Aiming high!

Today two new versions of Ariane 5 are in use: Ariane 5 ECA and Ariane 5 EC. To maintain the competitiveness of Ariane 5 in the commercial market, ESA is preparing a more powerful and versatile version of the launcher, Ariane 5 ME, Mid-life Evolution, that will replace current ones within the next decade. This vehicle will respond to the need for heavier payloads for more complex missions. Moreover, Ariane 5 ME will allow satellites to be injected into higher orbits thanks to the reignition capability of its upper stage.