Composite structures for the Ariane launcher

In the mid-1970s, Europe had no heavy launch facilities for its satellites.

In 1973, the company decided to develop Ariane 1, which would ensure its autonomy and provide commercial services. At the time, more than 70% of satellites had a mass of less than 1,300 kg, but as mass continued to increase, Ariane 1 soon became insufficient. The performance of Ariane 2 and 3 was enhanced by the addition of 2 solid rocket boosters and increased thrust of the main stage engines. By the mid-1980s, as Ariane 4 became operational and became Arianespace's "spearhead", the mass of payloads to be launched into orbit continued to increase, a trend that continues to this day.

In 1987, the European ministers decided to develop the Ariane 5 heavy launcher, in order to maintain a competitive launch capacity in the face of increasing satellite mass and volume, and for the launch of manned flight elements into low-Earth orbit. The use of composite materials has played a major role in boosting the performance of Ariane launchers.