 27, 2012

Arianespace's fourth Soyuz for launch from the Spaceport in French Guiana is now undergoing final checkout for a November 30 evening liftoff following installation of its Pl�iades 1B observation satellite atop the medium-lift vehicle.

Integration of the Soyuz is now complete for Friday's Arianespace Spaceport mission with Pl�iades 1B

November 27, 2012

Arianespace's fourth Soyuz rolls out for the launch pad integration of its Pl�iades 1B passenger in French Guiana

November 26, 2012

The well-planned choreography involved in final pre-launch preparations of a Soyuz vehicle at the Spaceport is now underway as Arianespace's flight with the Pl�iades 1B satellite remains on schedule for liftoff on Friday, November 30 from French Guiana.

EchoStar and Arianespace sign new satellite launch services contract

November 26, 2012

EchoStar Corp. and Arianespace, SA, have reached an agreement to launch multiple new satellites over a multi-year period from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana. The new contract will provide EchoStar with launch capacity and flexibility for its industry-leading satellite program.

Pl�iades 1B is ready for integration in the payload "stack" for Arianespace's next Soyuz mission

November 21, 2012

The Pleiades 1B satellite passenger for Arianespace's fourth Soyuz flight from French Guiana is ready for integration into the medium-lift launcher's payload "stack" at the Spaceport.

Mexsat Bicentenario is delivered to French Guiana for its December launch on Ariane 5

November 21, 2012

The second passenger for Arianespace's next heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission - Mexsat Bicentenario - has arrived in French Guiana. Built by satellite manufacturer Orbital Sciences Corporation, this telecommunications satellite will have an estimated liftoff mass of 2,900 kg.

Payload integration to begin for Arianespace's Soyuz Spaceport mission with Pl�iades 1B

November 16, 2012

The mission campaign for Arianespace's fourth Soyuz flight from the Spaceport in French Guiana is entering a new phase as preparations begin for the integration of its Pleiades 1B satellite passenger on the launcher's Fregat upper stage.

Success of the 1,796th launch of Soyuz

November 14, 2012

The 1,796th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed on Wednesday, 14 November 2012 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at 15:42 Moscow time (12:42 Paris time).

Arianespace's fourth Spaceport mission with Soyuz: the Pl�iades 1B satellite is readied for fueling

November 12, 2012

The dual-use, very-high-resolution Pleiades 1B satellite passenger for Arianespace's fourth Soyuz mission from French Guiana is ready for fueling, marking a new step in the preparation campaign for its nighttime launch on November 30.

Maintaining Arianespace's 2012 launch cadence: Ariane 5 orbits the EUTELSAT 21B and Star One C3 satellites

November 10, 2012

Two telecommunications satellites that will provide expanded relay capacity over areas that include Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South America were orbited today by Arianespace on the company's sixth Ariane 5 flight of 2012.

Final countdown for Arianespace's Flight VA210

November 10, 2012

The final countdown is underway for Arianespace's sixth Ariane 5 launch of 2012, which will carry the EUTELSAT 21B and Star One C3 telecommunications satellites into geostationary transfer orbit.

Arianespace Flight VA210: Ariane 5 ECA - EUTELSAT 21B - STAR ONE C3; Launch postponed by 24 hours

November 9, 2012

CNES informed Arianespace that the weather conditions are unfavorable over the Guiana Space Center in Kourou. Arianespace has decided to postpone Flight 210 by 24 hours. Flight 210 will place into geostationary transfer orbit the EUTELSAT 21B and STAR ONE C3 telecommunication satellites.

Ariane 5 is poised for Arianespace's launch with the EUTELSAT 21B and Star One C3 satellites

November 8, 2012

Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission campaign with the EUTELSAT 21B and Star One C3 telecommunications satellites has moved into the final phase following today's rollout of its heavy-lift vehicle to the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone in French Guiana.

Arianespace's heavy-lift Ariane 5 flight is cleared for liftoff with EUTELSAT 21B and Star One C3

November 7, 2012

The sixth heavy-lift Ariane 5 flight for Arianespace in 2012 has been given the "go" for liftoff on Friday following today's successful launch readiness review at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Arianespace expands its social media presence

November 7, 2012

Keeping up-to-date with Arianespace's global activities has never been easier with the ramp-up of the company's official Twitter account (@Arianespace).

Arianespace and Globalstar: The wrap-up Soyuz launch with second-generation satellites is set for February

November 1, 2012

Preparations are underway for the medium-lift Soyuz launch to deploy the six final spacecraft in Globalstar's second-generation constellation, with the mission scheduled to lift off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome next February.

Payload preparations begin for Arianespace's next Soyuz flight from French Guiana

October 26, 2012

The Pleiades 1B payload for Arianespace's fourth Soyuz mission from French Guiana is now undergoing its pre-launch checkout at the Spaceport, readying this Earth observation satellite for a late-night liftoff on November 30.

Pleiades 1B joins its launcher at the Spaceport for Arianespace's Soyuz mission in November

October 25, 2012

Activities for Arianespace's fourth medium-lift Soyuz flight from the Spaceport is fully underway as the Pl�iades 1B payload has now arrived in French Guiana - joining the mission's launcher, which is well advanced in its preparations.

EUTELSAT 21B and Star One C3 are prepared for Arianespace's November launch of Ariane 5

October 23, 2012

The two satellite passengers to be carried on Arianespace's Flight VA210 - the sixth Ariane 5 mission of 2012 from French Guiana - are undergoing checkout at the Spaceport for their November 9 liftoff.

Arianespace to launch GSAT 7 and INSAT 3D satellites for India

October 17, 2012

After issuing an international call for tenders, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has chosen Arianespace to launch the GSAT 7 and INSAT 3D satellites. The contract also includes two more launch options for ISRO, the Indian space agency.

Keeping up the Arianespace launcher family pace: Soyuz orbits two Galileo satellites

October 12, 2012

Arianespace�s third Soyuz mission from French Guiana � and the company�s seventh flight so far in 2012 with its Ariane 5 and Soyuz launchers � successfully orbited two satellites today for the European Galileo navigation network. Lifting off at 3:15:01 p.m. local time, which was the planned precise moment of launch, the Russian-built Soyuz ST vehicle was put through its paces to deploy the pair of Galileo In-Orbit Validation spacecraft during a flight of just under 3 hrs. 45 min.�

Soyuz is given the "go" for tomorrow's Arianespace launch with a pair of Galileo navigation spacecraft

October 11, 2012

Arianespace's third Soyuz launch from the Spaceport in French Guiana has been authorized for liftoff tomorrow on a mission to orbit two additional spacecraft for Europe's Galileo navigation satellite constellation.

An Ariane 5 mission joins the current launch preparation activities for Arianespace in French Guiana

October 10, 2012

Preparations are now fully underway for Arianespace's upcoming heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission scheduled in early November at the Spaceport - underscoring the company's launcher family operational flexibility, as this activity is in parallel with ongoing final checkout of a medium-lift Soyuz vehicle that will depart from French Guiana on Friday.

Assembled and poised for launch: Soyuz is ready with its two Galileo navigation satellites

October 9, 2012

Arianespace's next medium-lift Soyuz is now fully assembled in the launch zone for its upcoming Spaceport mission, ready for the final steps leading to a Friday afternoon liftoff from French Guiana with two Galileo navigation satellites.

Final payload integration is underway at the Spaceport for Arianespace's upcoming Soyuz mission with Galileo satellites

October 3, 2012

The two Galileo navigation satellites to be launched on Arianespace's October 12 Soyuz flight from French Guiana have been integrated on their payload dispenser, marking another key step in the preparations for this medium-lift mission.

Arianespace at the 2012 International Astronautical Congress

October 2, 2012

During the 63rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Naples, Italy from October 1 to 5, 2012, Arianespace reaffirmed its position as the world's benchmark satellite launch service provider and a leading partner to the Italian space industry.

Ariane 5 is in the launch zone for Arianespace's fifth heavy-lift flight of 2012

September 27, 2012

Arianespace's mission with the ASTRA 2F and GSAT-10 satellites is on track for its liftoff tomorrow evening following the workhorse Ariane 5's rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

The go-ahead is given for Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission with ASTRA 2F and GSAT-10

September 26, 2012

Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2012 has been approved for its September 28 liftoff following today's successful launch readiness review, which was performed at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Arianespace at APSCC 2012

September 25, 2012

At APSCC 2012 (Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications, Broadcasting and Space Conference) in Seoul, South Korea from September 25 to 27, Arianespace reaffirmed its position as the benchmark satellite launch service provider in the Asia-Pacific region.

Processing is underway with the next Automated Transfer Vehicle to be orbited by Arianespace

September 21, 2012

Initial checkout has begun at the Spaceport for Europe's fourth Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), which is to be launched from French Guiana by Arianespace on a servicing mission to the International Space Station next year.

Arianespace Flight VA209: ASTRA 2F - GSAT-10; The launch is scheduled for Friday, September 28

September 21, 2012

Following verifications carried out on the Ariane 5 ECA launch system, Arianespace has set a new date for its launch of the ASTRA 2F and GSAT-10 satellites. Liftoff of the Ariane 5 launcher is now scheduled for Friday, September 28, 2012.

Fueling underway with the Galileo satellites for Arianespace's next Soyuz launch from French Guiana

September 20, 2012

Both passengers for Arianespace's third Soyuz flight from French Guiana are entering their final processing phase, which includes fueling of the two Galileo navigation satellites prior to their integration on the launcher for liftoff in October.

Soyuz success from Baikonur Cosmodrome: the Metop-B weather satellite is in orbit

September 17, 2012

Europe�s newest meteorology satellite, Metop-B, was launched today from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan by the Starsem affiliate of Arianespace.

Arianespace Flight VA209: Ariane 5 ECA - ASTRA 2F - GSAT-10 launch postponed

September 17, 2012

In order to perform additional checks on the Ariane 5 ECA launch system, Arianespace has decided to postpone the launch VA 209, initially slated on Friday 21 September 21, for a few days. A new launch date will be announced shortly.�

Soyuz moves to the launch pad for Starsem's upcoming flight with Metop-B from Kazakhstan

September 14, 2012

The Soyuz with Europe's Metop-B weather satellite is now on the launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome, where it is being readied for liftoff on September 17 in a mission performed by Arianespace's Starsem affiliate.

Arianespace at ILA 2012 Berlin Air Show

September 12, 2012

Arianespace has been the world's leading launch services company for more than 30 years, accounting for half of all launches of commercial satellites. At the ILA Berlin Air Show taking place this week, Arianespace continues to confirm its world leadership.

Arianespace signs multi-launch services agreement with SKY Perfect JSAT of Japan

September 11, 2012

Shinji Takada, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, today announced the signature of a Multi-Launch Services Agreement (MLSA), which guarantees the availability and flexibility of Arianespace's launch services in the near future.

Arianespace at Euroconsult's World Satellite Business Week 2012

September 10, 2012

Arianespace has been the world's leading launch services company for more than 30 years, accounting for half of all commercial satellites in orbit. At World Satellite Business Week 2012, organized by Euroconsult this week in Paris, Arianespace continues to confirm its world leadership.

HISPASAT chooses Arianespace to launch its Amazonas 4A and AG1 satellites

September 10, 2012

Spanish operator Hispasat has once again chosen launch services company Arianespace, this time for its two satellites Amazonas-4A and Hispasat AG1. They will be the 8th and 9th satellites from the Hispasat group to be launched by Arianespace.

Satellite preparations move into full swing for the next Arianespace Soyuz mission from French Guiana

August 17, 2012

Both Galileo navigation satellites for Arianespace's third Soyuz flight from the Spaceport are now in French Guiana, marking a new milestone for this mission scheduled in the second half of 2012.

India's GSAT-10 satellite continues its checkout for the upcoming Arianespace Ariane 5 mission

August 16, 2012

Test deployments of the antenna reflectors on India's GSAT-10 telecommunications satellite have been performed as part of pre-flight preparations for this payload, which is one of two spacecraft on Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Pre-launch verifications are underway with the initial Galileo satellite for Arianespace's next Soyuz mission

August 13, 2012

Europe's Galileo Flight Model #3 (FM3) satellite is undergoing checkout at the Spaceport in preparation for launch along with its "sister" FM4 co-passenger on Arianespace's next Soyuz mission from French Guiana, which is targeted for the second half of 2012.

GSAT-10 "spreads its wings" in preparation for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 launch

August 9, 2012

India's GSAT-10 telecommunications satellite � which is one of two passengers for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission in September � has been put through its paces during pre-flight preparations at the Spaceport in French Guiana, including a solar panel deployment test.

The Spaceport moves into action for Arianespace's next Soyuz mission to orbit two Galileo satellites

August 8, 2012

The first of two Galileo In-Orbit Validation (IOV) navigation satellites for Arianespace's next Soyuz mission from the Spaceport has arrived in French Guiana, stepping up the activity involving this mission � which is scheduled in the second half of 2012.

Arianespace makes history by orbiting Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 on Ariane 5's 50th consecutive success

August 2, 2012

Arianespace's mission that orbited the Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 satellites today marked the milestone 50th consecutive success for its Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher, confirming this vehicle's role as the launch services industry reference in reliability, flexibility and performance.

Ariane 5 moves to the launch zone for Arianespace�s next heavy-lift flight

August 1, 2012

Arianespace's fourth heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission of 2012 has been given the green light for liftoff later this week following today's launch readiness review at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

The go-ahead is given for Arianespace's August 2 flight with Ariane 5

July 31, 2012

Arianespace's mission with the Intelsat 20 and HYLAS 2 telecommunications satellites is on pace for liftoff tomorrow evening, following its Ariane 5's rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone today at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Initial assembly is completed for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 to be launched in 2012

July 27, 2012

Ariane Flight VA209 - Arianespace's fifth heavy-lift Ariane 5 for launch in 2012 has completed its initial build-up at the Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a new milestone in preparations for a September mission to orbit the Astra 2F and GSAT-10 satellites.

Checkout begins with the Fregat upper stage for Arianespace's third Soyuz mission from French Guiana

July 27, 2012

Soyuz Flight VS03 - The Fregat upper stage for Arianespace's third Soyuz mission from French Guiana is now undergoing pre-launch verifications in preparation for a flight in the second half of 2012 that will carry another two spacecraft for Europe's Galileo satellite navigation constellation.

Arianespace's Ariane 5 receives its HYLAS 2 payload

July 25, 2012

Ariane Flight VA208 - Final payload integration has begun for Arianespace's heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission set for August 2 from the Spaceport in French Guiana, with its HYLAS 2 satellite passenger now integrated onto the launch vehicle.

HYLAS 2 and Intelsat 20 are prepared for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission

July 23, 2012

Both satellite passengers for Arianespace's upcoming heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission are being readied for the August 2 mission from French Guiana, undergoing key steps of their final preparations in the Spaceport's S5 payload processing facility.

The Spaceport maintains its mission cadence for Arianespace�s Ariane 5 flights

July 17, 2012

The two satellite passengers for Arianespace's next heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission are now undergoing final preparations at the Spaceport, while launcher components for the following flight have arrived in French Guiana - keeping up the pace to meet requirements of the company's international customer base.

Eutelsat and Arianespace pursue their longstanding collaboration with the signature of a new launch contract

July 10, 2012

Genevieve Fioraso, France's Minister for Research and Higher Education, welcomes continuing partnership between two leading European space companies.

Arianespace to launch Taranis satellite for CNES

July 9, 2012

Arianespace signed a launch contract today with French space agency CNES for the scientific satellite Taranis.

Arianespace holds first Vega Users' Day

July 9, 2012

Arianespace organized the first Vega Users' Day on Monday, July 9 in Rome, bringing together several dozen users, manufacturers and government representatives involved in the Vega launch system, to review the latest member of Arianespace's family of European launch vehicles.

Ariane 5 lofts telecommunications and weather observation satellites on Arianespace's latest mission success

July 5, 2012

Arianespace continued Ariane 5's track record of success today by using the heavy-lift workhorse to orbit a mixed payload of telecommunications and meteorological spacecraft on the launcher's 63rd flight from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Payload integration is completed for Arianespace's Ariane 5 flight on July 5

June 28, 2012

The EchoStar XVII telecommunications platform has joined its MSG-3 co-passenger on Arianespace's third Ariane 5 for launch in 2012, marking a key preparation milestone for next week's heavy-lift mission from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Starsem launch of MetOp-B scheduled for September 19

June 28, 2012

With the fallback zones for parts of the Soyuz rocket launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan now available, Starsem can set the launch date for Eumetsat's MetOp-B satellite.

MSG-3 is integrated for Arianespace's upcoming dual-passenger Ariane 5 flight

June 27, 2012

The final payload integration phase has begun for Arianespace's heavy-lift mission on July 5, with Europe's MSG-3 meteorological satellite now installed on its workhorse Ariane 5 launcher at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Arianespace to launch DZZ-HR high-resolution observation satellite

June 20, 2012

Today in Toulouse Arianespace has signed a launch Service and Solutions contract with Astrium to launch the DZZ-HR satellite for Kazakhstan.

Fueling begins with Europe's MSG-3 satellite payload for the next Ariane 5 launch

June 19, 2012

Europe's MSG-3 meteorological satellite is being fueled at the Spaceport in French Guiana as preparations continue for launch on Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission � which is scheduled for liftoff on July 5 along with the EchoStar XVII telecommunications relay platform as its co-passenger.

Arianespace at CommunicAsia 2012

June 18, 2012

During CommunicAsia 2012, taking place in Singapore from June 18 to 21, Arianespace reaffirms its position as the benchmark launch service provider for the world's leading satellite manufacturers and operators.

CommunicAsia 2012 / CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum

June 19, 2012

Arianespace is underscoring its leading market presence in the important Asia-Pacific region with participation this week at two Singapore-based industry events: CommunicAsia 2012 and the CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum.

A milestone in launcher preparations for Arianespace's fourth Ariane 5 flight of 2012

June 14, 2012

Initial assembly of the fourth Ariane 5 for launch by Arianespace in 2012 has been completed at the Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a new milestone in preparations for a mission to loft a dual-passenger payload later in the year.

Arianespace Launch VA207; Ariane 5 ECA - EchoStar XVII - MSG-3: Liftoff rescheduled for the night of Thursday 5 to Friday 6 July 2012

June 11, 2012

In order to allow one of its customers to perform complementary checks on its payload, Arianespace has rescheduled the launch of EchoStar XVII and MSG-3. Liftoff of the Ariane 5 ECA launcher is now set for the night of Thursday, July 5.

Another Ariane 5 begins its initial build-up at the Spaceport

June 6, 2012

The fourth Ariane 5 for launch by Arianespace in 2012 is beginning to take shape with the assembly start-up of this heavy-lift vehicle at the Spaceport in French Guiana, which will orbit a dual-passenger payload later in the year.

Europe's MSG-3 weather satellite is prepared for the next Arianespace Ariane 5 mission

May 21, 2012

The Meteosat Second Generation-3 (MSG-3) spacecraft for Arianespace's upcoming dual-passenger Ariane 5 mission is undergoing pre-launch processing at the Spaceport with the EchoStar XVII broadband services relay satellite.

The numbers add up in Arianespace's latest commercial launch success with Ariane 5

May 15, 2012

Arianespace provided another on-time Ariane 5 launch tonight by orbiting a pair of telecommunications spacecraft at the service of Asian region operators, on a mission that included multiple numerical milestones for the company and its customers.

Final countdown underway for Arianespace's launch with JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2

May 15, 2012

Arianespace has begun the final countdown for tonight's Ariane 5 flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, which is to orbit a pair of relay satellites for Japan and Vietnam.

Ariane 5 is moved to the launch zone for Arianespace's second heavy-lift flight of 2012

May 14, 2012

Arianespace's mission with the JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 spacecraft is on track for liftoff tomorrow evening, following the Ariane 5's rollout to its ELA-3 launch zone today at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission with twin telecommunications satellites is approved for launch

May 12, 2012

The Ariane 5 mission with a "mirror" pair of relay satellites for Japan and Vietnam has been given the go-ahead for liftoff on May 15 from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

EchoStar XVII comes to French Guiana for a dual-payload Arianespace flight in June with Ariane 5

May 11, 2012

The initial passenger for Arianespace's third Ariane 5 mission of 2012 is now in French Guiana for a heavy-lift launch scheduled for June 19 from the Spaceport.

