Launch vehicle · Arianespace
Ariane 5
RocketsHeavy-lift
Imagery
Ariane 5 Payload Fairing Test
NASA Glenn conducted a test on the Ariane 5 Payload Fairing at Plum Brook’s Space Power Facility (SPF).
2012
NASA/Glenn · NASA media (public domain)
Overview
A European heavy-lift rocket operated by Arianespace, which launched the James Webb Space Telescope in 2021 before retiring in 2023.
Components & hardware
Family
Launch pads
Knowledge connections
- Operated byArianespace
- LaunchedBepiColombo
- LaunchedJUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer)
- LaunchedRosetta
- LaunchedJames Webb Space Telescope
- ReplacedAriane 4
- Member of familyAriane
- Launched fromEnsemble de Lancement Ariane 3
- Has stageAriane 5 core stage (EPC)
- Has stageAriane 5 solid boosters (EAP)
- Powered byVulcain 2
- Powered byHM7B
- Powered byAestus
- Replaced byAriane 6
- Basis forAriane 6
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- ArianespaceArianespace SA
Ariane and Vega launch-vehicle families — user's manuals and mission data.
- ESAEuropean Space Agency
European missions, observatories, and space science imagery.