Ariane 5 - A new launcher for Europe

In connection with the desire to improve the European competitive position in the geostationary mission market, the development of a high-capacity launch vehicle has been started, taking into account also an employment of the launcher for nongeostationary missions. This launch vehicle, in association with the Hermes manned spacecraft would provide Europe with an autonomous capability for the conduction of manned space missions. The new launch vehicle, called Ariane 5, is discussed. Traffic levels for different orbits are examined, taking into account the geostationary orbit, the sun synchronous orbit, low-earth orbits, and scientific missions. Attention is given to future user requirements, preliminary studies, the general configuration of the Ariane 5 launch vehicle, the lower section, the upper section, the electrical system, and trajectories and performance.