ARIANESPACE

Despite the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Arianespace performed 10 launches that orbited a total of 166 satellites, with liftoff masses ranging from 250 grams to 6.5 metric tons, in missions performed from three different launch bases: the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana; and two Russian cosmodromes at Baikonur and Vostochny. Arianespace added seven commercial communications satellites to the Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 order backlog during the year, as well as five institutional reservations (four on the Ariane 62 version of Ariane 6, and one on the Ariane 64 version). The New Year will see even more sustained operations, including such symbolic missions as the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope for the U.S. NASA space agency, and the first launch of Vega C – along with the continued deployment of Europe’s Galileo navigation satellites. At the same time, Arianespace and its partners are gearing up for the stable phase operations of the new Ariane 6 and Vega C launchers.

On Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 1:42 p.m. local time, Arianespace successfully launched an Earth observation satellite for defense and security purposes from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana (South America), using a medium-lift Soyuz launcher. This payload, CSO-2, is the second dedicated military observation satellite in France’s Optical Space Component (CSO – Composante Spatiale Optique), a program conducted by CNES and DGA for operation by the French Armed Forces and the country’s Space Command. The Optical Space Component comprises three identical satellites placed in polar orbits at different altitudes, with two assigned missions: reconnaissance for CSO-1 and CSO-3; identification for CSO-2. As a successor to the Helios 1 and 2 systems, the CSO system meets France’s operational requirements for global intelligence and strategic surveillance, providing up-to-date information about the geographic environment and in the support of operations. The CSO program is developed in a national framework within the program MUSIS (Multinational Space-based Imaging System). The CSO-2 satellite will acquire very-high-resolution images in the visible and infrared wavelengths – day or night and in fair weather – using a variety of imaging modes to meet a broad range of operational needs. CSO-2 is the 45th satellite launched by Arianespace for CNES and DGA. The CSO 1 spacecraft also was orbited by a Soyuz from the Guiana Space Center, with its launch performed on December 19, 2018. Arianespace’s order book backlog now includes 10 more missions for French institutions (CNES/DGA): CSO-3; Syracuse 4A and 4B; three satellites for the CERES system; and four satellites for the CO3D system (in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space). Airbus Defence and Space France built the CSO-2 satellite as prime contractor, with Thales Alenia Space France supplying the optical instrument. CSO-2 was the 130th satellite built by Airbus Defence and Space to be launched by Arianespace. Including today’s mission, Arianespace has now launched 75 defense and security satellites: 53 for France and its European partners, along with 22 for export. These spacecraft were designed for applications in secure telecommunications, as well as for Earth observation. Today’s launch, the 25th with Soyuz mission since its introduction at the Guiana Space Center in 2011, was Arianespace’s 10th and final launch of 2020. The year’s five Soyuz flights were conducted from three different spaceports: the Guiana Space Center; Baikonur Cosmodrome; and Vostochny Cosmodrome – providing exceptional flexibility for Arianespace’s launch services offering.

For its 10th and final launch of the year — and the fifth in 2020 with the Soyuz medium launcher — Arianespace will send the CSO-2 Earth observation satellite, intended for defense and security applications, into Sun-synchronous orbit. CSO-2 will be launched for the French CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales) space agency and the DGA (Direction générale de l’armement) defense procurement agency on behalf of the French Ministry of Defense. With this new launch at the service of France’s defense requirements, as well as for the capacity needs of several partner countries, Arianespace guarantees French and European autonomous access to space – a strategic priority. Flight VS25 will be performed from the Soyuz Launch Complex (ELS) in Sinnamary, French Guiana. As weather conditions observed above the Guiana space center were not favorable to a launch today (risk of non-acceptable high altitude winds profile at Lift-off time), Arianespace decided to interrupt the final VS25 launch chronology. Since its creation in 1980 as the world's first commercial space transportation company, Arianespace has led the launch services industry with many operational firsts and numerous record-setting missions.