A Soyuz takes shape in French Guiana for the next dual Galileo satellite launch

May 8, 2012

The launcher for Arianespace's next Soyuz mission from the Spaceport in French Guiana is completing its initial checkout for a flight in the second half of 2012, which will carry another two spacecraft for Europe's Galileo satellite navigation constellation.

Arianespace profile: Richard Bowles, Managing Director, ASEAN Office

May 7, 2012

Arianespace's continued strong relationship with the Asia-Pacific region will be highlighted once again with the next Ariane 5 launch, which is to orbit a pair of communication satellites for Vietnamese and Japanese operators: VINASAT-2 and JCSAT-13.

A trio of Ariane 5 launchers are now at the Spaceport

May 4, 2012

Arianespace's ability to support the sustained launch pace for its heavy-lift Ariane 5 is being demonstrated once again as vehicles for the next three missions are now together in French Guiana.

Arianespace, Galileo and GMES

May 2, 2012

Today in Brussels, Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, handed over a 1/10 scale model of four Galileo satellites under an Ariane 5 fairing to Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission. This ceremony was held in conjunction with a meeting of manufacturers involved in the Galileo program.

Ariane 5 is provided its "brains" and the "kick" for Arianespace's third mission of 2012

April 27, 2012

Initial build-up of the Ariane 5 for Arianespace's third heavy-lift mission in 2012 has reached a new milestone with integration of the "upper composite" - composed of its ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and the vehicle equipment bay that functions as the launcher's "brains."

A highly symbolic mission is reflected in words and images on Ariane 5's payload fairing

April 26, 2012

A satellite manufacturer's program milestone and an expression of hope for a country in recovery following its natural disaster are represented with words and symbolic logos on the payload fairing for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission from French Guiana.

A "mirror image" payload refueling for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission

April 25, 2012

The two "sister" satellites for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 flight are poised for their fueling at the Spaceport this week, marking a new milestone in preparations for Arianespace's May 15 mission from French Guiana.

Assembly begins for the third Ariane 5 to be launched in 2012

April 23, 2012

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's third heavy-lift mission of 2012 is now taking shape at the Spaceport, using procedures that have become routine with this workhorse vehicle's operations from French Guiana.

Success of the 1,786th launch of Soyuz

April 20, 2012

The 1,786th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed on Friday, 20 April 2012 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 16:50 Moscow time (14:50 Paris time).

Another weather satellite payload is readied for launch by Arianespace

April 16, 2012

Europe's latest second-generation meteorological spacecraft has arrived at the Spaceport, where it is being readied for Arianespace's June 19 dual-payload Ariane 5 mission from French Guiana.

A double arrival for Arianespace's next dual-payload Ariane 5 mission

April 12, 2012

The two Lockheed Martin-built satellites for Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 dual-payload mission are now at the Spaceport for a fast-paced launch campaign that will lead to the orbiting of JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 from French Guiana on May 15.

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders; Board of Directors

April 12, 2012

Arianespace's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders was held on Thursday 12 April in Evry. The meeting approved the company's financial statements for 2011 and also named a new Board of Directors, which renewed the appointment of Jean-Yves Le Gall as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Japan Week 2012 / European Union-Japan Business Round Table

April 4, 2012

During its traditional Japan Week activities, Arianespace once again reinforced the company's commitment to support Japanese satellite telecommunications operators with flexible, reliable access to space, while further strengthening relations between Japan and Europe.

Arianespace Japan Week 2012; 26 years in Japan

April 4, 2012

Since opening its Tokyo office in 1986, then launching the first Japanese commercial satellite, JCSAT-1, in 1989, Arianespace has become a major partner to Japanese manufacturers and operators. During its annual Japan Week conference in Tokyo, Arianespace confirmed its continued global leadership.

Arianespace's Starsem affiliate readies the launch of Europe's MetOp-B weather satellite from Kazakhstan

April 2, 2012

Preparations for the 25th mission of Arianespace's Starsem affiliate are on schedule for a liftoff in the second half of May, using a Soyuz 2 launcher to orbit the European MetOp-B weather satellite from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Arianespace profile: Jean-Claude Garreau, Soyuz Launch Site Operations Manager

March 26, 2012

Jean-Claude Garreau takes pride in his role for Arianespace's historic introduction of the medium-lift Soyuz launcher in French Guiana.

Photo feature: A close-up view of Arianespace's Ariane 5 liftoff with the Automated Transfer Vehicle

March 23, 2012

Arianespace's successful launch of the no. 3 Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) this morning was photographed on the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch pad in French Guiana, providing an unusual view of the Ariane 5's initial climb-out from French Guiana.

Arianespace's Ariane 5 delivers another ATV for International Space Station servicing

March 23, 2012

The ability of Arianespace to provide a full range of launch services for its international customers was underscored by today's successful Ariane 5 mission, which orbited the latest European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for servicing of the International Space Station.

Final countdown underway for Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission with ATV Edoardo Amaldi

March 22, 2012

Arianespace's third resupply mission for the International Space Station has entered its final countdown phase for a March 23 early morning Ariane 5 liftoff with Europe's third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV).

Ready for liftoff: Arianespace's Ariane 5 arrives at the launch pad with ATV Edoardo Amaldi

March 21, 2012

Ariane 5 is now in the launch zone for Arianespace's latest International Space Station servicing mission, which will loft Europe's third Automated Transfer Vehicle from the Spaceport in French Guiana on March 23.

Arianespace's mission pace is supported by delivery of the third Ariane 5 for launch in 2012

March 21, 2012

Three Ariane 5s are now in French Guiana following arrival of the heavy-lift launcher for Arianespace's June launch, which will carry a broadband communications satellite with North American coverage and a European weather observation platform.

Ariane 5 is readied for its ATV mission following reinstallation of the payload fairing

March 16, 2012

Arianespace's Ariane 5 with its Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) payload is complete once again after reinstallation of the launcher's payload fairing this week at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

"Satellite Executive of the Year" reception

March 14, 2012

Arianespace continued its tradition of sponsoring the annual "Satellite Executive of the Year" reception in Washington, D.C., which honors an industry executive selected by Via Satellite magazine for contributions to the telecommunications sector.

The Arianespace "Power of Three" strategy is spotlighted at Washington's Satellite 2012 event

March 14, 2012

Arianespace's new "Power of Three" theme is making its industry debut at this week's Satellite 2012 event in Washington, D.C., where the company is underscoring the synergy, availability, reliability and commercial advantages of its full launcher family - while also adding new payloads to its order book.

Arianespace to launch Jabiru-1 satellite

March 13, 2012

Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Adrian Ballintine, founder and Chief Executive Officer of NewSat Limited (NewSat), today signed the launch services contract for the Jabiru-1 satellite at Satellite 2012 in Washington, DC.

Eutelsat and Es'hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company select Arianespace to launch the EUTELSAT 25B / Es'hail 1 satellite

March 12, 2012

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) and Es'hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, have selected Arianespace to launch their EUTELSAT 25B1 / Es'hail 1 satellite in the second quarter of 2013 on board an Ariane 5 launcher. The announcement was made today at the Satellite 2012 show in Washington DC.

March 23 is targeted for Ariane 5's heavy-lift mission with ATV Edoardo Amaldi

March 7, 2012

Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 flight for servicing of the International Space Station is now being targeted for a March 23 liftoff after the original timing was delayed to facilitate additional checks on Europe's third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV).

Jean-Yves Le Gall receives the World Space Risk Forum's Achievement Award

February 28, 2012

The career accomplishments of Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall were spotlighted today with a special recognition by the organizers of the 2012 World Space Risk Forum in Dubai, which brings together leading professionals in the global space industry and insurance sector.

Arianespace maintains its open dialog with the space insurance sector

February 28, 2012

Arianespace has a high-profile presence at this week�s World Space Risk Forum in Dubai, where the company's activities include a half-day briefing for the space insurance sector's major players.

Ariane 5 is readied for a dual-satellite Arianespace launch at the service of Asia-Pacific telecom operators

February 24, 2012

The second Ariane 5 for launch in 2012 by Arianespace has completed its initial assembly at the Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a preparation milestone for this dual-payload mission to orbit a pair of satellites for Asia-Pacific: Japan's JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 for Vietnam.

Expanding Arianespace's launcher family: Vega completes its qualification mission

February 13, 2012

The newest member for Arianespace's launcher family - the lightweight Vega - successfully completed its qualification flight today from French Guiana to demonstrate the vehicle's performance and payload services.

Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle is integrated on Ariane 5

February 9, 2012

The third European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for launch by Arianespace was installed atop its Ariane 5 at the Spaceport today, marking one of the final steps in preparations for a March 9 liftoff on a servicing mission to the International Space Station.

The third Automated Transfer Vehicle is fueled for its March launch on Ariane 5

January 20, 2012

Fueling is underway for Europe's third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) at the Spaceport in French Guiana, which will be launched by Arianespace in March aboard an Ariane 5 for an International Space Station servicing mission.

Ariane 5, Soyuz, Vega: Three world-changing launch vehicles

January 5, 2012

After confirming its world leadership in 2011, Arianespace is now ramping up for operations in 2012. It aims to carry out seven Ariane 5 launches, five Soyuz launches and the first Vega launch.

Another year of Arianespace launch accomplishments is completed with a Soyuz mission for Globalstar

December 29, 2011

Arianespace wrapped up another busy - and historic - 12 months of commercial launch services today by orbiting six satellites for mobile voice and data services on the ninth flight of 2011 - during a year in which the company lofted a total of 29 payloads using the Ariane 5 and Soyuz members of its launcher family.

Soyuz is poised for liftoff from Baikonur Cosmodrome with Globalstar second-generation satellites

December 27, 2011

Another Soyuz is ready for liftoff at the service of Arianespace - with this workhorse launcher to carry six Globalstar second-generation satellites in a mission scheduled for tomorrow night from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Ariane 5 is prepared for its initial 2012 mission, which will orbit Europe's next Automated Transfer Vehicle

December 21, 2011

Arianespace is readying the first Ariane 5 for launch in 2012 from French Guiana following delivery of this heavy-lift workhorse yesterday at the Spaceport by its industrial prime contractor, Astrium.

Success of the 1,782nd launch of Soyuz

December 21, 2011

The 1,782nd flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed on Wednesday, 21 December 2011 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 17:16 Moscow time (14:16 Paris time).

Six more Globalstar satellites are ready for launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome on Soyuz

December 19, 2011

The next cluster of second-generation Globalstar satellites to be orbited by Arianespace is ready for launch on a Soyuz vehicle that will lift off next week from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Soyuz is cleared for its second Arianespace launch from the Spaceport

December 15, 2011

Arianespace's no. 2 Soyuz mission from French Guiana has been given the launch go-ahead, moving preparations into their final phase for a nighttime liftoff tomorrow with six satellite passengers.

First launch contracts for Vega: Arianespace to launch two satellites in the Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 families

December 14, 2011

With preparations under way for the first launch of Europe's new light launcher Vega from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana, Arianespace has signed its first commercial launch Service & Solutions contracts for Vega with the European Space Agency (ESA), on behalf of the European Union.

Launcher integration is complete for Arianespace's second Soyuz to be operated from the Spaceport

December 13, 2011

The launcher for Arianespace's no. 2 Soyuz flight from French Guiana is now complete, following the integration of its "upper composite" containing the vehicle's Fregat upper stage, the mission's six satellite passengers and its protective payload fairing.

Arianespace selected to launch MEASAT-3b

December 13, 2011

Asia's leading satellite operator, MEASAT Global (MEASAT), has chosen Arianespace to launch the MEASAT-3b satellite. MEASAT-3b will be boosted into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, during the fourth quarter of 2013.

Arianespace's second Soyuz is rolled out for launch at the Spaceport in French Guiana

December 12, 2011

In what is becoming an increasingly familiar sight at the Spaceport, another Soyuz is now erected on the launch pad and ready to receive its multi-passenger payload for Arianespace's Friday night mission from French Guiana.

O3b signs agreement with Arianespace for third Soyuz launch

December 9, 2011

O3b Networks Limited, the developer of a new global, high-speed, satellite-based Internet network for telecommunications operators and ISPs, has exercised the first of the two options in its contract with Arianespace for an additional launch in 2014 for the O3b Networks' satellite constellation. By exercising this option, O3b has allocated a total of three launches of 12 satellites to Arianespace.

On the record with Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall

December 7, 2011

Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall and members of the company's management team are in Washington, D.C. this week for their traditional year-end visit and holiday event. While in the U.S. national capital city, Le Gall provided his overview on Arianespace's competitive position in the launch services marketplace, and looked forward to activities in 2012.

Holiday gathering in Washington, D.C. highlights Arianespace's 2011 successes

December 7, 2011

Arianespace's achievements in 2011 � and its stepped-up launch tempo for next year � were spotlighted for an American and international audience at the company's annual year-end holiday event in Washington, D.C.

Soyuz' second mission from French Guiana is readied at the Spaceport

December 6, 2011

One of four mission campaigns currently underway for Arianespace is entering its final phase with the payload integration and completion of basic build-up for the Soyuz that will perform this medium-lift launcher's second flight from French Guiana, which remains on track for a December 16 liftoff.

The Fregat upper stage and Pleiades 1 satellite are prepared for Arianespace's next Spaceport launch with Soyuz

December 2, 2011

The primary payload for Arianespace's second Soyuz flight from French Guiana is now undergoing fueling, while the upper stage that will orbit this Earth observation satellite and five co-passengers has completed its own "topping off" at the Spaceport.

A meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda

November 28, 2011

Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Mr. Hiromasa Yonekura, Chairman of Sumitomo Chemical Corp. and Chairman of Nippon Keidanren (the Japanese business federation), met Yoshihiko Noda, the Japanese Prime Minister, on Monday, November 28 in Tokyo.

Pleiades 1 is readied for launch on Arianespace's no. 2 Soyuz mission from French Guiana

November 23, 2011

The Pleiades 1 Earth observation satellite payload for Arianespace's second Soyuz mission from French Guiana is undergoing pre-launch checkout at the Spaceport as this platform is readied for flight with five co-passengers.

An assembly milestone is reached with the Ariane 5 that will orbit Europe's next ATV

November 18, 2011

Basic build-up of the Ariane 5 for Arianespace's upcoming mission with the no. 3 Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) has been completed, as preparations continue for an early 2012 launch from the Spaceport to service the International Space Station.

Arianespace to launch satellite for DIRECTV Latin America

November 14, 2011

Arianespace and DIRECTV announced today a new launch contract for a satellite providing services for DIRECTV Latin America. The launch will take place in 2014 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana on an Ariane 5.

Three launchers on the equator!

November 8, 2011

On November 7, for the first time in the history of Arianespace, the company's operating teams were all deployed concurrently on the Ariane, Soyuz and Vega launch pads at the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana, near the Equator, for three launch preparation campaigns.

Launcher build-up begins for Arianespace's third Ariane 5 mission to orbit an Automated Transfer Vehicle

November 7, 2011

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's third flight to service the International Space Station has begun its build-up at the Spaceport, preparing this heavy-lift launcher for an early 2012 mission from French Guiana with a European Automated Transfer Vehicle cargo resupply vessel.

Launcher build-up begins for Arianespace's third Ariane 5 mission to orbit an Automated Transfer Vehicle

November 7, 2011

Arianespace to launch Australian satellite Optus 1

October 31, 2011

Paul O'Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, announced today in Sydney, Australia that the Optus 10 satellite would be launched into geostationary transfer orbit mid-2013 by an Ariane 5 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Success of the 1,778th launch of Soyuz

October 30, 2011

The 1,778th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed on Sunday, 30 October 2011 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 14:11 Moscow time (11:11 Paris time).

Vega getting ready for exploitation

October 28, 2011

The Flight Readiness Review (FFR) for the Vega launcher was held in Frascati, Italy on October 13 and 14. Based on this review, the Director-General of the European Space Agency (ESA) decided to start the Vega qualification launch campaign, with Arianespace's operating staff providing their support for this campaign.

The Arianespace launcher family comes together in French Guiana

October 26, 2011

Arianespace's full launcher family is now an operational reality as flight-ready versions of all three vehicles - Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega - are together at the Spaceport for the first time, positioning them for upcoming missions with payloads that range from compact scientific and educational spacecraft to a large resupply vessel for the International Space Station.

Vega arrives at French Guiana in preparation for its January 26 inaugural launch

October 25, 2011

The first lightweight Vega was delivered to the Spaceport today, with this latest member of Arianespace's expanded launcher family arriving only days after the service entry of its other new vehicle - the medium-lift Soyuz.

Arianespace scores a double success with its historic first Soyuz launch from the Spaceport

October 21, 2011

Arianespace opened a new chapter in space history today with a milestone double mission success that marked the Soyuz launcher's inaugural flight from French Guiana, and which placed Europe's first two Galileo navigation satellites into orbit.

Arianespace Flight VS01: Soyuz ST-B - Galileo IOV-1; Launch set for Friday, October 21, 2011

October 20, 2011

Following the work performed on the Soyuz launch facility and the associated additional checks, Arianespace has decided to restart the countdown operations for the launch VS01, Soyuz STB - Galileo IOV-1. Liftoff of the Soyuz ST-B launcher is now set for Friday, October 21.

The historic liftoff nears for Arianespace's first Soyuz mission from French Guiana

October 19, 2011

Arianespace's history-making Soyuz maiden flight from the Spaceport has passed one of its final clearance steps with today's launch readiness review, verifying the "go" status for this medium-lift vehicle's morning liftoff from French Guiana tomorrow.

Soyuz confirms its payload flexibility in missions from the Spaceport

October 19, 2011

Arianespace is demonstrating the mission flexibility of its new Soyuz launcher family member beginning with the medium-lift vehicle's first two flights, which use different dispenser systems to accommodate multiple payloads on missions from French Guiana.

Soyuz mission profile: Thierry Wilmart, Arianespace Mission Manager

October 19, 2011

The maiden flight of Soyuz from French Guiana not only marks a new step in Arianespace's development of a comprehensive launcher family, it also widens the role of the company's Mission Managers - who work with payload customers from contract signature to the orbiting of their spacecraft.

Soyuz is revealed in the launch-ready configuration for its October 20 maiden flight from French Guiana

October 17, 2011

Arianespace's newest member of its launcher family has made a debut appearance in French Guiana as the initial Soyuz to be operated from the Spaceport was revealed in its entirety for the first time during final preparations for an October 20 liftoff.

Soyuz rolls out for its maiden flight from French Guiana

October 14, 2011

Arianespace's expansion of its commercial launcher family took a major step closer to reality with today's rollout of the first medium-lift Soyuz to be operated from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Doubling up on Soyuz for Arianespace's Spaceport introduction of the medium-lift launcher

October 12, 2011

Space launch history is being made at a dual pace in French Guiana as the first two Soyuz missions are readied for Arianespace's introduction of this medium-lift workhorse vehicle from its new operations base at the Spaceport.

A �workout� for Soyuz' launch site in preparation for the October 20 maiden flight

October 11, 2011

The Spaceport's launch infrastructure is being put through its paces in final preparation for this Friday's rollout of the no. 1 Soyuz that will perform the Russian-built vehicle's historic first flight from French Guiana on October 20.

Soyuz' first launch campaign at the Spaceport enters its next phase of preparations

October 10, 2011

Activities are in full swing across the Spaceport as its launch campaign for Soyuz' maiden flight from French Guiana moves ahead for the historic liftoff on October 20.

On-time preparations continue for Soyuz' milestone mission from French Guiana

October 7, 2011

Preparations for the first Soyuz launch from French Guiana are on track for its historic liftoff later this month with two Galileo navigation satellites.

The first Vega for launch is heading to the Spaceport in French Guiana

October 5, 2011

Stocked aboard the MN Colibri roll-on/roll-off ship, the Vega is scheduled to depart Rotterdam in the Netherlands tomorrow on a transatlantic crossing to French Guiana for unloading and transfer to the Spaceport.

Success of the 1,776th launch of Soyuz

October 3, 2011

The 1,776th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed on Monday, 3 October 2011 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at 00:15 Moscow time (22:15 Paris time on Sunday, 2 October 2011).

Arianespace to launch Mexican satellite Mexsat 3

September 29, 2011

Mexican government's communications and transport administration, Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes, has awarded a contract to Arianespace to launch the country's new Mexsat 3 telecommunications satellite.

