Ariane 5 Generic
| Main Data | Ariane 5G |
|---|---|
| Height* | 46 to 52 m |
| Diameter | up 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
