ATV-3's Ariane 5 launcher during transfer to the Final Assembly Building at Kourou. Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace/Optique Vidéo du CSG – P. Baudon

ATV-3's Ariane 5 launcher during transfer to the Final Assembly Building at Kourou. Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace/Optique Vidéo du CSG – P. Baudon

Ariane 5 is being readied for its initial 2012 mission, which will orbit Europe’s next Automated Transfer Vehicle.

Arianespace is readying the first Ariane 5 for launch in 2012 from French Guiana following delivery of this heavy-lift workhorse at the Spaceport by its industrial prime contractor, Astrium.

The Ariane 5 ES vehicle is now in the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building following its transfer from the Launcher Integration Building – where it underwent integration of its core cryogenic stage, solid propellant boosters, equipment bay and EPS upper stage.

Via Arianespace