The Spaceport's ELA-2 launch facility is dismantled after an illustrious career

September 26, 2011

A chapter in commercial launcher history is coming to a close as the Spaceport's ELA-2 launch site - which hosted 119 missions of the Ariane 2, 3 and 4 vehicles during 17 years - undergoes a controlled dismantling in French Guiana.

Arabsat-5C and SES-2 are orbited on Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2011

September 21, 2011

Telecommunications satellites for two key Arianespace customers were launched tonight on the company's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2011, extending the heavy-lift workhorse's string of consecutive successes to 46.

Arianespace Flight VA204: Ariane 5 ECA - ARABSAT 5C - SES-2 Launch slated on the night of 21 September

September 21, 2011

Since the facilities at the Guiana Space Center are now available, Arianespace has decided to restart the launch chronology of Arianespace Flight VA204.

Ariane VA204 - ARABSAT 5 C - SES-2: launch postponement

September 20, 2011

The Trade Union of French Guiana Workers (UTG), has just started a strike action within the TELESPAZIO company. This action will make unavailable means of measurement in the Space Center which are absolutely necessary for the VA204 launch planned this Tuesday, September 20.

Ariane 5 moves to the launch zone with Arabsat-5C and SES-2 for Arianespace's fifth heavy-lift flight of 2011

September 19, 2011

The 60th Ariane 5 launch vehicle has rolled out at the Spaceport for tomorrow night's liftoff on a mission that will carry another of its dual-satellite payloads at the service of Arianespace's international customer base.

It's a "go" for Arianespace's Ariane 5 dual-payload mission with Arabsat-5C and SES-2

September 18, 2011

Today's launch readiness review for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 launch of 2011 has given the green light for its September 20 liftoff on a mission that will orbit the Arabsat-5C and SES-2 satellites from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Build-up is underway for the no. 1 Soyuz to be launched from French Guiana

September 16, 2011

The first Soyuz to be operated from French Guiana has begun the integration process, marking a major step toward Arianespace's introduction of the workhorse medium-lift vehicle into its launcher family at the Spaceport.

Arianespace to launch BepiColombo spacecraft on first European mission to Mercury

September 15, 2011

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace today announced the signature of a contract for the launch of the BepiColombo spacecraft, designed to explore the planet Mercury.

Arianespace at World Satellite Business Week 2011

September 13, 2011

The world's first launch services company, founded in 1980, Arianespace continues to confirm its world leadership at the World Satellite Business Week conference organized by Euroconsult from September 12 to 16.

Success breeds success: Arianespace remains "ahead of the pack" in global launch services

September 13, 2011

Arianespace's dedication to reliability is once again showing its full benefits as the company retains a clear leadership position in the global launch services industry - building on Ariane 5's continued heavy-lift success from French Guiana, which is to be joined soon at the Spaceport by the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega.

Arianespace to launch up to four satellites for DIRECTV

September 13, 2011

Arianespace announced today that it will launch two satellites for DIRECTV and has the option of launching another two satellites for one of the world's leading providers of television entertainment services.

Ariane flight with ATV Edoardo Amaldi: Europe's third Automated Transfer Vehicle begins its preparations for launch on Ariane 5

August 31, 2011

The preparation campaign for Europe's third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) has begun in French Guiana as this large cargo resupply spacecraft is readied for a spring 2012 Ariane 5 launch by Arianespace to service the International Space Station.

Arianespace Flight VA204: Ariane 5 ECA - Arabsat 5C - SES-2; Supplementary checks

August 31, 2011

Arianespace has decided to carry out supplementary checks on the engine powering the ESC-A cryogenic upper-stage in order to guarantee the highest level of quality of the Ariane 5 ECA launcher to be used on Flight VA204. These operations will take a few days, after which the launch date of VA204 will be announced.

Ariane 5's upper payload completes its integration at the Spaceport

August 30, 2011

Integration of the upper portion of Ariane 5's dual-passenger "stack" has been completed, with the Arabsat-5C satellite and SYLDA dispenser system now encapsulated inside the launcher's payload fairing in preparation for the September 9 Arianespace mission from French Guiana. This encapsulation occurred today at the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, adjacent to where the Ariane 5 is waiting to receive Arabsat-5C and the mission's co-passenger, SES-2.

Preparations for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission enter the payload integration phase

August 29, 2011

Payload integration for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2011 has begun with installation of the Arabsat-5C satellite atop the SYLDA dual-payload dispenser system at the Spaceport in French Guiana. Arabsat-5C will ride as the upper passenger in Ariane 5's payload "stack," being released first during the flight sequence. Positioned on the canister-shaped dispenser, the Arabsat-5C/SYLDA combination is ready to be encapsulated inside the Ariane 5's payload fairing, and then installed over the lower passenger - SES-2 - which will be mated atop launcher's core section.

The next ATV resupply spacecraft arrives for Arianespace's 2012 mission to service the International Space Station

August 26, 2011

Arianespace's role in supporting the International Space Station's continuing operations was underscored with the arrival of Europe's third Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) resupply vessel in French Guiana, which is to be launched next year by an Ariane 5 for servicing of the crewed facility in Earth orbit. The ATV Edoardo Amaldi - named after the Italian cosmic ray physicist who was a founding father of European space research - is now at the Spaceport after arriving yesterday in French Guiana aboard the MN Toucan.

Two more Soyuz missions are planned this year to launch Globalstar's second-generation satellites

August 19, 2011

Preparations for two additional Soyuz launches are now underway at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for missions to be performed by Arianespace's Starsem affiliate before year-end in building up Globalstar's second-generation satellite constellation. Arianespace has been contracted to conduct a total of four such launches, carrying six satellites on each flight for Globalstar's mobile satellite voice and mobile satellite handset data services.

Ariane 5 maintains Arianespace's track record of success

August 6, 2011

Arianespace orbited a pair of commercial relay satellites for direct television broadcasting services tonight on Ariane 5's fourth heavy-lift mission of 2011. During a 38-minute flight from the Spaceport in French Guiana, this workhorse vehicle lofted the ASTRA 1N and BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R spacecraft, delivering an estimated payload lift performance to geostationary transfer orbit of 9,095 kg. � which included a combined mass of 8,240 kg. for the two satellites, along with the launcher's dual-payload dispenser system and associated integration hardware.

Ariane 5 is authorized for its dual-payload flight on August 5

August 3, 2011

The green light has been given for Friday's Ariane 5 mission with the ASTRA 1N and BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R spacecraft. Its go-ahead followed today's successful launch readiness review, which validated the status of Ariane 5 and its dual satellite payload, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport, and the network of downrange tracking stations. This authorization clears the way for Ariane 5's rollout from its Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, which will take place tomorrow. Liftoff of the Ariane 5 is planned during a launch window that opens on August 5 at 6:53 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

Arianespace receives the next Ariane 5 for launch in 2011

June 14, 2011

The Spaceport�s Final Assembly Building has welcomed its fourth heavy-lift Ariane 5 of 2011 as preparations in French Guiana advance for Arianespace�s upcoming mission with the ASTRA 1N and BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R spacecraft.

Another Ariane 5 is delivered to the Spaceport in French Guiana

June 10, 2011

Arianespace is keeping up its Ariane 5 mission pace with this week's arrival of components in French Guiana for the fifth heavy-lift vehicle to be launched from the Spaceport in 2011.

BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R is delivered for Ariane 5�s next flight

June 6, 2011

The BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R relay satellite for Arianespace's fourth Ariane 5 mission of 2011 has been delivered to French Guiana, arriving at Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport aboard a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner. Built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems on behalf of B-SAT Corporation and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R will serve as a hybrid broadcasting and telecommunications satellite � operating from an orbital position of 110 degrees East longitude. The satellite � which has been transferred to the Spaceport's clean room facilities for pre-launch preparations � will be orbited along with its co-passenger, ASTRA 1N, on a dual-payload Ariane 5 mission scheduled for liftoff on July 1.

ASTRA 1N arrives in French Guiana

May 20, 2011

The first of two satellite payloads for Ariane 5�s next heavy-lift flight has been delivered to French Guiana, arriving at Rochambeau International Airport near the capital city of Cayenne aboard a chartered Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner. Designed and manufactured by EADS Astrium for satellite operator SES ASTRA, the ASTRA 1N spacecraft will deliver direct-to-home broadcast services � including digital and high definition television � with pan-European coverage. The satellite will be orbited along with its co-passenger, BSAT 3c/JCSAT 110R, on another of Ariane 5�s trademark dual-payload missions in early July.

Arianespace launches ST-2 and GSAT-8

May 20, 2011

Ariane 5 soared to another success today, orbiting spacecraft for Asia and India on Arianespace�s third heavy-lift mission of 2011. Lifting off from Europe�s Spaceport in French Guiana, the Ariane 5 ECA deployed its dual-satellite payload of ST-2 and GSAT-8 during a 31-minute mission � which also marked the 44th consecutive on-target flight for this workhorse launch vehicle.

ARIANE 5 ROLLS OUT WITH ST-2 AND GSAT-8

May 19, 2011

Arianespace�s Ariane 5 has moved to the launch zone for its May 20 liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana with a dual payload of satellites for Asia and India. This will be the third Arianespace mission of 2011, and it rolled out to the launch zone today � fitted with the GSAT-8 and ST-2 spacecraft. ST-2 will provide IP-based fixed and mobile, voice and data transmission satellite services to businesses in Asia and the Middle East; while GSAT-8 is to deliver direct-to-home TV broadcast services.

Ariane 5 is authorized for its dual-payload flight on May 20

May 17, 2011

The second of two Ariane 5 mission campaigns currently underway at the Spaceport has reached a new milestone with the completion of its vehicle�s basic build-up in French Guiana. During activity in the Spaceport�s Launcher Integration Building, this Ariane 5 was initially topped-off with the incorporation of its ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and the vehicle equipment bay � which were installed as a single unit.

Initial �top-off� is performed with the fourth Ariane 5 for launch this year

May 17, 2011

The "green light" has been given for Ariane 5's heavy-lift mission with the GSAT-8 and ST-2 spacecraft. Its go-ahead followed today's successful launch readiness review (May 17), which validated the status of Ariane 5 and its dual-satellite payload, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, and the network of downrange tracking stations. This authorization clears the way for Ariane 5's rollout from its Final Assembly Building to the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone, which will take place on Thursday, May 19. Liftoff of the Ariane 5 is planned on May 20 at 5:38 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

ARIANESPACE�S THIRD ARIANE 5 OF 2011 RECEIVES ITS INITIAL SATELLITE PASSENGER

May 13, 2011

Preparations for the May 19 dual-payload mission with Ariane 5 are now in their final phase as the GSAT-8 Indian satellite has been integrated on its launcher. GSAT-8 will ride as the lower spacecraft in Ariane 5's dual-payload "stack," clearing the way for installation of the ST-2 satellite as the upper passenger. The Indian Space Research Organization designed, assembled and integrated GSAT-8 for direct television broadcasting and aircraft navigation assistance; while ST-2 was built by Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Company and will be operated for telecommunications relay duties by ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd. - a joint venture of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Limited (Chunghwa).

THE FOURTH ARIANE 5 BEGINS ITS BUILD-UP AT THE SPACEPORT FOR LAUNCH IN 2011

May 12, 2011

Assembly of the fourth Ariane 5 for launch this year is now underway in French Guiana for a mission to orbit the BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R and ASTRA 1N relay satellites. The vehicle is taking shape in the Spaceport�s Launcher Integration Building, and this flight will follow a May 19 mission with Ariane 5 that is to loft the ST-2 and GSAT-8 satellites.

FINAL PAYLOAD INTEGRATION BEGINS FOR ARIANESPACE�S NEXT ARIANE 5 MISSION

May 9, 2011

The third Ariane 5 flight of 2011 has entered its final preparation phase with the ST-2 satellite�s installation on the launcher�s SYLDA dual-passenger dispenser system during activity at the Spaceport in French Guiana. ST-2 will be positioned in the upper slot of the mission�s payload �stack,� joining its GSAT-8 co-passenger on Arianespace�s May 19 flight. With a liftoff mass of 5,090-kg., ST-2 will be the second Mitsubishi Electric Corporation-built satellite orbited by Arianespace. It is to be utilized by the ST-2 Satellite Ventures joint company of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Taiwan�s Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd. for Ku- and C-band relay services across the Middle East, Central Asia, India and Southeast Asia.

THREE LAUNCHERS AT THE EQUATOR FOR ARIANESPACE

May 6, 2011

Preparations are in full swing for the service introduction of Soyuz and Vega at Europe�s Spaceport in French Guiana, where the third Ariane 5 for launch in 2011 also is being readied for integration of its dual-satellite payload. The stepped-up pace was evident across the Spaceport this week, with new activity at each of the launch sites for these three Arianespace vehicles.

SOYUZ IS PUT THROUGH ITS PACES IN A �VIRTUAL� MISSION FROM THE SPACEPORT

May 5, 2011

A highly realistic simulated launch of Soyuz from French Guiana today marked a major step closer to this medium-lift launcher's service introduction with Arianespace. Making a "virtual" liftoff at 4:00 p.m. local time, the simulation reproduced a nominal 30-minute flight of Soyuz, concluding with a representative deployment of a 2,570 kg. broadband services relay satellite into geostationary transfer orbit. The first real Soyuz flight from the Spaceport is planned later this year. The Russian-built launcher will join Arianespace's heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega, creating a family of vehicles operating at French Guiana.

Final preparations are underway for Soyuz' first �virtual� flight from the Spaceport

May 2, 2011

Preparations for the simulated first flight of Soyuz from French Guiana are proceeding on schedule for a �liftoff� this week, confirming the medium-lift vehicle�s readiness to join Arianespace�s launcher family during 2011. With a fully-assembled Soyuz now on the Spaceport�s launch pad for its historic dry run exercise, mission teams have entered the final phase of preparations � providing a realistic validation of operational procedures from the vehicle�s rollout to the �virtual� liftoff and downrange mission trajectory.

A world's first: Soyuz is in the launch zone at Europe's Spaceport

April 29, 2011

The latest addition to Arianespace�s launcher family made its world debut today at the vehicle�s new base of operations, as the first Soyuz was rolled out to the Spaceport�s launch pad in French Guiana. This historic event began in the morning hours, when the Russian-built medium-lift workhorse vehicle emerged from its MIK integration facility in the Spaceport�s northwest zone for a 600-meter transfer to the launch zone.

ABS-2 to be launched by Arianespace in 2013

April 27, 2011

Arianespace has confirmed the launch date for Asia Broadcast Satellite's (ABS) ABS-2 spacecraft, which will be orbited by a heavy-lift Ariane 5 in 2013. Manufactured by Space Systems/Loral using an LS-1300 platform, ABS-2 will weigh more than 6,000 kg. at launch. It is fitted with C, Ku, and Ka-band transponders, and is to provide optimized direct TV broadcast, multimedia applications, telecommunications and data transmission services for Asia, Russia/CIS, Africa and the Middle East.

GSAT-8 is put through its paces in preparation for Arianespace's Ariane 5 launch on May 19

April 25, 2011

The Indian GSAT-8 multi-role spacecraft for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission is undergoing an in-depth checkout at the Spaceport in French Guiana in preparation for its liftoff on May 19.

Arianespace launches Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn

April 22, 2011

Ariane 5 soared to another success today, deploying satellite payloads that will supply telecommunications services for two new customers who join the growing list of Arianespace commercial launch services users. In doing so, the workhorse launcher also set a new heavyweight record: a combined payload mass of 8,956 kg. for its Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellite passengers, delivering a total lift performance of 10,050 kg. to geostationary transfer orbit.

Ariane 5 is transferred to the launch zone for tomorrow�s heavy-lift flight

April 21, 2011

The second Ariane 5 of 2011 has moved to the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport, clearing the way for its April 22 evening liftoff with a dual-satellite payload of Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn. Preparations now are underway for tomorrow's final countdown, which will lead to liftoff during a launch window that opens at 6:37 p.m. local time in French Guiana and continues until 7:41 p.m. Ariane 5's payload lift performance for this mission is nearly 10,065 kg., which includes a mass of 8,965 kg. for its two satellite passengers, along with the associated integration hardware and the launcher�s multi-payload dispenser system.

Ariane 5 is authorized for its dual-payload flight on April 22

April 20, 2011

The "green light" has been given for Ariane 5's heavy-lift mission with the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn spacecraft. Its go-ahead followed today's successful launch readiness review, which validated the status of Ariane 5 and its dual-satellite payload, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, and the network of downrange tracking stations. This authorization clears the way for Ariane 5's rollout from its Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, which will take place tomorrow. Liftoff of the Ariane 5 is planned during a launch window that opens on April 22 at 6:37 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

Ariane 5 is configured for its April 22 liftoff with a dual-satellite heavyweight payload

April 19, 2011

Arianespace is on track for the rescheduled April 22 liftoff of its Ariane 5 mission with the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellite payloads after replacement of actuators on the heavy-lift launcher's Vulcain 2 cryogenic main engine.

Arianespace Japan Week 2011: 25 years of operations in Japan

April 19, 2011

Ariane 5's dual-payload launch is set for April 22

April 11, 2011

Arianespace's second heavy-lift flight of 2011 is now scheduled for the evening of April 22, based on the additional checkout and verifications currently in progress for the Ariane 5 ECA launcher following the final countdown's interruption on March 30. This mission is the 201st launch of an Ariane family vehicle, and will orbit a dual-payload of the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Mitsubishi Electric�s ST-2 satellite arrives in French Guiana for launch on Ariane 5

April 6, 2011

A milestone telecommunications satellite has been delivered to the Spaceport in French Guiana for Arianespace�s Ariane 5 VA202 heavy-lift mission, which will be performed as part of the company�s busy 2011 launch schedule. The ST-2 relay platform arrived yesterday aboard an Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner at Rochambeau International Airport near the French Guiana capital city of Cayenne � clearing the way for its transfer to the Spaceport�s clean room facilities, where the pre-launch checkout process will be implemented.

India�s GSAT-8 is delivered to French Guiana for its Ariane 5 launch

April 4, 2011

A dual-purpose Indian satellite to be orbited on another of Arianespace�s Ariane 5 missions during 2011 arrived in French Guiana today. GSAT-8 � which also is known by the INSAT-4G designation � was delivered to Rochambeau International Airport near the capital city of Cayenne, arriving aboard a chartered Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner.

Processing is underway for Globalstar's second-generation satellites to be launched by Soyuz in May

April 1, 2011

The six Globalstar second-generation satellites to be orbited by Arianespace's next Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome are well advanced in their preparations as activities continue for the liftoff during May. In a phased process, these 700-kg.-class spacecraft are proceeding through electrical and propulsion system checks, pressurization, fueling and weighing � readying them for integration on a conical-shaped dispenser that subsequently will be installed on the Soyuz launcher.

Launch countdown interrupted for Ariane 5�s launch with Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn

March 30, 2011

Data analysis is underway to determine the cause of an anomaly that interrupted the Ariane 5�s launch prior to liftoff with its Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites. The Ariane 5 and its two payloads switched to a safe mode on the launch pad. While analyses are being performed to determine the anomaly � which was detected after startup of the cryogenic main engine, but before ignition of the two solid boosters � the Ariane 5 will be rolled back to the Spaceport�s Final Assembly Building, where it is to be returned to a flight-ready condition.

The second Ariane 5 flight of 2011 enters its final countdown

March 30, 2011

The final countdown for today�s Ariane 5 flight with the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn telecommunications satellites is underway at Europe's Spaceport. Liftoff of the heavy-lift vehicle is scheduled at the start of a launch window that opens at 6:45 p.m., local time in French Guiana. Ariane 5�s payload lift performance for this mission is nearly 10,065 kg., which includes a mass of 8,965 kg. for its two satellite passengers, along with the associated integration hardware and the launcher�s SYLDA multi-payload dispenser system.

Ariane 5 is transferred to the launch zone for tomorrow�s heavy-lift flight

March 29, 2011

The second Ariane 5 of 2011 has moved to the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport, clearing the way for its March 30 evening liftoff with a dual-satellite payload of Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn. Preparations now are underway for tomorrow�s final countdown, which will lead to liftoff during a launch window that opens at 6:45 p.m. local time in French Guiana and continues to 7:52 p.m. Ariane 5�s payload lift performance for this mission is nearly 10,065 kg., which includes a mass of 8,965 kg. for its two satellite passengers, along with the associated integration hardware and the launcher�s SYLDA multi-payload dispenser system.