For its 10th and final launch of the year — and the fifth in 2020 with the Soyuz medium launcher — Arianespace will send the CSO-2 Earth observation satellite, intended for defense and security applications, into Sun-synchronous orbit. CSO-2 will be launched for the French CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales) space agency and the DGA (Direction générale de l’armement) defense procurement agency on behalf of the French Ministry of Defense. With this new launch at the service of France’s defense requirements, as well as for the capacity needs of several partner countries, Arianespace guarantees French and European autonomous access to space – a strategic priority. Flight VS25 will be performed from the Soyuz Launch Complex (ELS) in Sinnamary, French Guiana. As weather conditions observed above the Guiana space center were not favorable to a launch today (risk of non-acceptable high altitude winds profile at Lift-off time), Arianespace decided to interrupt the final VS25 launch chronology. Since its creation in 1980 as the world's first commercial space transportation company, Arianespace has led the launch services industry with many operational firsts and numerous record-setting missions.

On Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 1:42 p.m. local time, Arianespace successfully launched an Earth observation satellite for defense and security purposes from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana (South America), using a medium-lift Soyuz launcher. This payload, CSO-2, is the second dedicated military observation satellite in France’s Optical Space Component (CSO – Composante Spatiale Optique), a program conducted by CNES and DGA for operation by the French Armed Forces and the country’s Space Command. The Optical Space Component comprises three identical satellites placed in polar orbits at different altitudes, with two assigned missions: reconnaissance for CSO-1 and CSO-3; identification for CSO-2. As a successor to the Helios 1 and 2 systems, the CSO system meets France’s operational requirements for global intelligence and strategic surveillance, providing up-to-date information about the geographic environment and in the support of operations. The CSO program is developed in a national framework within the program MUSIS (Multinational Space-based Imaging System). The CSO-2 satellite will acquire very-high-resolution images in the visible and infrared wavelengths – day or night and in fair weather – using a variety of imaging modes to meet a broad range of operational needs. CSO-2 is the 45th satellite launched by Arianespace for CNES and DGA. The CSO 1 spacecraft also was orbited by a Soyuz from the Guiana Space Center, with its launch performed on December 19, 2018. Arianespace’s order book backlog now includes 10 more missions for French institutions (CNES/DGA): CSO-3; Syracuse 4A and 4B; three satellites for the CERES system; and four satellites for the CO3D system (in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space). Airbus Defence and Space France built the CSO-2 satellite as prime contractor, with Thales Alenia Space France supplying the optical instrument. CSO-2 was the 130th satellite built by Airbus Defence and Space to be launched by Arianespace. Including today’s mission, Arianespace has now launched 75 defense and security satellites: 53 for France and its European partners, along with 22 for export. These spacecraft were designed for applications in secure telecommunications, as well as for Earth observation. Today’s launch, the 25th with Soyuz mission since its introduction at the Guiana Space Center in 2011, was Arianespace’s 10th and final launch of 2020. The year’s five Soyuz flights were conducted from three different spaceports: the Guiana Space Center; Baikonur Cosmodrome; and Vostochny Cosmodrome – providing exceptional flexibility for Arianespace’s launch services offering.

Pour son dixième et dernier lancement de l'année, le cinquième réalisé avec le lanceur Soyuz en 2020, Arianespace placera CSO-2, satellite d’observation à usage de défense et de sécurité, sur une orbite héliosynchrone. CSO-2 sera lancé pour le compte du Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) et de la Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) au profit de l’Etat-major des Armées. Avec ce nouveau lancement au service de la défense française et des besoins capacitaires de plusieurs pays partenaires, Arianespace garantit à la France et à l’Europe un accès autonome à l’Espace, priorité stratégique. Le lancement sera effectué depuis l’ensemble de lancement Soyuz (ELS) à Sinnamary, en Guyane française. Les conditions météorologiques observées au-dessus du Centre spatial guyanais n’étant pas favorables pour une tentative aujourd’hui (risque que le profil des vents en altitude ne soit pas accepté au moment du décollage), Arianespace a décidé d’interrompre la chronologie finale du lancement VS25. La date la plus proche visée pour le lancement VS25 est désormais le 29 décembre 2020 à : - 11h42mn07s, Heure de Washington DC, - 13h42mn07s, Heure de Kourou, - 16h42mn07s, Temps Universel, - 17h42mn07s, Heure de Paris, - 19h42mn07s, Heure de Moscou, - 01h42mn07s, Heure de Tokyo, le 30 décembre. Le lanceur Soyuz et le satellite CSO-2 à bord sont en configuration stabilisée et en totale sécurité. Pour suivre ce lancement en direct sur Internet et en haut débit, connectez-vous sur le site arianespace.com ou sur la chaîne YouTube Arianespace youtube.com/arianespace (commentaires en Français et en Anglais à partir de H0-15 minutes).

On Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 1:42 p.m. local time, Arianespace successfully launched an Earth observation satellite for defense and security purposes from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana (South America), using a medium-lift Soyuz launcher. This payload, CSO-2, is the second dedicated military observation satellite in France’s Optical Space Component (CSO – Composante Spatiale Optique), a program conducted by CNES and DGA for operation by the French Armed Forces and the country’s Space Command. The Optical Space Component comprises three identical satellites placed in polar orbits at different altitudes, with two assigned missions: reconnaissance for CSO-1 and CSO-3; identification for CSO-2. As a successor to the Helios 1 and 2 systems, the CSO system meets France’s operational requirements for global intelligence and strategic surveillance, providing up-to-date information about the geographic environment and in the support of operations. The CSO program is developed in a national framework within the program MUSIS (Multinational Space-based Imaging System). The CSO-2 satellite will acquire very-high-resolution images in the visible and infrared wavelengths – day or night and in fair weather – using a variety of imaging modes to meet a broad range of operational needs. CSO-2 is the 45th satellite launched by Arianespace for CNES and DGA. The CSO 1 spacecraft also was orbited by a Soyuz from the Guiana Space Center, with its launch performed on December 19, 2018. Arianespace’s order book backlog now includes 10 more missions for French institutions (CNES/DGA): CSO-3; Syracuse 4A and 4B; three satellites for the CERES system; and four satellites for the CO3D system (in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space). Airbus Defence and Space France built the CSO-2 satellite as prime contractor, with Thales Alenia Space France supplying the optical instrument. CSO-2 was the 130th satellite built by Airbus Defence and Space to be launched by Arianespace. Including today’s mission, Arianespace has now launched 75 defense and security satellites: 53 for France and its European partners, along with 22 for export. These spacecraft were designed for applications in secure telecommunications, as well as for Earth observation. Today’s launch, the 25th with Soyuz mission since its introduction at the Guiana Space Center in 2011, was Arianespace’s 10th and final launch of 2020. The year’s five Soyuz flights were conducted from three different spaceports: the Guiana Space Center; Baikonur Cosmodrome; and Vostochny Cosmodrome – providing exceptional flexibility for Arianespace’s launch services offering.

For its 10th and final launch of the year — and the fifth in 2020 with the Soyuz medium launcher — Arianespace will send the CSO-2 Earth observation satellite, intended for defense and security applications, into Sun-synchronous orbit. CSO-2 will be launched for the French CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales) space agency and the DGA (Direction générale de l’armement) defense procurement agency on behalf of the French Ministry of Defense. With this new launch at the service of France’s defense requirements, as well as for the capacity needs of several partner countries, Arianespace guarantees French and European autonomous access to space – a strategic priority. Flight VS25 will be performed from the Soyuz Launch Complex (ELS) in Sinnamary, French Guiana. Liftoff is scheduled for Monday, December 28, 2020 at exactly: - 11:42:07 a.m., in Washington, D.C. - 01:42:07 p.m., in Kourou, French Guiana, - 16:42:07, Universal Time (UTC), - 05:42:07 p.m., in Paris, - 07:42:07 p.m., in Moscow, - 01:42:07 a.m., in Tokyo on December 29, 2020 For further information, download the Flight VS25 Launch Kit by clicking here: http://www.arianespace.com/press-kits/ Follow the launch live at http://www.arianespace.com and on http://www.youtube.com/arianespace

