Founded in 1980, Arianespace SA undertakes the production, operation and marketing of the Ariane 4 and Ariane 5 rocket launchers as part of the Ariane programme.
As of 2002 Arianespace held more than 50 percent of the world market for boosting satellites to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). More than 130 commercial launches have occurred since May 22, 1984.