Ariane 5 is authorized for its dual-payload flight on March 30

March 28, 2011

The green light has been given for Wednesday's Ariane 5 mission with the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn spacecraft. Its go-ahead followed today's successful launch readiness review, which validated the status of Ariane 5 and its dual satellite payload, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport, and the network of downrange tracking stations. This authorization clears the way for Ariane 5's rollout from its Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, which will take place tomorrow. Liftoff of the Ariane 5 is planned during a launch window that opens on March 30 at 6:45 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

ARIANE 5 RECEIVES THE SECOND OF ITS TWO SATELLITE PASSENGERS

March 23, 2011

The Ariane 5 for launch on March 30 is now complete following the integration of its Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellite payloads. This mission will be Arianespace�s second Ariane 5 flight of 2011. Intelsat New Dawn is to provide supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers, while Yahsat Y1A will deliver customized relay services for the government and commercial sectors in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia.

INTELSAT NEW DAWN IS INTEGRATED ON ARIANE 5 FOR NEXT WEEK�S LAUNCH

March 22, 2011

The Intelsat New Dawn relay platform � which is the first-ever African private sector communications satellite � has been positioned atop Ariane 5�s core cryogenic stage, placing it as the lower passenger for Arianespace�s mission on March 30. Intelsat New Dawn was developed to provide supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers, and will be launched along with Yahsat Y1A on another of Ariane 5�s dual-payload flights.

ARGENTINA'S ARSAT-2 SPACECRAFT TO BE ORBITED BY ARIANESPACE

March 14, 2011

ARSAT has selected Arianespace to launch its second satellite, Arsat-2. With a liftoff mass of about 2,900 kg., this spacecraft will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 or Soyuz launcher operated from the Spaceport in French Guiana. To be fitted with 26 Ku-band (2 beams) and 10 C-band (hemi beam) equivalent transponders, Arsat-2 will offer a wide range of telecommunications, data transmission, Internet and television services - primarily across the Americas from Argentina to Canada.

AFRICA'S FIRST PRIVATE SECTOR TELECOM SATELLITE IS READIED FOR LAUNCH

March 14, 2011

Pre-launch checkout is continuing at the Spaceport in French Guiana for Intelsat New Dawn, which is one of two spacecraft passengers to be orbited on Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission, scheduled for March 29. Produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation in Dulles, Virginia, Intelsat New Dawn is equipped with 28 C-band and 24 Ku-band 36 MHz transponders designed specifically to supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers. After its deployment by Ariane 5, the satellite will be positioned at a geostationary orbital slot at 32.8� East for its Africa area coverage.

THE THIRD ARIANE 5 FOR LAUNCH IN 2011 ARRIVES IN FRENCH GUIANA

March 11, 2011

This heavy-lift flight, set for liftoff in May, will orbit the ST-2 and GSAT-8 telecommunications satellites. ST-2 was developed for ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd., a joint venture formed by Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd. GSAT-8 is a satellite for the Indian Space Research Organisation, and is equipped with 18 Ku-band transponders along with a satellite-based global positioning system called GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation).

PAYLOAD PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR ARIANE 5�S NEXT LAUNCH

February 22, 2011

The Yahsat Y1A telecommunications satellite has arrived at the Spaceport, and is undergoing its final pre-launch checkout for an Ariane 5 mission scheduled on March 29. This spacecraft will be lofted along with the Intelsat New Dawn relay platform on Arianespace�s second flight of 2011.

THE ARIANE 5 FOR YAHSAT 1A AND INTELSAT NEW DAWN COMPLETES ITS INITIAL ASSEMBLY

February 9, 2011

Basic assembly of the Ariane 5 to carry Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn has been completed inside the Spaceport�s Launcher Integration Building. Following additional systems verification, it will be ready for transfer to the Final Assembly Building, where the two telecommunications satellites will be installed in a dual payload �stack.�

The Vega launcher�s four stages are stacked for validation at the Spaceport

February 8, 2011

The assembly of a representative Vega launcher is nearly complete at the Spaceport as part of validations for the mechanical, electrical and fluid elements of this newest member in Arianespace�s launch vehicle family at its launch site in French Guiana. After stacking the inert first, second and third solid propellant stages on the Vega launch pad, team members now have added the bi-propellant liquid upper stage, called the AVUM (Attitude and Vernier Upper Module). The next step will be installation of the payload fairing with a satellite mockup and payload adapter, followed by a loading exercise with the AVUM�s propellant.

Supporting growth in the Middle East and Asia

February 8, 2011

Arianespace is underscoring its benchmark position for satellite operators in the Middle East and Asia with a key presence at Dubai�s CABSAT 2011 industry event. During 2011, Arianespace will launch a total of six satellites for operators in the region � beginning with a March 29 mission to orbit the Yahsat 1A satellite for Abu Dhabi-based Yahsat. Arianespace subsequently will launch five other satellites during the year for operators in Singapore, India, Japan and Arabsat.

Assembly begins for the Ariane 5 to orbit Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn

February 4, 2011

The Ariane 5 launcher for Arianespace�s second flight of 2011 is taking shape in French Guiana, where it will be used to loft a dual payload of the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn telecommunications satellites.

Europe's ATV Johannes Kepler is integrated on Ariane 5 for its February 15 launch

February 4, 2011

The second Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) to be orbited by Arianespace has been installed on its Ariane 5 launch vehicle, keeping preparations on track for a February 15 mission to service the International Space Station.

The 200th Ariane is delivered for the Arianespace's mission with ATV

January 17, 2011

The 200th Ariane launcher has been delivered to Arianespace at the Spaceport, where it will receive the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) payload for a February 15 liftoff on a servicing mission to the International Space Station.

ARIANESPACE SIGNS NEW LAUNCH AGREEMENT WITH EUTELSAT

January 17, 2011

Continuing a 28-year relationship marked by 25 launch campaigns, Eutelsat Communications and Arianespace today announced they have concluded a new contract for a satellite launch in the 2012 period. The contract, signed in December 2010, for an Ariane 5 launch from the Guiana Space Centre, provides Eutelsat with launch diversity and schedule assurance for its significant in-orbit expansion programme of six satellites to be launched by mid-2013.

A busy 2011 with Ariane 5 being joined by Soyuz and Vega at the Spaceport

January 4, 2011

Building on its highly successful performance in 2011, Arianespace plans a total of 12 missions in 2011, which will include the expansion of its launcher family with the addition of the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega at the Spaceport � joining the workhorse heavy-lift Ariane 5. Arianespace's launch manifest for the coming 12 months is composed of six Ariane 5 missions, along with two flights of Soyuz and one Vega mission from the Spaceport, as well as another three Soyuz launches from Kazakhstan�s Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Arianespace closes its launch activity in 2010 with another on-target flight

December 29, 2010

Ariane 5 successfully orbited the Hispasat 1E and KOREASAT 6 telecommunications satellites on Arianespace's sixth and final heavy-lift mission of 2010. Lifting off from the Spaceport in French Guiana, Ariane 5 deployed its two passengers during a mission lasting 34 minutes. In another demonstration of Arianespace�s reactivity, this 41st consecutive successful flight for Ariane 5 occurred just one month after its previous mission in November.

Arianespace's year-ending flight is set for December 29

December 29, 2010

Following a 24-hour postponement due to winds at altitude over the ELA-3 launch complex, Ariane 5's heavy-lift flight with Hispasat 1E and KOREASAT 6 is on track for a liftoff this evening from Europe's Spaceport. The final countdown is now underway, with today's liftoff planned during a launch window that opens at 6:27 p.m., local time in French Guiana.

Ariane 5 rolls out to the launch zone with its dual-satellite payload

December 27, 2010

Fully integrated with its dual-satellite payload of Hispasat 1E and KOREASAT 6, Ariane 5 was transferred today (December 27) to the Spaceport�s ELA-3 launch zone from the Final Assembly Building. Preparations now are underway for tomorrow�s final countdown, which will lead to the liftoff during a launch window that opens at 6.26 p.m. and continues to 7:15 p.m, local time in French Guiana.

Preparations continue for Ariane 5�s year-ending flight

December 20, 2010

The payload processing for Ariane 5�s sixth and final flight of 2010 is continuing at the Spaceport in French Guiana, where KOREASAT 6 is being readied for integration on its heavy-lift launcher. KOREASAT 6 was built by an industry team composed of Orbital Sciences Corp. and Thales Alenia Space for the Republic of Korea�s KT Corporation. This telecommunications spacecraft � along with its companion payload, Hispasat 1E � will be orbited during an Ariane 5 mission scheduled for December 28.

Arianespace signs contract for a Soyuz launch of the Sentinel-1A satellite

December 16, 2010

The Sentinel-1A satellite for Europe's Global Monitoring for Environment and Security program will be orbited by Arianespace on a Soyuz launcher in late 2012. To operate in a Sun-synchronous circular orbit at an altitude of approximately 690 kilometers, Sentinel-1A will carry a C-band synthetic aperture radar-type sensor. Since the beginning of the year, Arianespace has signed seven contracts for dedicated Soyuz missions, along with 11 launch contracts for geostationary satellites.

Basic assembly is complete for the 200th Ariane launcher

December 14, 2010

Initial assembly is complete for the milestone 200th Ariane for launch, as preparations continue for next February�s Ariane 5 mission that will loft a European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) to service the International Space Station. During activity in the Spaceport�s Launcher Integration Building, the Ariane 5 ES version of Arianespace�s heavy-lift workhorse was fitted with its equipment bay, followed by installation of the EPS upper stage.

Arianespace sets December 28 for its year-ending Ariane 5 flight

December 14, 2010

Liftoff of the sixth Ariane 5 in 2010 � which will carry the HISPASAT 1E and KOREASAT 6 telecommunications satellite payloads � is now planned for the evening of December 28 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. This mission will be the 199th flight of an Ariane family launch vehicle, and the 55th for an Ariane 5.

Integration begins for the 200th Ariane launcher

December 6, 2010

The milestone 200th Ariane launch vehicle has begun its assembly process in French Guiana, as preparations move forward for its February 2011 mission with Europe's second Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). This Ariane 5 ES version of Arianespace's workhorse heavy-lift launcher is being assembled in the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building, where activity began mid-week with the core cryogenic stage's positioning over the mobile launch table.

Arianespace to orbit the Sicral 2 military telecommunications satellite

December 6, 2010

Telespazio has selected Arianespace to launch Sicral 2 within the framework of a turnkey contract the Italian Defense Ministry and the French DGA armament agency (Direction G�n�rale de l�Armement) have with Thales Alenia Space Italy. A heavy-lift Ariane 5 is scheduled to launch this spacecraft - which will weigh approximately 4,400 kg. - from the Spaceport in French Guiana as of November 2013. Since the beginning of the year, Arianespace has signed 11 launch contracts for geostationary satellites, along with six dedicated Soyuz launches.

ARIANE 5 ORBITS INTELSAT 17 AND HYLAS 1

November 26, 2010

Ariane 5�s fifth mission of 2010 orbited a dual payload of the Intelsat 17 and HYLAS 1 telecommunications satellites today, marking the 40th consecutive success for Arianespace�s workhorse heavy-lift launcher. Since the start of 2010, Ariane 5 has orbited 10 large telecommunications satellites out of the 17 total launched worldwide.� Intelsat 17 was the 51st satellite lofted by Arianespace for Intelsat, while HYLAS 1 is the first satellite deployed by Arianespace for Avanti Communications.

ARIANE 5 IS CLEARED FOR FRIDAY�S LIFTOFF WITH INTELSAT 17 AND HYLAS 1

November 24, 2010

Arianespace�s fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2010 was given the go-ahead today for its November 26 liftoff with a dual payload of the Intelsat 17 and HYLAS 1 satellites. With the successful review, Ariane 5 is cleared for its rollout from the Spaceport�s Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, where it will be readied for liftoff on Friday during an early launch window that opens at 3:39 p.m. local time in French Guiana and continues to 6:54 p.m.

The Spaceport validates propellant and fluid delivery processes for Soyuz' upcoming service introduction

November 16, 2010

The validation of delivery methods for propellant and fluids used in Soyuz operations at the French Guiana launch site is nearing completion as preparations continue for this medium-lift vehicle's maiden flight next year. The means of supplying liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen and hydrogen peroxide to the Soyuz launch pad have now been confirmed, while final evaluations for the delivery of kerosene are to be carried out in November and December. Liquid oxygen and kerosene are the propellants for Soyuz' first, second and third stages; liquid nitrogen provides onboard pressurization and inerting; while hydrogen peroxide is used to drive gas turbines that power the launcher's turbopumps.

The sixth Ariane 5 for launch in 2010 arrives at the Spaceport

November 11, 2010

Components for another Ariane 5 are now at the Spaceport as Arianespace maintains its sustained launch rate for 2010 and beyond. Arriving aboard the MN Toucan roll-on/roll-off ship, this heavy-lift launcher is to orbit the Hispasat 1E and KOREASAT 6 satellites.

Ariane 5 is ready to receive its Intelsat 17 and Hylas 1 payloads

November 8, 2010

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's fifth heavy-lift mission of 2010 has moved to the Final Assembly Building at the Spaceport in French Guiana, where it will be fitted with a dual-passenger payload of the Intelsat 17 and HYLAS 1 satellites. Liftoff of this flight is set for November 25, and will be the 198th launch of an Ariane family launcher.

Arianespace selected to launch initial satellite for Azerbaijan

November 5, 2010

The International Relations and Accounting Center of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan has chosen Arianespace to launch the country�s first communications satellite. The spacecraft � to be orbited during a heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission by the end of 2012 � will be built by Orbital Sciences Corporation using a STAR-2 platform. It is to deliver a wide range of communications services for all of Azerbaijan, as well as Central Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The first Vega hardware moves to the launch pad

November 5, 2010

A representative P80 first stage for Vega has rolled out to the launch pad in French Guiana, marking the initial step in combined testing of this lightweight vehicle with its ground-based infrastructure. The P80 stage was developed by Italy�s Avio for Vega program prime contractor ELV, and is one of the largest, most powerful one-piece solid-propellant boosters ever built. It utilizes a novel filament-wound case, and will burn 88 metric tons of propellant during a powered flight lasting 109 seconds.

Payload preparations are underway for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2010

October 29, 2010

The Intelsat 17 and HYLAS 1 satellites for Arianespace�s fifth heavy-lift Ariane 5 flight of 2010 are undergoing their checkout at the Spaceport in French Guiana. This mission is set for November 25, and follows yesterday's dual-payload launch with the W3B and BSAT-3b satellites.

Soyuz delivers with another mission success

October 20, 2010

Six satellites for Globalstar�s second-generation constellation are now in orbit following Arianespace�s latest on-target Soyuz flight, which was conducted today by its Starsem affiliate from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. This successful mission is the first of four Soyuz launches booked with Arianespace to deploy a total of 24 second-generation satellites, which will support Globalstar�s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services.

Soyuz moves to the launch pad with its six Globalstar second-generation satellites

October 16, 2010

The first mission with Globalstar's second-generation satellites is now being readied for liftoff following the Soyuz vehicle's rollout to the launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome during the morning hours of October 16. This clears the way for final check-out and the countdown leading to Soyuz' launch of the six Globalstar spacecraft on October 19 at 11:10 p.m. local time in Kazakhstan. The mission will be performed for Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate.

Soyuz 2 is cleared for rollout to the launch pad with its six Globalstar satellites

October 14, 2010

The Soyuz 2 launcher with six Globalstar second-generation satellites has completed its assembly, and is now cleared for a rollout to Launch Pad #6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome in the morning hours of October 16. This mission, to be performed for Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, will lift off from the Cosmodrome on October 19, and is the first of four flights to deploy a total of 24 Globalstar spacecraft.

Final integration underway for the Soyuz 2 mission with six Globalstar satellites

October 14, 2010

Launcher integration has moved into the final phase for next week's Soyuz 2 mission, which will orbit six Globalstar satellites from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The October 19 mission will be performed on behalf of Arianespace by its Starsem affiliate, and is the first of four flights to orbit 24 of Globalstar's second-generation spacecraft - ensuring continuity for the company's mobile satellite voice and data services that are provided to businesses, governments and consumers.

Globalstar's six satellites are ready for integration on Soyuz

October 11, 2010

The payload of six Globalstar satellites for Arianespace's upcoming Soyuz mission has been encapsulated in the protective ST payload fairing at Baikonur Cosmodrome, clearing the way for its integration on the launch vehicle for an October 19 liftoff. This upcoming mission is one of four contracted by Globalstar to orbit 24 of its second-generation spacecraft � ensuring continuity for the company's mobile satellite voice and data services that are provided to businesses, governments and consumers.

Launch system manufacturers define objectives for next year

October 11, 2010

Manufacturers involved in the Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega programs have met at Arianespace's industrial session to jointly define directions and objectives for 2011. This annual gathering brings together all European manufacturers of launch systems, including both launch vehicles and facilities.

The 2nd ATV is readied for its 2011 launch

October 7, 2010

Pre-launch preparations have advanced for Arianespace's upcoming mission with the second Automated Transfer Vehicle, which will be orbited on Ariane's milestone 200th flight. Recent activity in the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation facility includes loading of the spacecraft's cargo and a validation of its solar panel deployment sequence. Named after the German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler, the ATV is targeted for a February 15, 2011 liftoff on Ariane 5.

Cargo flight to International Space Station is set

October 1, 2010

The launch timing for Ariane 5's mission with the Johannes Kepler ATV has been confirmed for February 15, 2010. This spacecraft is designed to deliver over seven tons of experiments, fuel, water, food and other supplies to the International Space Station. The first ATV, Jules Verne, was launched by Arianespace in March 2008.

Six Globalstar satellites are integrated for Arianespace's October 19 flight

October 1, 2010

Integration is now complete with the six Globalstar satellites for Arianespace's upcoming Soyuz mission from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The second-generation Globalstar spacecraft were installed in sequence on the two segments of their 6.7-meter-high conical-shaped dispenser system, which then were assembled together on September 29.

Arianespace Board approves launch planning for 2010-2011

September 20, 2010

At a meeting held today in Evry, France, Arianespace�s Board of Directors approved the launch manifest for 2010 and 2011, congratulated the company on its record order book and began operations to strengthen its financial structure.

Europe's Metop-C satellite to be launched by Arianespace

September 10, 2010

The European meteorological satellite organization EUMETSAT has selected Arianespace to launch its Metop-C spacecraft. The 4,250-kg. satellite will be placed into polar orbit by a Soyuz launch vehicle operated from the Spaceport in French Guiana. Metop-C will be fitted with a dozen instruments designed to take atmospheric measurements at different altitudes, and to map temperatures and wind fields on the ocean surface.

Globalstar's six satellites are prepared for launch

September 7, 2010

The launch campaign for Arianespace's upcoming Soyuz mission for Globalstar has entered a new phase as all six spacecraft are now at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Scheduled for a liftoff on October 19, this milestone flight will use a Soyuz 2 version of Russia's workhorse launcher.

Arianespace outlines the future of launch services

September 7, 2010

At Arianespace's traditional 2010 World Space Business Week conference press breakfast in Paris, Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall provided an overview of the company's activity and offered his perspective on the satellite market's future. "At a time when the customers are insisting on a high level of service, we see them coming to Arianespace because of our strong commitment to quality, efficiency, flexibility and reliability," Le Gall told international reporters. "They also appreciate our philosophy of a single-point of contact from contract signature to satellite delivery in orbit, as well as our proximity to customers with Arianespace's worldwide presence."

Two new launch contracts announced by Arianespace

August 5, 2010

Arianespace has further underscored its leadership position in the commercial launch services sector with a pair of new contracts announced today. These two agreements - for the Intelsat-20 and GSAT 10 spacecraft - bring to 32 the number of satellites on backlog to be lofted by Arianespace, along with six Automated Transfer Vehicles for servicing of the International Space Station.