Today’s launch, Flight ST29, was the 53rd Soyuz mission carried out by Arianespace and its Starsem affiliate, marking a milestone as their first from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia. Performed on Friday, December 18 at precisely 9:26:26 p.m. local time (12:26:26p.m. UTC), Flight ST29 orbited 36 new OneWeb satellites - bringing the size of the fleet in orbit to 110. “Congratulations to all teams who made this first commercial mission from the Vostochny cosmodrome a success. This launch confirms Arianespace's ability to deploy the OneWeb constellation through the use of three different Soyuz launch sites – in French Guiana, Kazakhstan and Russia. I sincerely want to thank OneWeb for their trust. I am delighted that Arianespace and Starsem have contributed – for the fourth time – to this client's ultimate ambition of providing Internet access to everyone, anywhere, at any time," said Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace. Arianespace has launched 110 OneWeb satellites to date. The initial six were successfully orbited by Soyuz Flight VS21 from French Guiana during February, 2019. In February and March 2020 Arianespace and its Starsem affiliate successfully launched 68 OneWeb satellites from Baikonur Cosmodrome on Soyuz Flights ST27 and ST28. Pursuant to an amended launch contract with OneWeb, Arianespace and Starsem will perform 15 more Soyuz launches through 2021 and 2022. These launches will enable OneWeb to complete the deployment of its full global constellation of low Earth orbit satellites by the end of 2022. OneWeb’s mission is to bring internet everywhere to everyone, by creating a global connectivity platform through a next-generation satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. The OneWeb constellation will deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity to a wide range of customer sectors, including aviation, maritime, backhaul services, and for governments, emergency response services and more. Central to its purpose, OneWeb seeks to bring connectivity to every place where fiber cannot reach, and thereby bridge the digital divide. The satellite prime contractor is OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space. The satellites were produced in Florida, USA in its leading-edge satellite manufacturing facilities that can build up to two satellites per day on a series production line dedicated to spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing.

Today’s launch, Flight ST29, was the 53rd Soyuz mission carried out by Arianespace and its Starsem affiliate, marking a milestone as their first from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia. Performed on Friday, December 18 at precisely 9:26:26 p.m. local time (12:26:26p.m. UTC), Flight ST29 orbited 36 new OneWeb satellites - bringing the size of the fleet in orbit to 110. “Congratulations to all teams who made this first commercial mission from the Vostochny cosmodrome a success. This launch confirms Arianespace's ability to deploy the OneWeb constellation through the use of three different Soyuz launch sites – in French Guiana, Kazakhstan and Russia. I sincerely want to thank OneWeb for their trust. I am delighted that Arianespace and Starsem have contributed – for the fourth time – to this client's ultimate ambition of providing Internet access to everyone, anywhere, at any time," said Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace. Arianespace has launched 110 OneWeb satellites to date. The initial six were successfully orbited by Soyuz Flight VS21 from French Guiana during February, 2019. In February and March 2020 Arianespace and its Starsem affiliate successfully launched 68 OneWeb satellites from Baikonur Cosmodrome on Soyuz Flights ST27 and ST28. Pursuant to an amended launch contract with OneWeb, Arianespace and Starsem will perform 15 more Soyuz launches through 2021 and 2022. These launches will enable OneWeb to complete the deployment of its full global constellation of low Earth orbit satellites by the end of 2022. OneWeb’s mission is to bring internet everywhere to everyone, by creating a global connectivity platform through a next-generation satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. The OneWeb constellation will deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity to a wide range of customer sectors, including aviation, maritime, backhaul services, and for governments, emergency response services and more. Central to its purpose, OneWeb seeks to bring connectivity to every place where fiber cannot reach, and thereby bridge the digital divide. The satellite prime contractor is OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space. The satellites were produced in Florida, USA in its leading-edge satellite manufacturing facilities that can build up to two satellites per day on a series production line dedicated to spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing. Video : © Roscosmos TV

