Sylda-5 carrier for Ariane-5E

The Sylda-5 dual-launch carrier is being developed for the Ariane-5E version, housed entirely within Ariane's fairing and able to carry a 4m-diameter satellite in the lower position. It will save 380 kg in comparison with the current Speltra carrier. ESA's Ministerial Council meeting at Toulouse, France in October 1995 formally approved the Ariane-5 Evolution programme primarily to improve the vehicle's geostationary transfer orbit performance from 5.97t to 7.4t. The first Ariane-5E launch is planned for May 2002. [Image Date: 1998] [98.09.018-004]