Founded in 1980, Arianespace SA undertakes the production, operation and marketing of the Ariane 4 and Ariane 5 rocket launchers as part of the Ariane programme. As of 2002 Arianespace held more than 50 percent of the world market for boosting satellites to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), although the consortium has had a deteriorating market share due to poor performance by the Ariane 5 launch vehicle. More than 130 commercial launches have occurred since May 22, 1984.

Arianespace utilises a launch site at Kourou in French Guiana.

Shareholders include:

• EADS (28%)

See also : Europa rocket

External link

• Arianespace website