ARIANE 5 IS READY FOR ITS FEBRUARY 12 LIFTOFF

Arianespace’s year-opening Ariane 5 flight has completed its launch readiness review at Europe’s Spaceport and is on track for the February 12 liftoff with a multi-satellite payload. This launch ushers in another busy year of activity for the workhorse Ariane 5, with plans for six to eight missions in 2009.