Another heavy-lift success for Ariane 5

August 4, 2010

Ariane 5 successfully lofted a pair of Thales Alenia Space-produced satellites from the Spaceport in French Guiana today - marking the heavy-lift vehicle's 38th consecutive on-target mission. Lifting off from the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone, the Ariane 5 ECA orbited two satellites that will provide telecommunications services to Africa, the Middle East and Persian Gulf states: NILESAT 201 for Egyptian-based Nilesat, and RASCOM-QAF1R for the Pan-African satellite operator, RascomStar-QAF.

Ariane 5 clears initial build-up phase for fourth flight of 2010

August 4, 2010

Initial assembly is complete for the fourth Ariane 5 to be launched this year, as preparations continue for another of Arianespace's trademark dual-satellite payload missions. During activity inside the Launcher Integration Building, the heavy-lift Ariane 5 was fitted with its ESC-A upper stage and vehicle equipment bay - which were installed as a single unit. This launch vehicle will orbit Eutelsat's W3B telecommunications satellite and the BSAT-3b relay platform for B-SAT Corporation during a mission scheduled on September 15.

Ariane 5 rolls out to the launch zone with its dual-satellite payload

August 3, 2010

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 is ready for its third mission of 2010 following today's rollout to the ELA-3 launch facility from the Spaceport�s Final Assembly Building. This August 4 flight will orbit the NILESAT 201 and RASCOM-QAF1R spacecraft, with liftoff scheduled during a launch window that opens at 5:45 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

Ariane 5 is authorized for its dual-payload flight

August 2, 2010

The green light has been given for Wednesday's Ariane 5 mission with the NILESAT 201 and RASCOM-QAF1R spacecraft following today's launch readiness review at the Spaceport. This go-ahead clears the way for Ariane 5's rollout from its Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, which will take place tomorrow. Liftoff of the Ariane 5 is planned during a launch window that opens at 5:45 p.m. local time on August 4 in French Guiana.

Ariane 5 takes center stage at Hughes headquarters

July 30, 2010

The strong working relationship between Arianespace and Hughes Network Systems was underscored with the unveling of a large Ariane 5 scale model at the North American satellite operator's headquarters in Germantown, Maryland. The model was unveiled earlier this week by Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall and Pradman Kaul, CEO of Hughes Network Systems.

Enhancing the Spaceport for Ariane 5 and Soyuz

July 30, 2010

A new liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen production plant is being readied for service at the Spaceport in French Guiana. The new plant - which is to replace an existing 30-year-old facility - will offer a higher production output for liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen, as well as significantly larger storage capacity. Its acceptance phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

Another Ariane 5 takes shape at the Spaceport

July 28, 2010

Initial assembly of the fourth Ariane 5 for liftoff in 2010 has begun in the Spaceport's Integration Building. The build-up of this latest vehicle began earlier this week with the erection of its core cryogenic stage. The next step is the mating of the launcher's two solid rocket motors, which are installed on each side of the core cryogenic stage. This will be followed by a "topping off" of the vehicle with its ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and the vehicle equipment bay.

Ariane 5 is ready to enter the final launch preparation phase

July 26, 2010

The Ariane 5 for Arianespace's third mission in 2010 is ready to receive its dual-satellite payload in advance of next week's launch from the Spaceport. During the mission, this Ariane 5 ECA will carry a pair of Thales Alenia Space-produced spacecraft: NILESAT 201 and RASCOM-QAF1R. Both satellites have been undergoing processing following their June arrival in French Guiana.

Jean-Yves Le Gall prepares Europe-Japan council meeting

July 8, 2010

A planning session for the next European Union-Japan Business Round Table meeting was led by Arianespace's Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall. This "brainstorming" gathering was held at the European Union in Brussels, and involved a group of business representatives who joined Le Gall, along with another group that participated from Tokyo by video conference.

Final checkout is underway with the two payloads for Ariane 5's next launch

July 7, 2010

Pre-launch preparations for both satellite payloads on Ariane 5's next heavy-lift launch are in full swing at the Spaceport in French Guiana. The Nilesat-201 and RASCOM-QAF1R satellites - both of which were built by Thales Alenia Space - have completed fit-check milestones with the adapters that will serve as their interface with Ariane 5's payload "stack."

Thales Alenia Space delivers its two satellite payloads for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission

July 1, 2010

The two Thales Alenia Space-built payloads for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission have arrived at the Spaceport to begin their pre-launch checkout for a liftoff scheduled on August 3. Nilesat-201 and RASCOM-QAF1R were flown to French Guiana aboard the same chartered An-124 cargo jetliner, which landed at Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport this week.

The no. 2 Automated Transfer Vehicle begins its checkout

June 30, 2010

The second Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for launch by Ariane 5 is now undergoing its final assembly and checkout in French Guiana. Named after German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler, this ATV will service the International Space Station as a follow-up to the no. 1 ATV Jules Verne - which was orbited by Arianespace in March 2008.

Satellite operator ARSAT selects Arianespace to launch Arsat-1

June 28, 2010

Arianespace has been chosen to orbit the first geostationary satellite built in Argentina, Arsat-1 for ARSAT (Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales Sociedad Anonima), following an international competitive bid. An Ariane 5 or Soyuz vehicle is scheduled to launch this spacecraft - which will weigh about 2,900 kg. at liftoff - from the Spaceport in French Guiana by mid-2012.

Ariane 5 launch with Arabsat-5A and COMS: postponed

June 24, 2010

Due to a launch vehicle pressurization anomaly on the main cryogenic stage during final countdown operations for Flight 195, Arianespace has decided to postpone the launch. The launch vehicle and its Arabsat-5A and COMS satellite payloads have been placed in stand-by mode and maintained in fully safe conditions.

Ariane 5's flight with the Arabsat-5A and COMS satellite passengers is set for June 24

June 24, 2010

The Ariane 5 mission with Arabsat-5A and COMS has been rescheduled for this evening following additional verifications that were performed after a launcher subsystem anomaly stopped the final countdown yesterday. Liftoff is scheduled during a launch window that opens at 6:41 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

Ariane 5 rolls out to the launch zone with its dual-satellite payload

June 22, 2010

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 is ready for its second mission of 2010 following today's rollout to the ELA-3 launch facility from the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport. This June 23 flight will orbit the Arabsat-5A and COMS spacecraft, with liftoff scheduled during a launch window that opens at 6:41 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

Ariane 5 is authorized for its dual-payload flight

June 21, 2010

The green light has been given for Wednesday's Ariane 5 mission with the Arabsat-5A and COMS spacecraft following today's launch readiness review at the Spaceport. This go-ahead clears the way for Ariane 5's rollout from its Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, which will take place tomorrow. Liftoff of the Ariane 5 is planned during a launch window that opens at 6:41 p.m. local time on June 23 in French Guiana.

Mission preparations move forward for Ariane 5 launches with telecom satellites and Europe's second ATV

June 18, 2010

Ariane 5's ability to perform a full range of missions is underscored by preparation activity currently underway at the Spaceport in French Guiana. Initial assembly of the third Ariane 5 to be launched in 2010 has been completed at the Spaceport as its ESC-A upper stage and vehicle equipment bay are now installed atop the vehicle's cryogenic core stage. For the year's third mission of 2010, this latest Ariane 5 is to carry the RASCOM-QAF 1R and NILESAT 201 telecommunications payloads. Separately, Europe's next Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is being readied for pre-launch checkout at the Spaceport in preparation for its liftoff on an upcoming Ariane 5 mission. The Automated Transfer Vehicle, which is named after German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler, will be the second such large spacecraft orbited by Arianespace for servicing of the International Space Station - following the Jules Verne ATV launched by an Ariane 5 in March 2008.

Arianespace underscores contributions of German industry during Berlin Air Show

June 11, 2010

At its traditional Berlin Air Show reception, Arianespace highlighted Germany's involvement in the Ariane launcher family's decades of success. According to Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall, the contributions of German industry - as well as its space agencies and institutions - have enabled Ariane to become the benchmark for the commercial space lift sector.

Arianespace at CommunicAsia 2010

June 15, 2010

Arianespace is underscoring its 30 years of success with a key presence at CommunicAsia 2010 - Asia's international trade event for the global information and communications technologies sector - from June 15-18. Since its founding, Arianespace has signed more than 300 launch Service & Solutions contracts - including eight new contracts in 2010 - and has launched 279 satellites for 76 customers from 101 countries, accounting for more than half of all commercial satellites now in service.

Arianespace to launch Vietnam's VINASAT-2 telecommunications satellite

June 14, 2010

Arianespace has contracted with Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems to launch the VINASAT-2 satellite for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group. An Ariane 5 or Soyuz vehicle is scheduled to orbit this spacecraft - which will weigh approximately 2,970 kg. at liftoff - from the Spaceport in French Guiana during the second quarter of 2012.

Construction of the mobile gantry for Soyuz moves into its final phase

June 14, 2010

The mobile gantry at Soyuz' new launch site in French Guiana is nearing completion as this structure's framework is now complete, and the metallic siding is being installed. The gantry is one of the major differences at the Spaceport's new home for Soyuz when compared to the workhorse vehicle's long-existing launch sites at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia.

Ariane 5's launch pace for 2010 is ramped up

June 11, 2010

Arianespace is maintaining its 2010 mission pace with three heavy-lift Ariane 5s now at the Spaceport in French Guiana. The company is targeting a total of six to seven missions with the workhorse vehicle this year, providing the payload lift capability to meet its growing order book.

Arianespace at the ILA Berlin Air Show

June 8, 2010

Arianespace is underscoring its 30 years of success with a key presence at the 2010 ILA Berlin Air Show. Since its founding, Arianespace has signed more than 300 launch Service & Solutions contracts - including eight new contracts in 2010 - and has launched 279 satellites for 76 customers from 101 countries, accounting for more than half of all commercial satellites now in service.

Arianespace takes delivery of the Ariane 5 for its next mission

June 7, 2010

Ariane 5 is ready for integration of the Arabsat-5A and COMS satellites following the heavy-lift vehicle's handover to Arianespace yesterday. The two spacecraft will be orbited by Ariane 5 during its upcoming June 23 mission from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

Arianespace at the International Union of Aviation Insurers' Annual General Meeting

June 7, 2010

At this week's annual meeting of the International Union of Aerospace Insurers, Arianespace reaffirmed the commitment to a policy of total transparency in its relations with the insurance industry. Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall is the guest of honor at this event, which is being held from June 6-10 in Manchester, U.K.

Looking ahead to lofting the James Webb Space Telescope

June 1, 2010

Arianespace's future role in launching the most powerful space telescope ever developed is being highlighted as part of World Science Festival in New York, where a full-scale mockup of the NASA James Webb Space Telescope is on display. An Ariane 5 will be used to orbit this massive space-based observatory, which is scheduled for liftoff from the Spaceport in 2014.

Arianespace's launch services for Africa are in the spotlight

May 31, 2010

At the 25th Africa-France Summit, Arianespace is underscoring its contribution to the development of satellite coverage in Africa over the past three decades. Arianespace has launched satellites for major international operators and participated in innovative projects by regional African operators.

Arianespace sets the date for its next heavy-lift mission

May 27, 2010

An Ariane 5 ECA will orbit the ARABSAT 5A and COMS spacecraft during a flight now scheduled for June 23. This second mission of 2010 will take place from the Spaceport in French Guiana, and follows the heavy-lift vehicle's May 21 success with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2.

Another on-target flight for the heavy-lift Ariane 5

May 21, 2010

The 50th flight of an Ariane 5 successfully orbited the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellites from French Guiana on May 21. This Arianespace mission was the 194th launch of an Ariane family vehicle, and it will be followed by the next Ariane 5 flight in June with the ARABSAT-5A and COMS-1 payloads.

Ariane 5 is ready for launch with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2

May 20, 2010

The Ariane 5 mission with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 is ready for launch tomorrow evening, May 21. Arianespace's heavy-lift vehicle rolled out at the Spaceport in French Guiana this morning, and moved to the launch zone for a scheduled liftoff at 7:01 p.m. local time tomorrow. ASTRA 3B is riding in the upper position of the launcher's payload "stack" and will be deployed at just under 28 minutes into the flight, with COMSATBw-2 located below it in the SYLDA 5 dispenser for a separation at 33 minutes after liftoff.

Arianespace announces launch contract signing for Skynet 5D

May 19, 2010

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 has been selected to orbit its fourth spacecraft in the Skynet 5 family: Skynet 5D. This military communications satellite will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit from Europe�s Spaceport during the first half of 2013. Skynet 5D is to be lofted by Arianespace for Astrium, which is contracted to deliver the satellite in orbit to Paradigm Secure Communications.

Arianespace sets May 21 as the date for next Ariane 5 launch

May 18, 2010

The 50th Ariane 5 will be launched from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana on the night of May 21, 2010, with a mixed civilian and military telecommunications satellite payload - SES ASTRA's ASTRA 3B and Germany's COMSATBw-2.

Soyuz is readied for its next integration step at the Spaceport

May 17, 2010

The first Soyuz to be operated from the Spaceport is being readied to receive its Block I third stage, which follows the previous integration of this medium-lift vehicle's first and second stages. The third stage has been upgraded to significantly increase Soyuz' overall performance, navigation accuracy and control capability.

Intelsat 17 to be launched by Ariane 5 later this year

May 15, 2010

Arianespace has signed a contract with Intelsat, the leading provider of fixed satellite services, to launch Intelsat 17. An Ariane 5 ECA is scheduled to orbit this spacecraft - which will weigh nearly 5,800 at liftoff - from the Spaceport in French Guiana at the end of 2010.

Inaugural Soyuz launch is set for later this year

May 11, 2010

The first flight of Soyuz from French Guiana has been confirmed for the fourth quarter of 2010. This was announced today during a meeting of the Soyuz Consultation Committee - which comprises representatives of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, the European Space Agency (ESA), the French space agency CNES and Arianespace. The committee's meeting was called to review progress on the Spaceport's Soyuz launch pad, and to approve an overall timetable for assembly and testing in advance of the inaugural mission.

Integration of Soyuz� first/second stages is complete at the Spaceport

May 10, 2010

The no. 1 Soyuz for launch from the Spaceport has marked a build-up milestone as its four first stage strap-on boosters are successfully mated with the Block A core second stage. This activity is part of regular maintenance checks for Soyuz vehicles in storage awaiting liftoff, and the procedure also is being used to qualify assembly processes in the Spaceport's new Launcher Integration Building.

Arianespace maintains its emphasis on launch vehicle quality

April 12, 2010

The component that caused the postponement of Arianespace's next Ariane 5 flight - a pressure regulator for the launcher's main stage - has been sent to Europe for inspection by a task force. In parallel, a quality audit has been created to analyze the underlying reasons for the technical difficulty, and to propose corrective measures.

Ariane 5 rolls out to the launch zone with its multi-satellite payload

April 8, 2010

Ariane 5 is ready for its next mission following today's rollout to the ELA-3 launch facility from the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport. This April 9 flight will orbit the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellites, with liftoff scheduled during a 49-min min. launch window that opens at 6:59 p.m., local time in French Guiana.

Ariane 5's launch with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 is set for April 9

April 6, 2010

Liftoff of the first Ariane 5 in 2010 - which will carry the dual civilian and military satellite payload of ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 - is planned for the evening of Friday, April 9 from Europe's Spaceport. The heavy-lift Ariane 5 will be transferred Thursday from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch complex.

The year-opening Ariane 5 mission is postponed

March 26, 2010

Arianespace's Ariane 5 mission with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 was delayed today after an anomaly occurred in a launcher subsystem during final countdown operations. A decision was made to replace this part, resulting in the launch postponement for several days.

Arianespace's first Ariane 5 of 2010 is ready for launch

March 25, 2010

Another Ariane 5 is in the Spaceport's launch zone, clearing the way for tomorrow's flight (March 26) with the ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 satellite payloads. This vehicle - the 50th Ariane 5 to be launched - was transferred from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch complex during a process lasting 1 hr., 45 min. this morning. The mission will be the first of seven Ariane 5 flights planned in 2010, and is set for liftoff during a March 26 launch window that opens at 7:03 p.m. local time and continues to 7:52 p.m. (22h03-22h52 UTC).

Ariane 5 is "go" for its March 26 liftoff

March 24, 2010

Today's launch readiness review (March 24) has cleared Arianespace's initial Ariane 5 mission of 2010 for a liftoff on Friday. Ariane 5 is now ready for its transfer from the Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch complex tomorrow. The final countdown will then begin, leading to the liftoff during a launch window on March 26 that opens at 7:03 p.m. local time, and continues to 7:52 p.m. (22h03-22h52 UTC). This heavy-lift flight will orbit SES ASTRA's ASTRA 3B commercial telecommunications satellite and Germany's COMSATBw-2 secure military relay platform.

Arianespace sets March 26 for its initial Ariane 5 mission of 2010

March 23, 2010

Liftoff of the first Ariane 5 in 2010 - which will carry the dual civilian and military satellite payload of ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 - is planned for the evening of March 26 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. This mission will be the 194th flight of an Ariane family launch vehicle, and the 50th for an Ariane 5.

New momentum as Arianespace marks 30th anniversary

March 22, 2010

During a meeting held today in Evry, France, the Arianespace Board of Directors decided to provide resources needed for the company's further development as a launch services leader. Arianespace's order book now stands at 4.3 billion euros - an all-time record - and includes 33 satellites to be launched into geostationary orbit; six Ariane 5 missions with the Automated Transfer Vehicle (to service the International Space Station); and 17 Soyuz launches.

Ariane 5's upcoming mission is postponed

March 18, 2010

The flight of Arianespace's initial Ariane 5 in 2010 has been postponed to allow for certain additional verifications on the launch vehicle. A new date for the mission will be announced as soon as possible.

The “Satellite Executive of the Year” is honored at Satellite 2010

March 17, 2010

Arianespace's participation at Satellite 2010 included its sponsorship of an evening reception to honor the industry's executive of the year, as named by Via Satellite magazine. Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall, who was the 2005 Satellite Executive of the Year, introduced Shaper during remarks at the evening's reception.

Jean-Yves Le Gall underscores ability of existing launch service providers to meet market needs

March 16, 2010

The push by certain telecommunications operators for additional players in the space lift marketplace could work to the satellite industry's own detriment, generating an overcapacity situation and potentially creating launch services quality issues. This was the conclusion of several participants in a panel discussion on the launch sector's future, which was organized today as part of the Satellite 2010 conference of telecommunications executives, managers and service providers.

Arianespace goes mobile with iPhone application and ringtone

March 16, 2010

Arianespace has expanded its strong online presence into the booming mobile phone sector, launching two new technologies that bring the company's missions into the palm of your hand: an official iPhone “app” and ringtone featuring an actual Ariane 5 countdown to liftoff.

Parallel preparations continue for upcoming Ariane 5 flights

March 16, 2010

Launch activity is in full swing at French Guiana as preparations move forward for Ariane 5's first two missions in 2010. Payload processing for Arianespace's first heavy-lift launch campaign - which will orbit ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 on March 24 - is continuing apace as the two passengers are prepared for their March 24 liftoff. In parallel, the satellites for Ariane 5's no. 2 mission have begun their checkout at the Spaceport.

Satellite preparations for Arianespace's year-opening mission enter final phase

March 3, 2010

The ASTRA 3B satellite has begun its integration with launch hardware for Ariane 5's March 24 mission. During activity inside the Spaceport's S5 payload integration building, the spacecraft was installed atop a two-piece adapter unit that will serve as the satellite's interface with Ariane 5.

Fueling process completed for ASTRA 3B

March 3, 2010

ASTRA 3B has been "topped off" in preparation for its launch during Ariane 5's first mission of the year, which is set for later this month. This activity was performed in the Spaceport's S5 satellite preparation facility. The ASTRA 3B satellite will be joined by Germany's COMSATBw-2 during Arianespace's year-opening flight.

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR W3B'S LAUNCH BY ARIANE 5

February 25, 2010

Eutelsat's W3B telecommunications satellite is now on the fast track for launch in late 2010, reinforcing Arianespace's ability to accommodate customer mission timing needs. This spacecraft will provide Eutelsat with significant new capacity for broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband services.

THE SECOND PASSENGER FOR ARIANE 5�S YEAR-OPENING FLIGHT IS IN FRENCH GUIANA

February 23, 2010

Germany's COMSATBw-2 has arrived in French Guiana, joining this secure relay platform with its "sister" payload, ASTRA 3B - which is undergoing pre-launch checkout at the Spaceport. This upcoming dual-payload mission - planned for March 24 - will kick off Arianespace's schedule of seven Ariane 5 missions in 2010.

