Ariane 5 GS
Profile data last updated: 2026-08-29T15:37:07.354998+00:00 | 7531-10-17
At the time of the failure of the first Ariane 5 ECA flight in 2002, all Ariane 5 launchers in production were ECA versions. Some of the ECA cores were modified to use the original Vulcain engine and tank volumes while the failure was investigated; these vehicles were designated Ariane 5 GS. The GS used the improved EAP boosters of the ECA variant and the improved EPS of the G+ variant, but the increased mass of the modified ECA core compared to the G and G+ core resulted in slightly reduced payload capacity. Ariane 5 GS could carry a single payload of 6,600 kg (14,600 lb) or a dual payload of 5,800 kg (12,800 lb) to GTO. The Ariane 5 GS flew 6 times from 2005 to 2009 with no failures.
Specifications
Payload Capacity
Lifetime Launch Record
As reported by Launch Library 2 across this rocket's entire history, not just the launches tracked on this site.
Launches Tracked on This Site
| Mission | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ariane 5 GS | Helios 2B | Dec 18, 2009 16:26 UTC | Success |
| Ariane 5 GS | RASCOM-QAF 1 & Horizons-2 | Dec 21, 2007 21:41 UTC | Success |
| Ariane 5 GS | Intelsat 11 & Optus D2 | Oct 05, 2007 22:02 UTC | Success |
| Ariane 5 GS | INSAT-4A, Meteosat 9 | Dec 21, 2005 22:33 UTC | Success |
| Ariane 5 GS | Syracuse 3A & Galaxy 15 | Oct 13, 2005 22:32 UTC | Success |
| Ariane 5 GS | Thaicom 4 | Aug 11, 2005 08:20 UTC | Success |