OneWeb – the global satellite communications company based in the UK – resumes flights. This 53rd Soyuz mission conducted by Arianespace and its Starsem affiliate will be operated from Vostochny Cosmodrome and represents OneWeb’s fourth launch overall and the third for this year. This mission will deliver 36 satellites into orbit, bringing the total fleet to 110 satellites in low Earth orbit. By operating this fourth flight on behalf of OneWeb, Arianespace participates in the fulfilment of its customer’s ultimate ambition: providing internet access for everyone, everywhere, all the time. Flight ST29 will be performed from the Soyuz Launch Complex in Vostochny, Russia. Liftoff is scheduled for Friday, December 18, 2020 at exactly: - 07:26:26 a.m., in Washington, D.C., - 12:26:26 Universal Time (UTC), - 01:26:26 p.m., in Paris, - 03:26:26 p.m., in Moscow, - 09:26:26 p.m., at Vostochny Cosmodrome and Tokyo. For further information, download the Flight ST29 Launch Kit by clicking here: http://www.arianespace.com/press-kits/ Follow the launch live at http://www.arianespace.com and on http://www.youtube.com/arianespace

Today’s launch, Flight ST29, was the 53rd Soyuz mission carried out by Arianespace and its Starsem affiliate, marking a milestone as their first from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia. Performed on Friday, December 18 at precisely 9:26:26 p.m. local time (12:26:26p.m. UTC), Flight ST29 orbited 36 new OneWeb satellites - bringing the size of the fleet in orbit to 110. “Congratulations to all teams who made this first commercial mission from the Vostochny cosmodrome a success. This launch confirms Arianespace's ability to deploy the OneWeb constellation through the use of three different Soyuz launch sites – in French Guiana, Kazakhstan and Russia. I sincerely want to thank OneWeb for their trust. I am delighted that Arianespace and Starsem have contributed – for the fourth time – to this client's ultimate ambition of providing Internet access to everyone, anywhere, at any time," said Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace. Arianespace has launched 110 OneWeb satellites to date. The initial six were successfully orbited by Soyuz Flight VS21 from French Guiana during February, 2019. In February and March 2020 Arianespace and its Starsem affiliate successfully launched 68 OneWeb satellites from Baikonur Cosmodrome on Soyuz Flights ST27 and ST28. Pursuant to an amended launch contract with OneWeb, Arianespace and Starsem will perform 15 more Soyuz launches through 2021 and 2022. These launches will enable OneWeb to complete the deployment of its full global constellation of low Earth orbit satellites by the end of 2022. OneWeb’s mission is to bring internet everywhere to everyone, by creating a global connectivity platform through a next-generation satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. The OneWeb constellation will deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity to a wide range of customer sectors, including aviation, maritime, backhaul services, and for governments, emergency response services and more. Central to its purpose, OneWeb seeks to bring connectivity to every place where fiber cannot reach, and thereby bridge the digital divide. The satellite prime contractor is OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space. The satellites were produced in Florida, USA in its leading-edge satellite manufacturing facilities that can build up to two satellites per day on a series production line dedicated to spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing.

