Ariane 5, the European launch vehicle developed and manufactured by Astrium, today successfully lifted-off from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

For François Auque, Astrium CEO, “This 46th consecutive success confirms the reliability of Astrium as a prime contractor for Ariane. Astrium’s particular expertise in cryogenic propulsion enables the launch vehicle to answer the customer requests on a very comprehensive range of missions.”

For this 204th flight, Ariane 5 placed 8,974 kilos into geostationary orbit.

EADS press release