The Ariane-5 Evolution Programme: Three years after Toulouse

To consolidate its success, Europe's Ariane launch vehicle must be continually adapted to meet the demands of the commercial markets that it serves. In the case of Ariane-5, a first increment to the basic launcher's capabilities was sanctioned by the ESA Council, meeting at Ministerial Level, in Granada in 1992. Preliminary studies were conducted to establish a basis for the so-called 'Ariane-5 Evolution Programme', followed by an appropriate Preparatory Programme. The Ariane-5 Evolution Programme was subsequently formally accepted at the Council Meeting at Ministerial Level in Toulouse in October 1995. In April 1998, the decision was taken to accelerate the Ariane-5 Evolution Programme whilst still maintaining schedule compatibility with the development of the cryogenic upper stage, in response to the pressing needs of the satellite launch market. The first flight of this new, more performant member of the Ariane launcher family is scheduled for May 2002.