On Tuesday, December 1, at 10:33 p.m. (local time), Arianespace successfully launched the FalconEye optical observation satellite using a Soyuz rocket from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. FalconEye is a very-high-performance optical Earth observation satellite developed in a consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space for the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces (UAEAF). “The success of this launch is the culmination of excellent teamwork: with our Russian partners for the Soyuz launcher; with satellite manufacturers Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space, as well as with their client, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, for Falcon Eye; along with the French CNES space agency and the French DGA armaments procurement and technology agency. Therefore, Arianespace is pleased to have served the space ambitions of the United Arab Emirates," declared Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace. The FalconEye satellite offers very-high-resolution optical observation capabilities, coupled with a high-performance ground segment to receive and process images. This was the 23rd satellite launched by Arianespace that was produced jointly by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space. Airbus Defence and Space, prime contractor for FalconEye, was in charge of satellite design, integration and testing, as well as supplying the platform. Thales Alenia Space, as co-prime, supplied the high-performance payload, which features a very-high-resolution optical instrument and the image transmission subsystem. This mission also marks Arianespace’s 31st launch for a customer from the Middle East. FalconEye was deployed by Arianespace’s third Soyuz flight in 2020; the two previous missions were carried out in February and March from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Two more Soyuz launches are planned before year-end: Flight ST29 from the new Russian launch site in Vostochny for OneWeb; and Flight VS25 from the CSG. With more than 1,900 launches to its credit overall since entering service in 1963, the Soyuz launcher is the most flexible and most utilized in its class. As the medium-lift launcher in Arianespace’s family of launch vehicles, Soyuz perfectly complements the European launch service operator’s commercial offer, particularly in serving low and medium orbits for the benefit of Earth observation satellites and constellations.

On Tuesday, December 1, at 10:33 p.m. (local time), Arianespace successfully launched the FalconEye optical observation satellite using a Soyuz rocket from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. FalconEye is a very-high-performance optical Earth observation satellite developed in a consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space for the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces (UAEAF). “The success of this launch is the culmination of excellent teamwork: with our Russian partners for the Soyuz launcher; with satellite manufacturers Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space, as well as with their client, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, for Falcon Eye; along with the French CNES space agency and the French DGA armaments procurement and technology agency. Therefore, Arianespace is pleased to have served the space ambitions of the United Arab Emirates," declared Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace. The FalconEye satellite offers very-high-resolution optical observation capabilities, coupled with a high-performance ground segment to receive and process images. This was the 23rd satellite launched by Arianespace that was produced jointly by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space. Airbus Defence and Space, prime contractor for FalconEye, was in charge of satellite design, integration and testing, as well as supplying the platform. Thales Alenia Space, as co-prime, supplied the high-performance payload, which features a very-high-resolution optical instrument and the image transmission subsystem. This mission also marks Arianespace’s 31st launch for a customer from the Middle East. FalconEye was deployed by Arianespace’s third Soyuz flight in 2020; the two previous missions were carried out in February and March from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Two more Soyuz launches are planned before year-end: Flight ST29 from the new Russian launch site in Vostochny for OneWeb; and Flight VS25 from the CSG. With more than 1,900 launches to its credit overall since entering service in 1963, the Soyuz launcher is the most flexible and most utilized in its class. As the medium-lift launcher in Arianespace’s family of launch vehicles, Soyuz perfectly complements the European launch service operator’s commercial offer, particularly in serving low and medium orbits for the benefit of Earth observation satellites and constellations.

On Tuesday, December 1, at 10:33 p.m. (local time), Arianespace successfully launched the FalconEye optical observation satellite using a Soyuz rocket from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. FalconEye is a very-high-performance optical Earth observation satellite developed in a consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space for the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces (UAEAF). “The success of this launch is the culmination of excellent teamwork: with our Russian partners for the Soyuz launcher; with satellite manufacturers Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space, as well as with their client, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, for Falcon Eye; along with the French CNES space agency and the French DGA armaments procurement and technology agency. Therefore, Arianespace is pleased to have served the space ambitions of the United Arab Emirates," declared Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace. The FalconEye satellite offers very-high-resolution optical observation capabilities, coupled with a high-performance ground segment to receive and process images. This was the 23rd satellite launched by Arianespace that was produced jointly by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space. Airbus Defence and Space, prime contractor for FalconEye, was in charge of satellite design, integration and testing, as well as supplying the platform. Thales Alenia Space, as co-prime, supplied the high-performance payload, which features a very-high-resolution optical instrument and the image transmission subsystem. This mission also marks Arianespace’s 31st launch for a customer from the Middle East. FalconEye was deployed by Arianespace’s third Soyuz flight in 2020; the two previous missions were carried out in February and March from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Two more Soyuz launches are planned before year-end: Flight ST29 from the new Russian launch site in Vostochny for OneWeb; and Flight VS25 from the CSG. With more than 1,900 launches to its credit overall since entering service in 1963, the Soyuz launcher is the most flexible and most utilized in its class. As the medium-lift launcher in Arianespace’s family of launch vehicles, Soyuz perfectly complements the European launch service operator’s commercial offer, particularly in serving low and medium orbits for the benefit of Earth observation satellites and constellations.

