Due to the increasing size of satellites and probes and economically competition, the demands on space launchers are constantly increasing. Thus Europe developed after having operated the Ariane 4 rocket successfully for many years and after over 100 launches the Ariane 5 rocket. This launcher is able to deliver up to two satellites in a dual launch configuratin into the geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The Ariane 5 is currently available in three different configurations.