INITIAL CHECKOUT BEGINS FOR ASTRA 3B

February 22, 2010

Payload preparations are underway for Ariane 5's year-opening flight, with the first-arrived payload now undergoing initial checkout at Europe's Spaceport. This upcoming flight will orbit ASTRA 3B along with another satellite produced by EADS Astrium, COMSATBw-2 - initiating Arianespace's busy schedule of seven Ariane 5 missions in 2010.

FRENCH-ITALIAN ATHENA-FIDUS SATELLITE TO BE LAUNCHED BY ARIANESPACE

February 11, 2010

Arianespace has been selected to orbit the Athena-Fidus satellite within the scope of a contract signed by Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio and the French and Italian space agencies, CNES and ASI. An Ariane 5 or Soyuz vehicle is scheduled to launch this spacecraft - which will weigh about 3,000 kg. - from the Spaceport in French Guiana during the second half of 2013.

ASTRA 3B ARRIVES FOR ARIANESPACE�S MARCH 24 FLIGHT

February 11, 2010

The first of two payloads for Ariane 5's initial mission of 2010 has landed in French Guiana, arriving yesterday aboard an Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner. SES ASTRA's ASTRA 3B is a state-of-the-art Ku- and Ka-band spacecraft designed for the distribution of both direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast services and two-way broadband services across Europe.

ARIANESPACE READIES FOR ANOTHER BUSY YEAR WITH ITS WORKHORSE ARIANE 5

February 5, 2010

Launch campaign activity is in full swing at Europe's Spaceport, where Arianespace's year-opening March 24 mission has moved into its second phase of preparations. Meanwhile, the follow-on flight's launch vehicle has arrived in French Guiana after its trans-Atlantic voyage aboard the MN Toucan transport ship.

SUPPORT CONTRACT IS SIGNED FOR VEGA'S FIRST LAUNCH CAMPAIGN

January 28, 2010

Arianespace and the European Space Agency have signed a contract defining Arianespace's support services for the qualification campaign and combined testing of the lightweight Vega launcher. This testing will be conducted at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana starting in April, in preparation for Vega's service entry toward the end of 2010.

ARIANESPACE SELECTED TO LAUNCH FIRST 10 SATELLITES IN GALILEO CONSTELLATION

January 26, 2010

Arianespace has signed a launch contract for the first 10 Full Operational Capability satellites in Europe's planned Galileo satellite positioning system. The spacecraft will be launched in pairs starting in December 2012, using five Soyuz launchers operated from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

ARIANESPACE COMMEMORATES THREE DECADES OF OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

December 24, 2009

Arianespace's Ariane launcher marks the 30th anniversary of its maiden flight today, highlighting the heavy-lift vehicle's reliability, flexibility and payload delivery accuracy for customers around the globe. Since Ariane 1's historic inaugural liftoff in 1979, a total of 193 Ariane missions have been performed, launching 277 payloads.

ARIANESPACE WRAPS UP ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR OF OPERATIONS

December 18, 2009

Ariane 5 delivered the French Helios 2B military observation satellite into Sun-synchronous polar orbit this afternoon on Arianespace's seventh mission of 2009. Today's flight from Europe's Spaceport marked the 35th consecutive success for Ariane 5 during seven years of operation, reinforcing its role as the heavy-lift vehicle of reference for the world's commercial launch services sector.

FLIGHT 193 - HELIOS 2B: LAUNCH DELAYED

December 17, 2009

An anomaly occurred during final chronology for Flight 193-HELIOS 2B, thus halting the count-down. Since the launch was to occur within a precise instant, a new attempt was not possible today. The launch vehicle and its HELIOS 2B satellite payload are in stand-by mode and maintained in fully safe conditions. A new date for the mission will be announced as soon as possible.

FINAL ARIANE 5 FOR 2009 RETURNS TO THE LAUNCH PAD

December 16, 2009

Ariane 5 has been transferred to the ELA-3 launch zone with its Helios 2B satellite payload, starting the final countdown to a mid-day liftoff tomorrow. Arianespace's seventh mission of 2009 will deploy this 4,200-kg. French spacecraft into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit.

NEW LAUNCH DATE SET FOR ARIANE 5'S FINAL MISSION OF THE YEAR

December 14, 2009

Arianespace's year-end mission with Helios 2B is now set for December 17 from the Spaceport in French Guiana. The French military observation satellite is riding as a solo payload on this upcoming flight, which is the seventh of 2009 for the workhorse Ariane 5 launcher.

ARIANE 5 ROLLS OUT TO THE LAUNCH ZONE WITH HELIOS 2B

December 8, 2009

Ariane 5 is ready for its seventh flight of 2009 following today's rollout to the ELA-3 launch facility from the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport. Liftoff of the Ariane 5 GS is set for 1:26 p.m., with the French Helios 2B being injected into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit during a mission lasting 59 min., 23 sec.

ARIANE 5 IS AUTHORIZED FOR LAUNCH WITH HELIOS 2B

December 7, 2009

The green light has been given for Ariane 5's year-ending flight with the French Helios 2B military observation satellite. This go-ahead followed today's successful launch readiness review - which validated the status of Ariane 5 and its payload, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport, and the network of downrange tracking stations. Liftoff of this Ariane 5 GS is set for 1:26 p.m. on December 9, with Helios 2B being injected into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit during a mission lasting 59 min., 23 sec.

ARIANESPACE MARKS 30th ANNIVERSARY OF ARIANE'S FIRST FLIGHT

December 3, 2009

Thirty years of launch services excellence with the Ariane launcher family was celebrated by Arianespace in Washington, D.C. Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall recalled the maiden flight of Ariane 1 on Christmas Eve 1979, and underscored the importance of launch services maturity and continuity in today's competitive marketplace.

ARIANESPACE'S LAST ARIANE 5 FLIGHT OF 2009 ENTERS FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR LIFTOFF

December 2, 2009

Ariane 5 is being readied for its year-end launch with France's Helios 2B military observation satellite. This seventh mission of 2009 is set for 1:26 p.m. on December 9 from the Spaceport in French Guiana, with its payload to be injected into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit during a mission lasting 59 min., 23 sec.

THE FIRST DELIVERY OF SOYUZ LAUNCHERS TO FRENCH GUIANA IS COMPLETED

November 25, 2009

All elements of the initial two Soyuz vehicles shipped to the Spaceport have now been brought ashore and are on French Guiana soil. This completes a three-day unloading process from the MN Colibri transport ship, with the last of some 50 containers now being moved in road convoys from the dock near Kourou to the Spaceport. The MN Colibri arrived in French Guiana on November 23, completing a transatlantic crossing from St. Petersburg, Russia that began on November 7.

ARIANESPACE'S FIRST SOYUZ LAUNCHERS ARE DELIVERED TO FRENCH GUIANA

November 24, 2009

The first two Soyuz to be operated by Arianespace have arrived in French Guiana, making a new milestone for the introduction of this venerable launcher from the Spaceport. The Soyuz vehicles were transported by the MN Colibri roll-on/roll-off transport ship, which docked on schedule yesterday morning at Pariacabo port near Kourou after completing the transatlantic voyage from Russia.

ARIANESPACE RECEIVES THE SEVENTH ARIANE 5 FOR LAUNCH IN 2009

November 16, 2009

The Ariane 5 GS version for Arianespace's upcoming flight is now in the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building following delivery by prime contractor EADS Astrium Space Transportation. This launcher will orbit the Helios 2B French military reconnaissance satellite in a mission scheduled for December 9.

SOYUZ' MOBILE LAUNCH GANTRY TAKES SHAPE AT THE SPACEPORT

November 12, 2009

Preparations for the introduction of Arianespace's Soyuz missions from French Guiana have entered a new phase with assembly startup for the launcher's mobile service gantry at the Spaceport. The 52-meter-tall gantry will be one of the main differences from Soyuz' other launch sites at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.

SOYUZ IS HEADED TO FRENCH GUIANA

November 7, 2009

In an historic step for Arianespace's expansion of its launcher family, the initial two Soyuz vehicles have been loaded aboard a roll-on/roll-off ship at St. Petersburg, Russia for their transatlantic voyage to the Spaceport in French Guiana. These launchers will be the first operated from the Spaceport, with Arianespace's new Soyuz service to be inaugurated in 2010.

FIRST TWO SOYUZ LAUNCHERS ARE READIED FOR SHIPMENT TO THE SPACEPORT

November 5, 2009

Loading has begun for Arianespace's initial two Soyuz launchers to be operated from the Spaceport, which are to make their transatlantic voyage from St. Petersburg to French Guiana beginning this weekend. These Russian-built vehicles will be carried aboard the MN Colibri transport ship, which is to cover the 5,119-nautical mile Atlantic Ocean crossing in 15 days.

ARIANESPACE MAINTAINS ROBUST 2009 MISSION PACE WITH ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ARIANE 5 LAUNCH

October 29, 2009

Arianespace completed its sixth mission of 2009 from Europe�s Spaceport in French Guiana today, keeping up the busiest calendar year of launch activity for Ariane 5 since its commercial introduction in 1999. The flight orbited a new customer�s satellite, THOR 6 for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting AS, along with SES WORLD SKIES� NSS-12 � which is the 32nd spacecraft from the SES group of companies that has been entrusted for an Ariane launch.

ARIANE 5 CLEARS INITIAL BUILD-UP PHASE FOR FINAL FLIGHT OF 2009

October 28, 2009

Basic assembly has been completed for the Ariane 5 to be launched during Arianespace�s seventh and final flight of 2009. This activity clears the way for final integration and check-out steps in advance of the heavy-lift vehicle�s transfer to the Final Assembly Building at Europe�s Spaceport.

ARIANE 5 ROLLS OUT TO THE LAUNCH ZONE WITH ITS MULTI-SATELLITE PAYLOAD

October 28, 2009

Ariane 5 is ready for its sixth mission of 2009 following today�s rollout to the ELA-3 launch facility from the Final Assembly Building at Europe�s Spaceport. This October 29 flight will orbit SES WORLD SKIES� NSS-12 and THOR 6 for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting AS, with liftoff scheduled during a 1 hr., 40 min. launch window that opens at 5:00 p.m., local time in French Guiana.

ARIANE 5 IS AUTHORIZED FOR ITS DUAL-PASSENGER LAUNCH

October 27, 2009

Arianespace's sixth heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission of 2009 has been cleared for its October 29 liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana. The go-ahead was given following today's launch readiness review - which validated the status of Ariane 5, the NSS-12 and THOR 6 satellite payloads, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport and the network of downrange tracking stations.

ARIANE 5 IS COMPLETE FOR ARIANESPACE�S SIXTH FLIGHT OF 2009

October 22, 2009

Now fitted with its dual payload 'stack' of NSS-12 and THOR 6, Ariane 5 is ready for a final series of preparation milestones in advance of its October 29 liftoff. Final integration activity took place at the Spaceport in French Guiana � to be followed by the launch readiness review on October 27 and Ariane 5�s subsequent rollout to the ELA-3 launch zone the next day.

ARIANESPACE�S SIXTH ARIANE 5 FOR LAUNCH IN 2009 RECEIVES ITS FIRST OF TWO SATELLITE PAYLOADS

October 20, 2009

The THOR 6 spacecraft for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting has been installed as the lower payload on Ariane 5, moving preparations for Arianespace's sixth mission of 2009 into their final phase. This launch is scheduled for an October 29 evening liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana, and also will carry SES WORLD SKIES' NSS-12 telecommunications relay platform on another of Ariane 5's trademark dual-payload flights.

INTEGRATION BEGINS FOR THE SEVENTH ARIANE 5 TO BE LAUNCHED IN 2009

October 15, 2009

The seventh and final Ariane 5 for launch in 2009 has begun its assembly process in French Guiana, maintaining the pace for Arianespace's busiest year of flight activity since the workhorse launcher's December 1999 commercial introduction. This latest vehicle is taking shape inside the Launcher Integration Building at Europe's Spaceport, and it will be built up on one of two mobile launch tables operational for Ariane 5.

NEXT ARIANE 5 MISSION MOVES INTO FINAL PREPARATION PHASE

October 12, 2009

Arianespace has taken delivery of the sixth Ariane 5 for launch in 2009, keeping the company on track for a record year of launch activity with the heavy-lift workhorse. The vehicle's dual payload - SES WORLD SKIES' NSS-12 spacecraft and THOR 6 for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting - will now be installed under Arianespace responsibility in the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building.

ARIANESPACE MARKS THE 33rd CONSECUTIVE MISSION SUCCESS FOR ARIANE 5

October 1, 2009

Ariane 5 successfully lofted the civilian Amazonas 2 satellite and the COMSATBw-1 military telecommunications platform from the Spaceport in French Guiana today. This latest launch maintains Arianespace's robust mission pace, with a total of seven flights planned during 2009 - the busiest year of launch activity for Ariane 5 since its commercial introduction in 1999.

MAINTAINING THE LAUNCH RATE FOR ARIANE 5: TWO MISSIONS IN FULL SWING

September 30, 2009

Arianespace is continuing its sustained launch pace - with the next mission ready for an October 1 liftoff, and payloads for the following flight now undergoing final checkout at the Spaceport. The October 1 liftoff will be Ariane 5's fifth mission of 2009, carrying the civilian Amazonas 2 satellite for Spain's HISPASAT, along with the German COMSATBw-1 military telecommunications platform. The next flight will orbit SES WORLD SKIES' NSS-12 and THOR 6 for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting.

INTEGRATION IS COMPLETE FOR ARIANESPACE'S FIFTH ARIANE 5 TO BE LAUNCHED IN 2009

September 25, 2009

The Amazonas 2 and COMSATBw-1 satellites have been installed atop their heavy-lift Ariane 5, which is now undergoing a final series of checks in preparation for liftoff on September 30 from the Spaceport in French Guiana. Amazonas 2 will be operated by Spain's HISPASAT with a coverage area extending from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. COMSATBw-1 is a German military satellite that will play an important role in the German Bundeswehr's (German Armed Forces) concept for network-centric operations.

COMPONENTS FOR SEVENTH ARIANE 5 OF 2009 ARRIVE AT THE SPACEPORT

September 23, 2009

Arianespace is maintaining its robust mission pace with delivery of the latest Ariane 5, which will embark on a record seventh flight of 2009 later this year. Arriving in French Guiana from Europe via the MN Toucan, it was transferred by road to the Spaceport - where it is now ready to begin initial build-up in the Launcher Integration Building.

FINAL PAYLOAD INTEGRATION IS UNDERWAY FOR ARIANESPACE'S FIFTH MISSION OF 2009

September 21, 2009

The Amazonas 2 satellite has been encapsulated inside Ariane 5's ogive-shaped payload fairing in preparation for the heavy-lift vehicle's launch later this month. This spacecraft - which will provide the Spanish-based HISPASAT telecommunications operator with relay capacity over the Americas - will ride on the dual-payload flight with the German military satellite COMSATBw-1.

NEW MILESTONES FOR ARIANESPACE'S PARALLEL LAUNCH CAMPAIGNS

September 17, 2009

The next two Ariane 5 missions are being readied for their upcoming launches, as the Amazonas 2 payload for Arianespace's fifth flight of 2009 began final integration, and the sixth launcher completed its basic build-up during activity at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

COMSATBw-1 BEGINS PRE-LAUNCH CHECKOUT AT THE SPACEPORT

September 15, 2009

Pre-launch processing is underway for the COMSATBw-1 military relay satellite, as preparations for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 flight of 2009 continue at Europe's Spaceport. In parallel activity, this upcoming mission's second passenger - Amazonas 2 - has been topped off with its propellant load in the S5B fueling and integration hall.

BUILD-UP BEGINS FOR THE SIXTH ARIANE 5 TO BE LAUNCHED THIS YEAR

September 9, 2009

Parallel Ariane 5 launch campaigns are once again underway at the Spaceport in French Guiana as Arianespace prepares for the fifth and sixth flights of its heavy-lift launcher during 2009. In the latest activity, the no. 6 vehicle has begun taking shape in the Launcher Integration Building, while the for Arianespace's fifth Ariane 5 of 2009 is in the Final Assembly Building awaiting the installation of its COMSATBw-1 and Amazonas 2 satellite passengers for a liftoff scheduled at the end of this month.

ARIANESPACE AT THE WORLD SATELLITE BUSINESS WEEK

September 8, 2009

During a panel session at the 2009 World Satellite Business Week conference in Paris, Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall underscores Arianespace's continued commitment to launch services quality and reliability. While other launch service providers have suffered recent setbacks, Le Gall describes how Arianespace remains on track for the busiest calendar year of heavy-lift launches with Ariane 5, maintains a record order book backlog and continues to prepare for the introduction of its medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega from French Guiana.

GERMAN MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE IS READIED FOR ITS ARIANE 5 LAUNCH

September 4, 2009

Germany's COMSATBw-1 military communications satellite has arrived in French Guiana to begin its pre-launch processing in preparation for Ariane 5's late September mission. This secure relay platform will play an important role in the German Bundeswehr's (German armed forces) concept for network-centric operations.

AMAZONAS 2 BEGINS PRE-LAUNCH PROCESSING FOR ARIANESPACE'S ARIANE 5 MISSION LATER THIS MONTH

September 2, 2009

The Amazonas 2 satellite for Ariane 5's upcoming mission has begun initial checkout at the Spaceport in French Guiana. This commercial telecommunications satellite will be joined by the German COMSATBw-1 military telecommunications satellite on Arianespace's fifth heavy-lift launch of 2009, which is planned for the end of September.

ARIANESPACE TAKES DELIVERY OF THE FIFTH ARIANE 5 IN 2009

September 1, 2009

A new milestone has been reached for the fifth Ariane 5 mission of 2009, as Arianespace receives the launch vehicle for this upcoming flight with the Amazonas 2 and GMS satellites. Delivery was marked by Ariane 5's transfer from the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building - where its initial build-up was performed by industrial prime contractor EADS Astrium - to the Final Assembly Building, where Arianespace will oversee payload integration.

FIRST PAYLOAD FOR ARIANESPACE'S FIFTH ARIANE 5 MISSION OF 2009 IS DELIVERED

August 28, 2009

HISPASAT's Amazonas 2 telecommunications relay satellite has arrived in French Guiana aboard an Antonov An-124 jetliner, which landed at Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport this morning. The EADS Astrium-built spacecraft will now begin final preparations for liftoff in late September on a dual-payload Ariane 5 mission.

A 32nd CONSECUTIVE MISSION SUCCESS FOR ARIANESPACE�S ARIANE 5

August 21, 2009

Ariane 5 successfully lofted the JCSAT-12 and Optus D3 telecommunications satellites from the Spaceport in French Guiana tonight. Lifting off from the ELA-3 launch zone, the Ariane 5 deployed its payloads - both U.S.-built spacecraft for Asia-Pacific customers - during a 34-minute flight sequence.

ARIANESPACE BEGINS FINAL COUNTDOWN FOR FOURTH ARIANE 5 FLIGHT OF 2009

August 21, 2009

The final countdown for Ariane 5's mission with the JCSAT-12 and Optus D3 telecommunications satellites is underway at Europe's Spaceport. Liftoff of this heavy-lift vehicle is scheduled for tonight, at the start of a one-hour launch window that opens at 7:09 p.m. in French Guiana.

KEEPING UP THE MISSION PACE: THREE ARIANE 5 LAUNCHERS PROCESSED AT THE SPACEPORT

August 20, 2009

Arianespace's 2009 mission rate is being continuing apace as three Ariane 5 vehicles are now in the workflow for launches from French Guiana. One Ariane 5 rolled out today for liftoff with the JCSAT-12 and Optus D3 telecom satellites tomorrow night, while another launcher is ready for its move into the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building. The third Ariane 5 arrived this week in French Guiana aboard a sea-going transport ship and will soon begin its build-up.

ARIANESPACE'S AUGUST 21 FLIGHT IS AUTHORIZED FOR LIFTOFF

August 19, 2009

The green light has been given for Ariane 5's upcoming mission with JCSAT-12 and Optus D3 following today's launch readiness review at the Spaceport in French Guiana. This go-ahead clears the way for the rollout of Ariane 5 tomorrow from its Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone.