On Tuesday, December 1, at 10:33 p.m. (local time), Arianespace successfully launched the FalconEye optical observation satellite using a Soyuz rocket from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. FalconEye is a very-high-performance optical Earth observation satellite developed in a consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space for the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces (UAEAF). “The success of this launch is the culmination of excellent teamwork: with our Russian partners for the Soyuz launcher; with satellite manufacturers Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space, as well as with their client, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, for Falcon Eye; along with the French CNES space agency and the French DGA armaments procurement and technology agency. Therefore, Arianespace is pleased to have served the space ambitions of the United Arab Emirates," declared Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace. The FalconEye satellite offers very-high-resolution optical observation capabilities, coupled with a high-performance ground segment to receive and process images. This was the 23rd satellite launched by Arianespace that was produced jointly by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space. Airbus Defence and Space, prime contractor for FalconEye, was in charge of satellite design, integration and testing, as well as supplying the platform. Thales Alenia Space, as co-prime, supplied the high-performance payload, which features a very-high-resolution optical instrument and the image transmission subsystem. This mission also marks Arianespace’s 31st launch for a customer from the Middle East. FalconEye was deployed by Arianespace’s third Soyuz flight in 2020; the two previous missions were carried out in February and March from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Two more Soyuz launches are planned before year-end: Flight ST29 from the new Russian launch site in Vostochny for OneWeb; and Flight VS25 from the CSG. With more than 1,900 launches to its credit overall since entering service in 1963, the Soyuz launcher is the most flexible and most utilized in its class. As the medium-lift launcher in Arianespace’s family of launch vehicles, Soyuz perfectly complements the European launch service operator’s commercial offer, particularly in serving low and medium orbits for the benefit of Earth observation satellites and constellations.

Le mardi 1er décembre à 22h33mn (heure de Kourou), Arianespace a lancé avec succès depuis le Centre spatial guyanais (CSG), port spatial de l’Europe, le satellite FalconEye avec Soyuz. FalconEye est un satellite d’observation de la Terre optique à très hautes performances développé par le consortium mené par Airbus Defence and Space et Thales Alenia Space au profit des forces armées des Émirats arabes unis (UAEAF). « Le succès de ce lancement est l’aboutissement d’un formidable travail d’équipe : avec nos partenaires russes autour du lanceur Soyouz ; avec les constructeurs de satellites Airbus Defence and Space et Thales Alenia Space, ainsi qu’avec leur client, les forces armées des Emirats arabes unis, pour Falcon Eye ; avec le CNES et la Direction générale de l’armement. Arianespace est heureuse d’avoir ainsi servi les ambitions spatiales des Emirats arabes unis », a déclaré Stéphane Israël, Président exécutif d’Arianespace. FalconEye est un satellite offrant des capacités optiques à très haute résolution et un système au sol performant pour la réception et le traitement des images. Il s’agit de la 23e mission en coopération entre Airbus Defence and Space et Thales Alenia Space lancée par Arianespace. Airbus Defence and Space, maître d'œuvre de FalconEye, était en charge de la conception du satellite, de son intégration et des tests associés, ainsi que de la fourniture de la plateforme. Thales Alenia Space, co-maître d’œuvre, a fourni la charge utile à haute performance comportant l’instrument optique à très haute résolution et le sous-système de transmission des images. Cette mission marque également le 31ème lancement opéré par Arianespace pour un client du Moyen-Orient. FalconEye est déployé avec le troisième lanceur Soyuz de 2020, le premier opéré par Arianespace depuis le CSG - les deux précédentes missions ayant été menées en février et mars derniers depuis le cosmodrome russe de Baïkonour. Deux lancements supplémentaires avec Soyuz sont prévus avant la fin de l’année : ST29 depuis le nouveau cosmodrome de Vostochny pour OneWeb, et VS25 depuis le CSG. Avec plus de 1,900 lancements à son actif depuis sa mise en service en 1963, le lanceur Soyuz est le plus flexible et le plus exploité dans sa catégorie. Le lanceur moyen de la famille Arianespace complète parfaitement l’offre de l’opérateur de services de lancement européen, en desservant en particulier les orbites basses et moyennes au profit de satellites d’observation de la Terre et des constellations.

