Arianespace launches two Israeli built satellites
Capitalism in space: Arianespace today successfully used its Italian Vega rocket to put two Israeli built Earth observations satellites into orbit.
Tag: Arianespace
Ariane 5 successfully launches two communications satellites
Capitalism in space: Arianespace today successfully launched two commercial satellites, using its Ariane 5 rocket.
Arianespace gets another launch contract
Capitalism in space: Arianespace has won new contracts for two launches of its Vega rocket.
More important however was this tidbit:
And, with another two flights to geostationary orbit booked for its Ariane 5 heavy lifter, the Arianespace orderbook now stands at €4.8 billion ($5.3 billion), with 53 launches for 28 customers: 18 using Ariane 5, 25 for the mid-weight Soyuz and 10 for Vega/Vega C.
Compare that manifest with Russia’s, which now only has 15 commercial launch contracts through 2023. Compare it also to SpaceX’s which lists about 30 commercial launches, excluding its NASA cargo and crew missions to ISS.
It would appear that Russia has so far been the big loser in the new competitive launch industry. This can of course change, especially if Russia fixes its production problems, becomes a reliable launch company, and offers competitive prices.
Arianespace wins contract to launch 3 Eutelsat satellites
Capitalism in space: Following yesterday’s successful Ariane 5 launch, Eutelsat has signed a new contract with Arianespace for three future launches.
No price per launch was announced. The launches are scheduled for 2018 and 2019.
Arianespace successfully launches two commercial satellites
Capitalism in space: Arianespace tonight successfully launched two commercial communications satellite with its Ariane 5 rocket.
This is the third launch by the company since it settled its labor problems in French Guiana in late April. Since then they have managed a launch ever two weeks, and at the moment Arianespace and SpaceX are tied for the most launches in 2017 at six. This tie should only last until Saturday when SpaceX hopes to launch a reused Dragon to ISS.
Arianespace successfully launches commercial satellite on Soyuz
Capitalism in space: Arianespace today successfully launched from French Guiana a SES commercial communications satellite, using a Russian Soyuz rocket.
This was the second launch from French Guiana since the settlement of the labor strike there.
Arianespace successfully resumes launches in French Guiana
Capitalism in space: Arianespace today successfully launched two commercial satellites with its Ariane 5 rocket, resuming launches at French Guiana after a month-long strike.
France settles union dispute in French Guiana
The union strike that has stopped all Arianespace launches from French Guiana for the past month has been settled.
The article provides no details on the settlement itself. Instead, it outlines the company’s intention to complete all the scheduled launches they had planned for 2017.
Update: This story outlines the basic agreement.
It authorises an emergency relief plan of up to 2.1 billion euros, which includes funds for security, education, healthcare and business aid.
France had already approved 1.1 billion in aid for French Guiana at the beginning of April. The additional funds were offered to meet demands made by the collective and local representatives, who rejected the government’s initial offer.
France will prioritise the implementation of the spending plan, said Bareigts, who described the agreement as a “decisive day for the future of Guiana”.
Essentially, this is a payoff to the unions and group in French Guiana that organized the strike. I am sure a lot of the money will go for good purposes, but I am even more sure that a majority of it will simply end up in the pockets of the strike organizers, doing little to help the people of French Guiana themselves.
Arianespace wins new commercial contract
Capitalism in space: Arianespace has been awarded a new contract to launch a commercial satellite for Intelsat.
The article doesn’t say how much Arianespace charged for the launch, but I am willing to bet that the price was lower than previously, even if it was still higher than what SpaceX charges.
Italian rocket engine company stock surges in trading debut
Capitalism in space: The stock of the Italian rocket engine company Avio jumped 11 percent in value on its first day of public trading.
The company is the prime contractor for Arianespace’s Vega rocket, and is also making engines and parts for the new Ariane 6 rocket being built by Airbus-Safran.
Strikers attempt to occupy Arianespace spaceport in French Guiana
The labor strike that has shut down Arianespace’s French Guiana spaceport has taken to turn for the worse with an attempt by about 30 strikers to occupy the spaceport.
The article provides almost no details. We also have had no recent updates on the state of the labor negotiations. At the moment it appears this strike could last a while.
French Guiana strikes continue
The strikes in French Guiana that canceled last week’s Ariane 5 launch have now escalated, practically paralyzing the country.
It also looks like this situation will not be settled quickly. Many of the local mayors have refused to meet with the representatives sent over by the French government.