Ariane series at a glance
| Launcher | Ariane 1 | Ariane 2 | Ariane 3 | Ariane 4 | Ariane 5 |
| Launch mass | 210 t | 219 t | 234 t | 243 to 480 t | 750 to 780 t |
| Geostationary transfer orbit lift capacity | 1.75 t | 2.20 t | 2.60 t | 2 to 4.8 t | 6.9 to 10 t |
| Thrust* | 250 t | 270 t | 270 t | 270 to 540 t | 1 200 to 1 300 t |
| Height | 47.4 m | 49 m | 49 m | 59 m | 47 to 57 m |
| Launches | 11 | 6 | 11 | 116 | 49 ** |
| Successes | 9 | 5 | 10 | 113 | 46** |
| Design lifetime | 1981/1986 | 1986/1989 | 1984/1989 | 1988/2003 | 1996/... |
* Thrust is measured in kilo-newtons (kN) but is commonly expressed in tonnes. To interpret the value of a force expressed in kN, divide it by ten to obtain a figure roughly corresponding to the mass (in tonnes) that the force can lift.
** Figures on 1st January, 2010
The various models of the Ariane launcher ; credits : CNES/ESA/ill.D.Ducros,2000