On Tuesday, December 1, at 10:33 p.m. (local time), Arianespace successfully launched the FalconEye optical observation satellite using a Soyuz rocket from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. FalconEye is a very-high-performance optical Earth observation satellite developed in a consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space for the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces (UAEAF). “The success of this launch is the culmination of excellent teamwork: with our Russian partners for the Soyuz launcher; with satellite manufacturers Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space, as well as with their client, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, for Falcon Eye; along with the French CNES space agency and the French DGA armaments procurement and technology agency. Therefore, Arianespace is pleased to have served the space ambitions of the United Arab Emirates," declared Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace. The FalconEye satellite offers very-high-resolution optical observation capabilities, coupled with a high-performance ground segment to receive and process images. This was the 23rd satellite launched by Arianespace that was produced jointly by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space. Airbus Defence and Space, prime contractor for FalconEye, was in charge of satellite design, integration and testing, as well as supplying the platform. Thales Alenia Space, as co-prime, supplied the high-performance payload, which features a very-high-resolution optical instrument and the image transmission subsystem. This mission also marks Arianespace’s 31st launch for a customer from the Middle East. FalconEye was deployed by Arianespace’s third Soyuz flight in 2020; the two previous missions were carried out in February and March from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Two more Soyuz launches are planned before year-end: Flight ST29 from the new Russian launch site in Vostochny for OneWeb; and Flight VS25 from the CSG. With more than 1,900 launches to its credit overall since entering service in 1963, the Soyuz launcher is the most flexible and most utilized in its class. As the medium-lift launcher in Arianespace’s family of launch vehicles, Soyuz perfectly complements the European launch service operator’s commercial offer, particularly in serving low and medium orbits for the benefit of Earth observation satellites and constellations.

As the reception of telemetry data by the range safety team was not nominal, Arianespace decided to interrupt the final VS24 launch chronology 5 minutes and 03 seconds before liftoff. The soonest possible launch date for the VS24 Flight is Tuesday, 01 December at: - 08:33 p.m., in Washington, D.C. - 10:33 p.m., in Kourou, French Guiana - 01:33 Universal Time (UTC) on 02 December - 02:33 p.m., in Paris, on 02 December - 05:33 p.m., in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) time, on 02 December The Soyuz launch vehicle and the satellite FalconEye are in stable and safe conditions.

For the English version, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTC3Qm5GLiE La réception des données de télémétrie par les moyens de la sauvegarde n’étant pas nominale, Arianespace a décidé d’interrompre la chronologie finale du lancement VS24 5 minutes et 03 secondes avant le décollage. La date de lancement la plus proche visée pour le lancement VS24 est désormais le 1er décembre 2020 à : - 20h33min, Heure de Washington DC, - 22h33min, Heure de Kourou (Guyane française), - 01h33min, Temps Universel (UTC), le 2 décembre, - 02h33min, Heure de Paris, le 2 décembre, - 05h33min, Heure d’Abou-Dabi, Émirats arabes unis, le 2 décembre. Le lanceur Soyuz et le satellite FalconEye à bord sont en configuration stabilisée et en totale sécurité.