Ariane launch vehicles

The successful second launch of Ariane 3 (the eleventh firing in the Ariane series) and progress on the development of Ariane 4 are described. Two satellites were placed in transfer orbit to GEO by the Nov. 9, 1984 launch. The Marecs B2 payload will provide navigation communications links for ships and the Spacenet 2 will serve U.S. telephony needs for at least a year and a half. The Kourou launch schedule projects a maximum of 32 launches and 40 satellites by the end of 1987. The launch rates will effectively double the present rate. The payloads have been contracted with various countries and companies, including Intelsat. The goal is to establish a regular routine of 10 satellies per year, most being compatible with either Ariane or the Shuttle. Ariane 4, which will have six configurations to meet different payload requirements, is scheduled for an initial 1986 launch. Ariane 4 first stage engines were successfully fired on the same day as the eleventh Ariane flight. Further development is still required on the shroud, its method of separation, and the solid fuel boosters.