spacetoday.net: Arianespace, EADS sign contract for Ariane 5 order

Posted: Tue, May 11, 2004, 8:52 AM ET (1252 GMT)
Ariane 5 prior to flight 160 launch (Arianespace)

Arianespace and European aerospace company EADS signed a multi-billion-euro contract Monday for a new batch of Ariane 5 boosters. The contract, valued at €3 billion (US$3.5 billion), covers the "PA batch" of 30 Ariane 5 boosters, which will be built by EADS Space Transportation for Arianespace. EADS will become the prime contractor for the Ariane 5 under the contract. Most of the vehicles in the PA batch will be the Ariane 5 ECA variant, which failed on its maiden flight in late 2002; the vehicle is scheduled to return to service later this year. The batch also includes several Ariane 5 ES boosters that will be used for launches of the ATV cargo vehicle to the International Space Station.