ARIANESPACE COMPLETES PAYLOAD INTEGRATION FOR NEXT MISSION

August 17, 2009

Now fitted with its dual payload "stack," Ariane 5 is undergoing a final checkout in preparation for the heavy-lift vehicle's August 21 liftoff from Europe's Spaceport. Arianespace will loft the JCSAT-12 and Optus D3 telecommunications satellites for two of its key Asia-Pacific customers on this fourth launch of 2009.

FIRST OF TWO PAYLOADS INTEGRATED FOR ARIANESPACE'S NEXT HEAVY-LIFT MISSION

August 13, 2009

Installation of the Optus D3 telecommunications satellite on Ariane 5's core stage was completed inside the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, marking the initial step of final integration for the August 21 flight's dual-passenger payload "stack."

JCSAT-12 AND OPTUS D3 SPACECRAFT ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO LIFTOFF

August 12, 2009

Integration of both satellite payloads continues for Arianespace's fourth heavy-lift mission of 2009, set for a nighttime launch from Europe's Spaceport on August 21. The flight's lower passenger, Optus D3, has been installed atop its adapter unit, while Ariane 5's payload fairing is now in place over the JCSAT-12 satellite and the SYLDA dispenser system.

PAYLOAD "STACK" BUILD-UP IS UNDERWAY FOR NEXT ARIANE 5 MISSION

August 11, 2009

Spacecraft integration activity for Arianespace's August 21 launch began yesterday with JCSAT-12's installation atop the Ariane 5 SYLDA dual-payload dispenser system. This telecommunications satellite will ride as the flight's upper passenger and is to be deployed first in the mission sequence, followed by the Optus D3 spacecraft.

JCSAT-12 IS FUELED FOR ARIANESPACE'S FOURTH FLIGHT OF 2009

August 7, 2009

Ariane 5's JCSAT-12 passenger has been loaded with its propellant as part of final preparations for Arianespace's next heavy-lift mission, which is set for later this month. This satellite is one of a pair of U.S.-built spacecraft to be carried on the dual-payload flight, both to be operated by Asia-Pacific operators.

OPTUS D3 IS FUELED FOR ARIANESPACE'S UPCOMING DUAL-PASSENGER ARIANE 5 LAUNCH

August 6, 2009

The final phase of payload preparations has begun for Arianespace's next heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission, which is set for later this month with the Optus D3 and JCSAT-12 satellite passengers. This activity includes Optus D3's propellant loading, which occurred in the S5A fueling and integration hall of the Spaceport's S5 satellite preparation facility.

ARIANESPACE CHAIRMAN & CEO DETAILS POTENTIAL ROLE FOR ARIANE 5 IN U.S. SPACE EXPLORATION

August 5, 2009

Jean-Yves Le Gall tells members of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee that Arianespace's world-leading large capacity launch vehicle is available to support the future of U.S. space exploration - including cargo resupply flights for the International Space Station, along with missions to the Moon and Mars. Le Gall was in Washington, D.C. to address the committee, which was created to evaluate the United States' future human spaceflight operations.

ARIANE 5 CLEARS INITIAL BUILD-UP PHASE FOR FIFTH FLIGHT OF 2009

August 3, 2009

Initial assembly is complete for the fifth Ariane 5 to be launched this year, as preparations continue for another of Arianespace's trademark dual-satellite payload missions. This heavy-lift Ariane 5 was fitted with its ESC-A upper stage and vehicle equipment bay - which were installed as a single unit - inside the Launcher Integration Building at Europe's Spaceport.

ARIANESPACE'S FIFTH ARIANE 5 OF 2009 TAKES SHAPE

July 24, 2009

Build-up has begun for the fifth Ariane 5 to be launched this year � starting with the core cryogenic stage's erection and the mating of its initial solid propellant booster. This activity � which is taking place in the Spaceport's Launcher Assembly Building � is in parallel with preparations for Arianespace's August mission with the no. 4 heavy-lift vehicle, which is currently in the Final Assembly Building.

OPTUS D3 BEGINS PRE-LAUNCH CHECKOUT FOR MID-AUGUST MISSION

July 23, 2009

Pre-launch processing is underway for the Optus D3 satellite, as preparations for Arianespace's fourth heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission of 2009 continue a Europe's Spaceport. This dual-payload flight will carry a pair of U.S.-built spacecraft to be operated by two Asia-Pacific operators.

PREPARATIONS ADVANCE AT SOYUZ LAUNCH SITE

July 23, 2009

The validation of two new ground infrastructure elements - the multi-mode tractor, and the rail-based kerosene propellant delivery system - are part of the latest activity at the Soyuz launch facility. Arianespace is readying the site at Europe's Spaceport for the introduction of this legendary medium-lift vehicle to its family of launchers in 2010.

ARIANESPACE CHOSEN TO LAUNCH HYLAS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE

July 22, 2009

Arianespace's 11th Service & Solutions contract of 2009 was signed to loft HYLAS, the first satellite entrusted to Arianespace by new European operator Avanti Communications. An Ariane 5 or Soyuz launcher is scheduled to launch this 2,750-kg spacecraft - which will be Europe's first superfast broadband satellite, serving customers all over the continent - from the Spaceport in French Guiana during the first part of 2010.

SECOND PAYLOAD FOR MID-AUGUST ARIANE 5 MISSION ARRIVES IN FRENCH GUIANA

July 21, 2009

Optus D3 was delivered today to French Guiana's Rochambeau International Airport by a chartered cargo jetliner, which carried this Orbital Sciences Corporation-built spacecraft from its manufacturing facility in the United States. It will be launched with satellite co-passenger JCSAT-12 aboard a heavy-lift Ariane 5 next month during Arianespace's fourth mission of 2009.

PREPARATIONS MOVE FORWARD FOR ARIANE 5'S FOURTH MISSION OF 2009

July 20, 2009

Activities in advance of Arianespace's mid-August liftoff continue as the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA is delivered by prime contractor EADS Astrium to the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport. In addition, the JCSAT-12 satellite - one of the launcher's two passengers for the mission - has entered pre-launch checkout in the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation facility.

ARIANESPACE MARKS 31ST CONSECUTIVE MISSION SUCCESS FOR ARIANE 5

July 1, 2009

Ariane 5 successfully lofted the world's largest commercial satellite, TerreStar-1, from the Spaceport in French Guiana today - marking another record-setting flight for this workhorse Arianespace vehicle. Lifting off from the ELA-3 launch zone, the Ariane 5 deployed TerreStar-1 into geostationary transfer orbit 26 minutes later.

ARIANE 5 TRANSFERRED TO LAUNCH ZONE IN PREPARATION FOR TOMORROW'S LIFTOFF

June 29, 2009

Fully integrated with its TerreStar-1 payload, Ariane 5 is ready for liftoff from Europe's Spaceport following its rollout to the ELA-3 launch facility from the Final Assembly Building this morning. Arianespace's mission will be the company's third flight of the heavy-lift vehicle in 2009, with a total of seven launches planned during the year.

ARIANE 5 IS AUTHORIZED FOR LAUNCH WITH TERRESTAR-1

June 29, 2009

Arianespace's third heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission of 2009 has been cleared for its July 1 liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana. The go-ahead was given following today's launch readiness review - which validated the status of Ariane 5, its TerreStar-1 payload, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport, and the network of downrange tracking stations.

ARIANE 5 NOW COMPLETE FOR ARIANESPACE'S UPCOMING MISSION

June 25, 2009

With the installation of Ariane 5's payload fairing over the TerreStar-1 payload, integration of the heavy-lift launcher is now complete for its July 1 mission from Europe's Spaceport. Launch teams have since been validating the vehicle's final configuration in preparation for its launch pad rollout on June 30.

VEGA LAUNCH SITE COMPLETES INITIAL PREPARATION PHASE

June 25, 2009

The Spaceport's ELA-1 facility - where Arianespace's lightweight Vega will be operated - is now ready for integration and qualification tests. These activities are scheduled to begin this summer at the refurbished site, which was previously used between 1979 and 1989 for missions with the Ariane 1 and 3 launcher versions.

TERRESTAR-1 SPACECRAFT TAKES ONE STEP CLOSER TO LIFTOFF

June 22, 2009

Ariane 5 has received its TerreStar-1 payload in preparation for the heavy-lift launcher's July 1 mission from Europe's Spaceport. The Space Systems/Loral-built satellite will provide coverage over the U.S. and Canada - offering voice, data and video communications to satellite/terrestrial mobile devices the size of a typical smart phone.

ASSEMBLY MILESTONE FOR FOURTH ARIANE 5 OF 2009

June 22, 2009

The fourth Ariane 5 for launch by Arianespace in 2009 has completed its initial build-up inside the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building. Industrial prime contractor EADS Astrium topped off the vehicle with Ariane 5's upper composite - which consists of the ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and equipment bay.

TERRESTAR-1 READIES FOR JULY 1 MISSION ABOARD ARIANE 5

June 22, 2009

TerreStar-1 has been mated to the cone-shaped adapter unit that will serve as the interface with its Ariane 5 ECA in preparation for Arianespace's third mission of the year. The next step for this payload - the world's largest civilian telecommunications satellite - is its transfer to the Ariane 5 Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport.

TERRESTAR-1 SATELLITE IS FUELED FOR ARIANESPACE�S JULY 1 HEAVY-LIFT MISSION

June 19, 2009

Ariane 5's TerreStar-1 passenger has been loaded with its propellant in the S5A fueling and integration hall at Europe's Spaceport. This Space Systems/Loral-built spacecraft - which is to be the largest commercial telecommunications satellite ever launched - will provide critical services for government, emergency responders, rural communities and commercial users.

LAUNCH SITE READIES FOR INTRODUCTION OF VEGA

June 19, 2009

Initial preparations have been completed at the Spaceport's ELA-1 launch site, which has been refurbished and updated for missions with the new lightweight Vega. This activity includes upgrading and resurfacing the concrete launch pad, installing a new purpose-built mobile gantry, refurbishing the support infrastructure and connecting the site's various supply lines.

ARIANESPACE ON TRACK FOR ANOTHER RECORD YEAR

June 16, 2009

Speaking to international reporters at the company's Paris Air Show press conference, Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall highlighted Ariane 5's sustained mission pace in 2009, as well as continued preparations to introduce Soyuz and Vega at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. Demonstrating Arianespace's strong market position, two upcoming Ariane 5 missions to launch telecommunications satellites also were announced at the biennial event - ST-2 for Singapore and Taiwan in 2011 and ABS-2 for Hong Kong operator Asia Broadcast Satellite in 2012.

ARIANESPACE CHOSEN TO LAUNCH FIRST GALILEO SATELLITES

June 15, 2009

Arianespace has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) at the 2009 Paris Air Show to launch the first operational Galileo navigation satellites. Two Soyuz medium-lift vehicles are scheduled to loft the four spacecraft in pairs from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana beginning in the second half of 2010. On a busy first day at the biennial air show event, Arianespace also entered into contracts with RUAG Aerospace for a series of payload adapters; and with Oerlikon Space AG for payload fairings - all to be used on the 35 Ariane 5 launchers for the upcoming PB batch ordered by Arianespace. The company signed a framework contract as well with ESA concerning the procurement of launch services for future ESA missions.

ARIANESPACE AT THE 2009 PARIS AIR SHOW

June 12, 2009

Arianespace will have a high-profile presence at this year's Paris Air Show on June 15-21, with a special focus on the company's growing family of launch vehicles. As part of its participation at the biennial event, Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall will hold a press conference with members of the international news media.

BUILD-UP PROCESS BEGINS FOR THE FOURTH ARIANE 5 OF 2009

June 12, 2009

A new Ariane 5 began taking shape in the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building this week with the erection of its cryogenic core stage, which was then moved into position over one of two operational mobile launch tables for the heavy-lift vehicle. In parallel, another Ariane 5 ECA is in the Final Assembly Building, where it is awaiting the integration of its TerreStar-1 payload. This spacecraft - which will be operated by TerreStar Networks Inc. - is to be the largest commercial telecommunications satellite ever launched.

THE HEAVY-LIFT ARIANE 5 IS READIED FOR ITS TERRESTAR-1 PAYLOAD

June 3, 2009

Arianespace has received the heavy-lift Ariane 5 for its upcoming mission with the world's largest commercial telecommunications satellite to be launched - TerreStar-1. This vehicle was delivered to the Final Assembly Building today, where preparations will begin for the late June liftoff on Arianespace's third flight of 2009

HERSCHEL PROVIDES VIEW OF SYLDA 5 DEPLOYMENT ON MAY 14 MISSION

May 26, 2009

Herschel's Visual Monitoring Camera captured a unique series of in-flight photos of the SYLDA 5 payload dispenser's jettison during Ariane 5's latest mission success. The images - which are part of an animated sequence created by the European Space Agency - were taken at an altitude of more than 1,000 km. above Africa.

ARIANESPACE CHOSEN TO LAUNCH THE ALPHASAT I-XL COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE

May 20, 2009

Arianespace's eighth Service & Solutions contract of 2009 was signed to loft the new Alphasat I-XL communications satellite, to be used by British operator Inmarsat. Ariane 5 is scheduled to launch the satellite - which will provide advanced mobile voice and data communications services across Europe, Africa and the Middle East - from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana in 2012. This contract follows a partnership agreement between Inmarsat and the European Space Agency (ESA) concerning the commercialization of the first mission to use the new European platform, Alphabus.

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY VISITS FRENCH GUIANA

May 19, 2009

On a visit to French Guiana last week to witness the successful launch of his agency's Herschel and Planck spacecraft, European Space Agency Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain was updated on preparations for the upcoming introduction of the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega at the Spaceport. Dordain also toured the new launch facilities for both vehicles, accompanied by Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall.

PRE-LAUNCH PROCESSING BEGINS FOR TERRESTAR-1 AT THE SPACEPORT

May 19, 2009

TerreStar-1 has begun pre-launch processing at the Spaceport in French Guiana for its upcoming mission on Ariane 5. The largest commercial telecommunications satellite ever to be launched has already undergone a fit-check with the adapter that will serve as its interface with the Ariane 5.

TERRESTAR-1 ARRIVES IN FRENCH GUIANA FOR ITS LATE JUNE LIFTOFF

May 18, 2009

The payload for Ariane 5's third launch of 2009 has landed in French Guiana, arriving aboard an An-124 cargo aircraft from its U.S. production site in Palo Alto, California. TerreStar-1 - the world's largest commercial satellite ever to be launched - will be lofted on a dedicated Ariane 5.

ARIANESPACE MARKS ANOTHER SUCCESS FOR ARIANE 5

May 14, 2009

Arianespace completed its second Ariane 5 flight of 2009 this morning, placing the Herschel space telescope and the Planck observatory on their way to deep space missions that will help unlock some of the universe's mysteries. This 44th mission for Ariane 5 - the first with payloads destined for the Sun-Earth system's second Lagrange point - is the 30th consecutive success for the heavy-lift launch vehicle.

ARIANE 5 MOVES TO THE LAUNCH ZONE IN PREPARATION FOR TOMORROW'S LIFTOFF

May 13, 2009

Fully integrated with its dual space science payload of Herschel and Planck, Ariane 5 rolled out of its final assembly building this morning and was secured in place on the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport. The heavy-lift vehicle's second mission of 2009 is now ready for final pre-launch preparations and countdown to a rare morning liftoff tomorrow, May 14 at 10:12 a.m. (local time in French Guiana).

LAUNCH READINESS FOR MILESTONE ARIANE 5 MISSION IS VALIDATED

May 12, 2009

Ariane 5's deep space science mission has been given the green light for liftoff after a successful launch readiness review of the heavy-lift vehicle, its Herschel and Planck payloads, the Spaceport's infrastructure and the network of downrange tracking stations. This validation clears the way for tomorrow's rollout of the vehicle from its final assembly building to the ELA-3 launch zone.

INTEGRATION OF ARIANE 5 IS COMPLETED FOR ARIANESPACE'S SECOND MISSION OF 2009

May 11, 2009

The second Ariane 5 for launch this year is now complete following installation of its payload fairing over the May 14 mission's passengers, Herschel and Planck. This milestone clears the way for final preparation and arming of the launch vehicle, which will be followed by Ariane 5's roll-out to the launch pad on May 13.

SECOND PASSENGER INTEGRATED ON ARIANE 5 FOR MAY 14 SPACE SCIENCE MISSION

May 4, 2009

The Herschel space telescope has joined its Planck observatory co-passenger on Ariane 5 at Europe's Spaceport. Preparations for the heavy-lift vehicle's May 14 launch from French Guiana now enter their final phase, which includes a "top-up" of liquid helium in Herschel's cryostat cooling system.

ARIANESPACE'S CHAIRMAN & CEO SPEAKS OUT IN "SPACE NEWS"

April 30, 2009

In an editorial published by space industry newspaper Space News, Jean-Yves Le Gall responds to satellite operators' pressure on prices, as well as the push for new entrants to the launch services industry. In addition, Le Gall details Arianespace's efforts to assure quality and bolster capacity within the launch sector.

SOYUZ' NEW OPERATING SITE CONTINUES TO TAKE SHAPE

April 30, 2009

A photo report details the latest preparations for Soyuz' new operating base at the Spaceport in French Guiana. Now included in the launch site's ground infrastructure is the Soyuz transporter/erector, which will deliver assembled vehicles from their assembly building to the launch pad - where the payloads will be integrated.

INTEGRATION MILESTONE FOR ARIANE 5'S LAUNCH WITH HERSCHEL AND PLANCK

April 29, 2009

Ariane 5's lower passenger for its second mission of 2009 - the Planck space observatory - has been encapsulated in the SYLDA dispenser system, which allows the heavy-lift launcher to carry its dual space science payload. Planck will be joined on this upcoming flight from Europe's Spaceport by Herschel, which is the largest space telescope ever launched.

LAUNCH DATE SET FOR ARIANE 5 FLIGHT WITH HERSCHEL AND PLANCK

April 28, 2009

The second Ariane 5 mission of 2009 is set for a May 14 liftoff, following additional checks on the heavy-lift launch vehicle. This flight will carry the Herschel telescope and Planck observatory - two European Space Agency-developed space science payloads that are designed to study the universe's origins.

FINAL PAYLOAD INTEGRATION BEGINS FOR ARIANE 5'S UPCOMING FLIGHT

April 24, 2009

The Planck space observatory has been installed atop Ariane 5's core stage as preparations for the second Arianespace mission of 2009 enter their final phase. Planck is riding in the lower position of the launcher's dual payload "stack," and will be situated below the Herschel space telescope - which is to be integrated next on Ariane 5.

LAUNCH INFRASTRUCTURE INSTALLED FOR SOYUZ AT EUROPE'S SPACEPORT

April 23, 2009

The Soyuz launch site in French Guiana received its "muscle" with the mounting of a system of four primary support arms and two umbilical masts for the medium-lift vehicle. This installation marked another important step in preparations for the introduction of Soyuz - which will join the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and future lightweight Vega - at its new Spaceport operating base.

HERSCHEL SPACE TELESCOPE "CHILLS OUT" FOR ITS UPCOMING ARIANE 5 SPACE SCIENCE MISSION

April 22, 2009

The cryostat of the Herschel space telescope was loaded with liquid helium in preparation for its upcoming launch on Ariane 5. This high-tech cooling system will keep the temperature of Herschel's scientific instrument detectors at absolute zero, which will help the payload gather data on the formation of stars and galaxies.

HERSCHEL-PLANCK LAUNCH POSTPONED SEVERAL DAYS

April 20, 2009

Due to an anomaly discovered during tests on a subassembly identical to one on the Ariane 5 launcher, Arianespace has decided to carry out additional checks, which will take several days. A new launch date will be announced shortly.

HIGHLIGHTING A 20-YEAR RELATIONSHIP WITH JAPAN

April 16, 2009

Arianespace's yearly Japan Week event included the announcement of SKY Perfect JSAT's launch services contract for the JCSAT-13 satellite.� This was the 27th order won by Arianespace out of 36 Japanese commercial contracts open to competition.

ARIANESPACE SELECTED TO LAUNCH SKY PERFECT JSAT CORPORATION'S JCSAT-13 COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE

April 16, 2009

Arianespace's seventh Service & Solutions contract of 2009 was signed with Japanese operator SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation to loft the new JCSAT-13 communications satellite. Ariane 5 is scheduled to launch the satellite - which will provide broadcasting and telecommunications services for Japan and the Asia-Pacific region - from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana in 2013.

