Arianespace Enjoyed A 'Remarkable' Year In 2012

The French satellite launch company, Arianespace, announced its net income of €1.7 million for 2012 on sales of €1,329 million.

Despite the contrasted market conditions, according to the company, Arianespace enjoyed a remarkable year in 2012 in  terms of both number of launches and orders booked.

Retaining its world leader status in terms of satellite launching, Arianespace currently has seven Ariane 5 launches orbiting 12 commercial satellites plus the ATV3 Edoardo Amaldi supply vessel for the International Space Station. They have three Soyuz launches, as well, and the first launch of Vega, And having signed 13 launch contracts out of 18 open to competition is not that bad.

In 2013, it looks as though Arianespace is up for even a better year since Eutelsat (for two satellites launches), Australian operator NBN (two satellites launches), and Intelsat (one Vega launch) all signed contracts with the company.

With one Ariane 5 already launched this year, Arianespace still has five more launches planned for this year and a couple more with Soyuz, and Vega launch.

See also: Hawaii To Launch Its First Satellite On October 2013