Ariane 5 made its first successful launch on 30 October 1997. Its first operational flight took place in December 1999 when it launched ESA’s X-ray Multi-Mirror (XMM) satellite. Since it became operational Ariane 5 has been used to launch satellites for communications, Earth observation and scientific research.

In order for Ariane 5 to use Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou ESA built a new launch site as well as facilities to integrate the solid boosters and produce the solid propellant they use.

Ariane 5 is used for launches into geostationary orbit, medium and low-Earth orbits and sun-synchronous orbits.

* Double launch