Europe's Ariane 5 rocket has established itself as the dominant force in the satellite launch market. The big European vehicle throws up everything from three-tonne TV satellites to the 20-tonne ATV space truck used to resupply astronauts on the ISS. But as good as it is, Ariane is under pressure. Competitors are circling and changes are needed if the vehicle is to retain its benchmark status. Read more
European Space Agency approves Ariane 5 rocket upgrade
European Space Agency (Esa) member states have resolved key issues at their ministerial council and agreed a 10.1bn euro (£8.1bn) programme of activities. The big decisions included approval for an upgrade to Europe's Ariane 5 rocket in parallel with design work on a replacement for the early 2020s.station. Read more
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk: 'Europe's rocket has no chance'
The Californian SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk has warned Europe it must replace its Ariane 5 rocket if it wants to keep up with his company. Read more
There's a stage as you move towards middle-age when you think you might be getting on top of things - that you can handle most of anything that's chucked at you. Then you look at what the youngsters are doing and you suddenly realise you'd better up your game or you could be overrun. So it is with Europe's Ariane 5 rocket. After a troublesome youth, the vehicle has matured into an ultra-reliable performer. Its consistency - 44 successful missions on the bounce - means it is now the number one choice to launch a big commercial telecommunications satellite. Read more
Technology used to shape rocket fuel tanks could help one German company to form floats for industrial chemical tanks and oil rigs, thanks to funding from ESA. ESAs Ariane 5 rockets steer with small rocket engines firing bursts of hydrazine, a highly volatile fuel stored under high pressure in corrosion-resistant tanks. The best metal for the tanks is Titanium 6/4 because it is a strong and light alloy of titanium, aluminium and vanadium that doesnt react with the hydrazine inside. Read more
With the first flight of the launch vehicle Ariane in 1979 a consortium of European firms began exploiting commercial space travel. Ariane was developed for satellite transport. By the end of 1999 the five different versions of the launch vehicle had carried over 70 satellites for research and communication into space. Ariane-5 was developed during the 1990's and will gradually take over as the workhorse launch vehicle.