THE DUAL-SATELLITE PAYLOAD FOR ARIANE 5'S UPCOMING FLIGHT ENTERS FINAL PREPARATIONS

April 16, 2009

The Herschel space telescope and Planck observatory have now been fueled at the Spaceport, and are being readied for integration in Ariane 5's payload "stack." Both spacecraft were developed in programs managed by the European Space Agency, which is Arianespace's customer for this May 6 flight.

ARIANESPACE AWARDED LAUNCH CONTRACT FOR NEW DAWN SATELLITE

April 14, 2009

Arianespace has signed an agreement to orbit the Intelsat New Dawn satellite for New Dawn Satellite Company Ltd. - a joint venture between Intelsat and a South African investor group led by Convergence Partners. New Dawn's launch from the Spaceport in French Guiana is planned for the end of 2010, using an Ariane 5 or Soyuz vehicle.

ARIANESPACE SUSTAINS MISSION PACE AS FRENCH GUIANA WELCOMES ANOTHER ARIANE 5

April 10, 2009

Components for the fourth Ariane 5 slated to launch in 2009 arrived in French Guiana this week aboard the MN Toucan transport ship. The launcher elements were then transferred by road to the Spaceport, where they will be positioned for Arianespace's upcoming mission.

HERSCHEL IS FUELED FOR ARIANESPACE'S SECOND HEAVY-LIFT FLIGHT OF 2009

April 9, 2009

The Herschel space telescope is undergoing its fueling process at the Spaceport in French Guiana in preparation for Ariane 5's May 6 launch. Both Herschel and the Planck co-passenger were developed in programs managed by the European Space Agency, which is Arianespace's customer for this flight.

ARIANE 5'S LIFTOFF IS SET FOR MAY 6 WITH HERSCHEL AND PLANCK

April 8, 2009

The completion of flightworthiness checks on the Herschel space telescope payload has enabled Arianespace to set May 6 as the date for its next Ariane 5 mission. This flight will carry Herschel and Planck - two European Space Agency-developed space science payloads that are designed to study the universe's origins.

ARIANESPACE ANNOUNCES 2008 RESULTS

April 8, 2009

Arianespace confirmed its world leadership in launch services at the company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, announcing 2008 sales of 955.7 million euros, with net income of 2.5 million euros. Arianespace won 13 of the 18 launch contracts open to competition last year, and has successfully performed one Ariane 5 mission and signed five new launch contracts in 2009.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINAL LAUNCH DATE FOR ARIANE 5 SPACE SCIENCE MISSION POSTPONED

April 2, 2009

The launch date for Ariane 5's mission with Herschel and Planck is under review as verifications of the European space science payloads are being continued. Engineers are awaiting the new date - to be announced shortly - in order to resume final preparations for the mission.

ARIANESPACE EMPHASIZES THE PRICE OF QUALITY AT SATELLITE 2009 CONFERENCE

March 24, 2009

Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall underscored the importance of reliable, quality launch services at this week's Satellite 2009 conference in Washington, D.C. Expressing overall confidence about the industry's future, Le Gall also addressed issues such as new market entrants and space-lift capacity.

ARIANESPACE ANNOUNCES MANAGEMENT TEAM CHANGES

March 24, 2009

Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall today announced three appointments to the corporate management team following an Arianespace Board of Directors meeting in Evry, France. These changes will take effect on April 15, 2009.

BUILD UP ACTIVITY BEGINS FOR A NEW ARIANE 5

March 17, 2009

Assembly of the latest Ariane 5 is underway at French Guiana in preparation for a mission to orbit TerreStar-I, the world�s largest and most powerful telecommunications satellite. TerreStar-I is a mobile services satellite currently entering its final integration and testing phase with U.S. spacecraft manufacturer Space Systems/Loral.

NEXT ARIANE 5 LAUNCH DELAYED AT CUSTOMER�S REQUEST

March 13, 2009

Arianespace and the European Space Agency have agreed to postpone the upcoming Ariane 5 mission with Herschel and Plank, allowing time for additional checks on the ground segment of these space science payloads. A new launch date is expected to be announced at the end of March.

ARIANESPACE TAKES DELIVERY OF ITS SECOND ARIANE 5 FOR LAUNCH IN 2009

March 10, 2009

Ariane 5 is ready for integration of the Herschel space telescope and Planck observatory following the heavy-lift vehicle's handover to Arianespace yesterday. The two spacecraft - to be lofted by Ariane 5 during its upcoming April 16 mission - will yield new data on the universe's birth and the formation of stars.

ARIANE 5 AND ARIANESPACE ARE CHRONICLED IN A DOCUMENTARY SCREENED AT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

March 6, 2009

Arianespace and its Ariane 5 mission have a featured role in "Art & Copy," a documentary about the advertising industry that was screened to positive notices at the world's premier showcase for independent films - the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. As part of the production, Arianespace's Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall provided insights on the company's commercial launches, which was compared to the intense efforts that go into the creation of an advertising campaign.

THE THIRD ARIANE 5 IS DELIVERED TO FRENCH GUIANA FOR LAUNCH IN 2009

March 5, 2009

Arianespace is maintaining its Ariane 5 mission pace as the third heavy-lift vehicle slated for launch in 2009 arrived at the Spaceport in French Guiana yesterday. TerreStar-1, one of the world's largest commercial satellites, is the Ariane 5's dedicated payload on this upcoming mission.

PLANCK IS EQUIPPED FOR ITS APRIL LIFTOFF ON ARIANE 5

March 2, 2009

A photo report from the Spaceport in French Guiana details current integration and checkout preparations with Europe's Planck observatory, which will explore relic radiation from the Big Bang after its April 16 launch by Ariane 5. Planck will be lofted with the Herschel space telescope on Arianespace's second Ariane 5 mission of this year.

THE PLANCK OBSERVATORY ARRIVES IN FRENCH GUIANA

February 20, 2009

The two passengers for Arianespace's April 16 mission are now at the Spaceport, following Planck's arrival in French Guiana aboard a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner and subsequent transfer to the S1B clean room. Planck will be joined by Europe's Herschel space telescope during the second Ariane 5 flight of 2009.

THE VEGA MOBILE GANTRY COMPLETES ITS INITIAL ROLLOUT TEST

February 20, 2009

Preparations for Vega's service introduction are progressing in French Guiana, where the initial mobile gantry rollout test has been performed at the Spaceport's refurbished ELA-1 launch site. The ELA-1 facility previously was used for Ariane 1 and 3 vehicles, and is being upgraded and updated to meet Vega's operational requirements.

THE SOYUZ LAUNCH SITE REACHES CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE

February 19, 2009

The Russian-developed launch system for Soyuz' new base of operations in French Guiana is now being installed at the Spaceport. This activity began with placement of the multi-segment "support crown" on the site's concrete launch pad, followed by the mounting of the first of two umbilical masts.

HERSCHEL UNDERGOES INSPECTIONS FOR ITS APRIL 16 FLIGHT WITH ARIANE 5

February 18, 2009

Pre-launch preparations for the Herschel space telescope are underway at Europe's Spaceport, where the spacecraft has completed its inspection for cleanliness. This inspection activity - which utilized ultraviolet light - is part of the verification process to ensure Herschel's 3.5-meter-diameter mirror is free of particles following its cleaning earlier in the month.

ARIANESPACE OPENS 2009 WITH ANOTHER SUCCESS FOR ARIANE 5

February 12, 2009

Arianespace completed its year-opening Ariane 5 flight tonight, orbiting payloads for two of the world's leading satellite communications operators - Eutelsat and SES. Tonight's deployment of the multi-satellite payload - consisting of HOT BIRD™ 10, NSS-9 and two Spirale micro-satellites - marks the 43rd mission for Ariane 5, as well as the 29th consecutive success for the heavy-lift launch vehicle.

THE FIRST ARIANE 5 LAUNCH OF THIS YEAR ENTERS ITS FINAL COUNTDOWN

February 12, 2009

The final countdown for Arianespace's 2009 year-opening flight is underway, with liftoff scheduled during a 55-minute launch window that opens at 7:09 p.m., local time in French Guiana. This evening's Ariane 5 mission will orbit two primary payloads: HOT BIRD™ 10 for Eutelsat and SES NEW SKIES' NSS-9 - as well as two Spirale micro-satellites.

ARIANE 5 CLEARS INITIAL BUILD-UP PHASE FOR SECOND FLIGHT OF 2009

February 12, 2009

Arianespace's workhorse launch vehicle has completed its initial build-up phase for a space exploration mission set for April. The Ariane 5 will carry two space payloads for the European Space Agency: the Herschel space telescope and Planck spacecraft.

ARIANE 5 ROLLS OUT TO THE LAUNCH ZONE WITH ITS MULTI-SATELLITE PAYLOAD

February 11, 2009

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 for Arianespace's 2009 year-opening mission has been transferred to the ELA-3 launch complex at Europe's Spaceport. This February 12 flight will orbit two primary payloads: HOT BIRD™ 10 for Eutelsat and SES NEW SKIES' NSS-9 - as well as two Spirale micro-satellites.

ARIANE 5 IS READY FOR ITS FEBRUARY 12 LIFTOFF

February 10, 2009

Arianespace's year-opening Ariane 5 flight has completed its launch readiness review at Europe's Spaceport and is on track for the February 12 liftoff with a multi-satellite payload. This launch ushers in another busy year of activity for the workhorse Ariane 5, with plans for six to eight missions in 2009.

BUILD-UP PHASE BEGINS FOR THE NEXT ARIANNE 5

February 9, 2009

The launch vehicle for Arianespace's second Ariane 5 flight of 2009 has entered its assembly phase for an April space exploration mission. The Ariane 5 will carry two space payloads for the European Space Agency: the Herschel space telescope and the Planck spacecraft.

ARIANESPACE TO LAUNCH YAMAL SATELLITES

February 6, 2009

Arianespace has been selected to orbit Yamal-401 and Yamal-402 within the scope of a contract between Thales Alenia Space and Russian operator Gazprom. To be launched in the second half of 2011 by Ariane 5 ECA launchers, these satellites will provide fixed communications and television transmission services.

ARIANE 5 IS READY FOR ITS FEBRUARY 12 LIFTOFF

February 4, 2009

Final assembly of the launcher for Arianespace's year-opening flight is complete following the full installation of its multi-satellite payload at the Spaceport. HOT BIRD™ 10, which is encapsulated in the launch vehicle's protective fairing, has been positioned over the NSS-9 spacecraft - completing the payload "stack" atop Ariane 5's cryogenic core stage.

ARIANESPACE SELECTED TO LAUNCH ARABSAT 5C AND ARABSAT 6B

February 4, 2009

Arianespace will orbit two satellites for the Saudi Arabia-based operator Arabsat. The Arabsat 5C spacecraft is scheduled for launch by an Ariane 5 ECA from the third quarter of 2011, with Arabsat 6B's liftoff planned from the second half of 2012. These two agreements are the 14th and 15th launch Service & Solutions contracts Arianespace has signed in the Middle East.

HOT BIRD™ 10 AND NSS-9 REACH NEW INTEGRATION MILESTONES FOR ARIANE 5'S YEAR-OPENING MISSION

February 3, 2009

The payload "stack" for Arianespace's upcoming launch is nearing completion at Europe's Spaceport, as preparations continue for the multi-passenger Ariane 5 flight on February 12. During activity in the Final Assembly Building, the mission's primary payloads marked new milestones in their integration - with NSS-9 installed atop the launch vehicle and HOT BIRD™ 10 encapsulated by Ariane 5's large payload fairing.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL SPOTLIGHTS ARIANE 5

February 3, 2009

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 is set to star in an upcoming episode of the National Geographic Channel's , which will showcase the launch vehicle's vital role in supporting global communications systems. A five-member crew from the program has been filming preparations for the year-opening Arianespace mission at Europe's Spaceport, and will continue through the February 12 evening liftoff and deployment of Ariane 5's multi-passenger payload.

ARIANESPACE SIGNS SERVICE & SOLUTIONS CONTRACT FOR HISPASAT 1E

February 3, 2009

Arianespace has signed a launch agreement with Hispasat to loft the Spanish operator's Hispasat 1E satellite with an Ariane 5. It is the first contract signed by Arianespace this year. To be orbited in 2010, Hispasat 1E will provide additional capacity for Hispasat - enabling the Spanish operator to offer a broader range of video and data transmission services with European and pan-American coverage.

ARIANESPACE ORDERS 35 ARIANE 5 ECA LAUNCH VEHICLES

February 2, 2009

Arianespace has signed a contract with Astrium Space Transportation for the production of 35 heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECAs. Designated the "PB" batch, these launch vehicles will be deployed on missions beginning in the second half of 2010. This agreement - worth more than 4 billion euros - follows the letter of intent signed at the 2007 Paris Air Show, and brings Arianespace's total number of Ariane 5 launchers under production to 49.

PAYLOAD "STACK" BUILDUP BEGINS FOR ARIANE 5'S YEAR-OPENING MISSION

January 30, 2009

The payload "stack" for Arianespace's initial flight of 2009 is taking shape at the Spaceport, where the Eutelsat HOT BIRD™ 10 satellite has been installed atop Ariane 5's SYLDA dispenser system.

THE SPACEPORT RECEIVES AN ARIANE 5 FOR A MISSION TO EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE'S MYSTERIES

January 29, 2009

The sea-going MN Toucan ship has delivered an Ariane 5 to French Guiana that will be launched in April with Europe's Herschel and Planck space science payloads. Herschel will be the largest space telescope of its kind ever lofted, while Planck will analyze radiation remnants that filled the universe immediately after the Big Bang.

ARIANESPACE BEGINS FINAL PAYLOAD INTEGRATION FOR ITS YEAR-OPENING ARIANE 5 MISSION

January 28, 2009

Preparations for Arianespace's initial Ariane 5 flight of 2009 entered a new phase with the startup of final payload integration at Europe's Spaceport. This activity began with HOT BIRD™ 10's installation atop its adapter unit, which functions as the interface between the satellite and Ariane 5's payload "stack."

ARIANESPACE RECEIVES THE ARIANE 5 FOR ITS FEBRUARY 12 FLIGHT

January 27, 2009

Arianespace has taken delivery of the Ariane 5 launcher for its initial mission of 2009, which will orbit a three-element payload of NSS-9, HOT BIRD™ 10 and two small Spirale satellites. The delivery was marked by Ariane 5's transfer from the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building - where the launch vehicle's initial build-up was performed by industrial prime contractor EADS Astrium Space Transportation - to the Final Assembly Building, where Arianespace will oversee payload integration.

Communications policies for Soyuz operations at the Spaceport are developed by Arianespace and Roscosmos

January 22, 2009

A working meeting with Arianespace and Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) representatives has focused on informational and communications policies for Soyuz missions - covering such topics as procedures for accommodating the news media, along with the means of providing regular updates during launch campaigns for this medium-lift vehicle.

HOT BIRD™ 10 AND NSS-9 ARE READIED FOR ARIANE 5'S INITIAL FLIGHT OF 2009

January 19, 2009

Preparations for Arianespace's February 12 mission are in full swing following delivery of the SES NEWSKIES NSS-9 satellite to French Guiana and the fueling of Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ 10. NSS-9 arrived at Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport aboard a chartered Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner on January 16.

SECOND SHIPMENT OF SOYUZ LAUNCH SITE HARDWARE ARRIVES IN FRENCH GUIANA

January 13, 2009

Europe's Spaceport has welcomed another major shipment of hardware and systems for the new Soyuz launch site as preparations continue for the medium-lift vehicle's inaugural mission from French Guiana later this year. Arriving aboard the Flinterland sea-going vessel on January 8, the unloading of 125 containers and boxes was completed yesterday - with the hardware and material transferred to the Spaceport by road.

HOT BIRD™ 10 BEGINS PRE-LAUNCH PROCESSING FOR ARIANESPACE'S FEBRUARY 12 MISSION

January 12, 2009

Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ 10 has begun its checkout for launch at the Spaceport in French Guiana, where this spacecraft has now been removed from its protective shipping container. HOT BIRD™ 10 will be part of a multi-passenger payload for the heavy-lift Ariane 5's initial flight of 2009 - joining SES NEWSKIES' NSS-9 telecommunications satellite and two Spirale auxiliary passengers.

HOT BIRD™ 10 ARRIVES IN FRENCH GUIANA FOR ITS FEBRUARY LIFTOFF

January 8, 2009

Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ 10 satellite was delivered to French Guiana today, arriving aboard a chartered cargo jetliner that completed its transatlantic flight from Europe. HOT BIRD 10 will be orbited as part of a multi-passenger payload on Arianespace's initial Ariane 5 launch of 2008 - joining SES NEWSKIES' NSS-9 telecommunications satellite and two Spirale auxiliary passengers. The spacecraft is identical to the HOT BIRD™ 9 relay platform, which was successfully orbited by Ariane 5 during Arianespace's year-ending 2008 mission on December 20.

ARIANESPACE TO FOCUS ON THE LAUNCHER FAMILY IN 2009

January 6, 2009

Arianespace confirmed its position as the world's leading commercial launch provider in 2008, and will build upon that success this year with a focus on its expanded family of launch vehicles. Six to eight Ariane 5 launches are slated in 2009, with payloads such as the European Space Agency's Herschel astronomy space telescope and the organization's Planck cosmic background mapping satellite - as well as Terrestar-1, one of the world's largest commercial communications satellites.

ARIANESPACE ANNOUNCES CONTRACT WITH INTELSAT

December 30, 2008

Arianespace has won a contract with Intelsat covering the launch of one satellite, plus the option to loft four more satellites between 2011 and 2015. Arianespace will call on the Ariane 5 and Soyuz launch vehicles to deploy innovative solutions to meet the requirements of Intelsat's upcoming satellites - which range in size from 3,000 to 6,100 kg.

ARIANESPACE FORMALLY INAUGURATES NEW LOOK AND BRANDING

January 1, 2009

Arianespace has unveiled its new graphic style, providing a refreshed corporate identity for the world's leading commercial launch services provider. An evolution of Arianespace's previous identity, this new look includes incorporation of the company's "Service & Solutions" motto as an integral part of the corporate logo.

ARIANESPACE SELECTED TO LAUNCH NILESAT 201

December 23, 2008

Arianespace will launch the Nilesat 201 satellite as part of a turnkey contract that Thales Alenia Space has with Nilesat. To be lofted into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 or Soyuz vehicle during the first quarter of 2010, Nilesat 201 will be the third satellite launched by Arianespace for the Egyptian operator - following Nilesat 101 and 102, which were successfully orbited in 1998 and 2000, respectively.

ARIANE 5 ORBITS HOT BIRD™ 9 AND W2M ON ITS SIXTH MISSION OF 2008

December 20, 2008

Arianespace completed its ninth year of Ariane 5 operations with another on-target dual-payload mission from French Guiana. Launched from the Spaceport's ELA-3 complex, the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA orbited HOT BIRD™ 9 and W2M for Europe's Eutelsat telecommunications operator - marking the 28th consecutive success for the workhorse launch vehicle.

ARIANESPACE ANNOUNCES TWO ADDITIONAL SERVICE & SOLUTIONS CONTRACTS

December 20, 2008

Maintaining its industry leadership, Arianespace has won two additional contracts for international payloads to be orbited on its Ariane 5 and Soyuz launch vehicles.

ARIANE 5 IS ON THE LAUNCH PAD FOR ITS DECEMBER 20 LIFTOFF

December 19, 2008

Arianespace today rolled out the Ariane 5 for its sixth mission of 2008, clearing the way for a final countdown to liftoff with Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ 9 and W2M satellites. The heavy-lift ECA emerged from its Final Assembly Building at 11:00 a.m., and arrived at the ELA-3 launch area 1 hr. 15 min. later, where it was secured in place.

THE SIXTH ARIANE 5 OF 2008 IS CLEARED FOR LIFTOFF

December 18, 2008

Arianespace's year-end flight has been given the go-ahead following its launch readiness review, which was conducted today at the Spaceport. This review validated the readiness of Ariane 5, its dual satellite payload of HOT BIRD 9 and W2M, the infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport and the network of downrange tracking stations.

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM ARIANESPACE

December 16, 2008

Arianespace has issued its 2009 New Year's e-card, which highlights the company's family of launch vehicles - composed of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega.