In February 2003, after 15 years of service and over 180 satellites orbited, Ariane 4 lifted off for the last time before handing over permanently to Ariane 5.
The launch was flawless—a fitting end to an exemplary career for which the European Space Agency had destined it back in 1982.

 

With a success rate of over 97 percent, Ariane 4's last flight was more symbolic than strategic. Its final customer had also been the very first to use an Ariane launcher, having signed 2 launch contracts before Ariane 1 even made its first flight. Ariane 4's last flight orbited the 23^rd satellite for the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Intelsat).

While Europe is gearing up for the future, an important chapter in European space history has now closed.

^{Last updated: April 2004}