Ariane 5 Generic


 
 
Main DataAriane 5G
Height*46 to 52 m
Diameterup to 5.4 m
Liftoff mass**746 tonnes
Payload mass***6 tonnes GTO
9.5 tonnes SSO
 
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
 
 
 
 
  
Last update: 12 May 2004

 •  Ariane 5 Generic (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMN5N2PGQD_0.html)
 •  Ariane 5 net (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMH6Z2PGQD_0.html)
 •  Build a launcher (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMACN2PGQD_0.html)

Elements in detail

 •  Ariane 5 elements (javascript:win1())

More on elements

 •  Boosters (EAP) (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/ASEDYQI4HNC_0.html)
 •  Cryogenic main stage (EPC) (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/ASEZXQI4HNC_0.html)
 •  Vulcain engine (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/ASELVQI4HNC_0.html)
 •  Storable Propellant Stage (EPS) (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/SEM3ZDVLWFE_0.html)
 •  Vehicle equipment bay (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/ASE7WQI4HNC_0.html)
 •  Speltra, Sylda 5 (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/ASE5XQI4HNC_0.html)
 •  Fairing (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/ASENUQI4HNC_0.html)

More about...

 •  Space, cities and education (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/ASE9JOI4HNC_0.html)