The Ariane family of launchers have been providing a reliable, economic and efficient means of placing satellites into orbit for more than twenty years. Launched from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, their efficiency has now won them over 50% of the commercial market.
This programme focuses on how Ariane and its launch site meet the necessary criteria to place a satellite succesfully into orbit. It details the three key players in the industry, the European Space Agency (ESA), the French space Agency CNES and Arianespace and looks ahead to the next generation of launchers. The programme comprises of an A-roll with split track and English commentary.

Script
THE WAY INTO SPACE
Initially, the conquest of space was a technical challenge. Today, however, this challenge has become not only economic but also scientific, technological and strategic.
Satellites using the most advanced technologies are the symbol of space conquest but without a reliable, economic and efficient launcher, capable of positioning them accurately in space, they would remain useless.
ARIANE 5, the new-generation launcher born out of Europe's political will, is the answer that scientists, businessmen and satellite owners have been waiting for. Today, it represents a reliable and efficient means of sending a satellite into space.
FRENCH GUIANA
There is one place on Earth that meets the conditions needed to accommodate the most effective launch base in the world. The location of the Guiana Space Centre - Europe's Spaceport is indeed remarkable.
Its proximity to the equator means that its position is perfectly adapted for launches aimed towards geo-stationary orbit