Arianespace
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This article contains information regarding an LSP that is scheduled to conduct a launch in the next 2 days. Details may change as the countdown and ascent progress. Launch details: Arianespace will use a Ariane 5ECA to launch Skynet 5C and Turksat 3A for the British Ministry of Defence and Turksat. Launch will occur from ELA-3 at the Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. |
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| Arianespace | |
|---|---|
| Type | Launch Service Provider |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Évry, Essonne, France |
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Employees | 292 [1] |
| Website | http://www.arianespace.com |
Arianespace SA is a French company and was founded in 1980. They undertake the production, operation and marketing of the Ariane 5 rocket launcher as part of the Ariane programme.[2] It is the world's first commercial space transportation company.[3]
As of 2007 Arianespace held more than 50 percent of the world market for boosting satellites to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). More than 240 commercial launches have occurred since May 22, 1984, and Arianespace states that the total number of launch contracts signed since Ariane launches commenced operations in 1984 is 285.[2] Arianespace uses the Centre Spatial Guyanais as a launch site. It has its headquarters in Évry, Essonne, France.
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[edit] The Company and its infrastructure
Arianespace has 24 shareholders from 10 European countries, including:[4]
| Country | Shareholders | Capital |
|---|---|---|
.svg/22px-Flag_of_Belgium_(civil).svg.png){kind=small} Belgium |
3 | 3.15% |
 Denmark |
1 | not significant |
 France |
7 | 60.12% |
 Germany |
2 | 18.62% |
 Italy |
2 | 9.36% |
 Netherlands |
1 | 1.82% |
 Norway |
1 | 0.10% |
 Spain |
3 | 2.01% |
 Sweden |
2 | 2.30% |
 Switzerland |
2 | 2.51% |
Total of 99.99% due to round-off
Corporate management is structured as follows:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| CEO & Chairman | Jean-Yves Le Gall |
| Quality Vice-President | Gérard Gradel |
| Senior Vice-President of Programs | Patrick Bonguet |
| Senior Vice-President of Marketing | Philippe Berterottière |
| General Secretary, Senior Vice-President of Finances | Françoise Bouzitat |
| Senior Vice-President of Engineering | Édouard Perez |
Offices
| Location of Office | Head of Branch |
|---|---|
| Évry, France | Jean-Yves Le Gall |
| USA | Clayton Mowry |
| Tokyo, Japan | Jean-Louis Claudon |
| Singapore | Richard Bowles |
As of 1 July 2006, Arianespace employed 271 personnel at its French HQ, at its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana and at offices in Washington DC, Singapore and Tokyo.
[edit] The success of Arianespace
Arianespace was the first company to develop the idea of commercial space launches. Their first launch was in 1979. Since then, they have propelled 65% of all commercial satellites into space, and have been commended many times for their solid and consistent performances.[5] The driving force behind their success is due to three factors: a mutual backup agreement with Boeing Launch Services and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a heavyweight sales force, and the most recognized name in the business thanks to the other two.[5]
[edit] Ariane launch vehicles
Since the first launch in 1979, there have been several versions of the Ariane launch vehicle:
- Ariane 1, first successful launch on December 24, 1979
- Ariane 2, first successful launch on November 20, 1987 (the first launch on May 30, 1986 failed)
- Ariane 3, first successful launch on August 4, 1984
- Ariane 4, first successful launch on June 15, 1988
- Ariane 5, first successful launch on October 30, 1997 (the first launch on June 4, 1996 failed).
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ A launch for the International Space Station. Arianespace. Retrieved on 2008-04-06.
- ^ a b Arianespace was founded in 1980 as the world’s first launch services and solutions company.. arianespace.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ Ariane - The first commercial space transportation system. adsabs.harvard.edu. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ Arianespace shareholders represent scientific, technical, financial and political entities from 10 different European countries.. arianespace.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ a b Arianespace: super rockets or super sales force?. thespacereview.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
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