Airbus Launches Ariane 5 Satellite Launch Vehicle

Airbus Defence and Space has successfully launched the workhorse Ariane 5 satellite launch vehicle from the Kourou, French Guiana, launch pad.

The latest 225th launch put two communications satellites into geostationary orbit, once again demonstrating the reliability of the European launcher, the company announced Thursday.

“The fourth launch in 2015 once again highlights the expertise the Airbus Defence and Space teams and their industrial partners have developed with the Ariane 5 launcher,” said François Auque, Head of Space Systems.

“These teams are now working within our joint venture with Safran— Airbus Safran Launchers—to continue on this incredible industrial adventure, which guarantees Europe independent access to space, both today and in the coming years thanks to the development of Ariane 6.” Auque added.