Arianespace

Since it was created in 1980 as the first commercial space transport business, Arianespace has successfully carried out 208 launches (as of 2012) and signed contracts with about 80 operator/clients for over 190 satellites.

Arianespace is in charge of the Ariane 5 commercial launch service operations and manages the production of launch vehicles. The main contractor for the launchers is EADS Astrium Space Transportation, and Arianespace subsequently adapts the launchers to the client's mission requirements, and carries out the launch operations at the European space port at Kourou, French Guiana. Based at Evry, Arianespace has more than 20 European company shareholders from ten states.