Arianespace

Arianespace is a European multinational company that provides commercial space launch services. It was founded in 1980 as a cooperative effort by European space agencies and industry partners to coordinate the marketing and operation of the Ariane family of launch vehicles. The company positions European access to space as independent from national programs and serves a wide range of civil, commercial, and government payloads.

Operations and vehicles: The main launch site is the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. Arianespace markets launches using the Ariane 5 family, the light-lift Vega, and the Soyuz launcher, the latter operating from Kourou since 2011. The company's team handles mission analysis, integration, and launch campaign management.

Corporate structure and role: Arianespace acts as the commercial launch services arm of Europe, coordinating with public space agencies and industry. It maintains close ties with ArianeGroup, the joint venture between Airbus and Safran that develops and builds European launch vehicles.

Notable customers and significance: Notable customers include satellite operators worldwide; It has played a central role in establishing Europe's independent access to space.