The 6th Ariane 5 launch of the year is a success
04.12.2018
Ariane 5 placed two satellites in orbit for its sixth launch of 2018 This was the year’s final launch for Ariane 5, which placed 13 satellites in orbit in 2018
This launch placed two satellites in orbit, with a total mass of 9,362 kg. The total performance required of the launcher was 10,297 kg, with the ACU (payload adapters), the SYLDA (Ariane dual launch system) and the LVA 3936 (Launch Vehicle Adaptor). The orbit was optimized thanks to the power of the Ariane 5 ECA launcher, which enabled the payloads to be placed in a transfer orbit with a reduced inclination of 3.5° (instead of the usual 6°).
As the industrial lead contractor for development and operation of the Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 launchers, ArianeGroup coordinates an industrial network of more than 600 companies in 13 European countries, including more than 350 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). ArianeGroup oversees all the industrial activities, from the performance improvements and studies necessary for Ariane 5 up to its production, the provision of data or software specific to each mission, without forgetting marketing activities via Arianespace. This chain includes equipment and structures, engines manufacturing, integration of the various stages and finally launcher integration in French Guiana.