A major milestone in the Ariane 5 program occurred May 10 when Arianespace signed a contract with EADS Space Transportation for 30 Ariane 5s.
This order, inked at the Berlin Air Show in Germany, covers the so-called “PA” batch of launchers. By contracting for a large production lot of Ariane 5s, Arianespace will be enable to ensure the continuity of its commercial launch service and further enhance its performance and competitiveness in the international market.
Attending the signing ceremony at the Berlin Air Show were German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and French Minister of Research, François d’Aubert.
See the press release on Arianespace’s Web site http://www.arianespace.com for additional details.