market share from Arianespace, Eutelsat CEO Michel de Rosen, a major customer of Arianespace, stated that: "Each year that passes will see SpaceX advance, gain market share and further reduce its costs through economies of scale." By September 2014, Arianespace had reportedly to sign four additional contracts for lower slots on an Ariane 5 SYLDA dispenser for satellites that otherwise could be flown on a SpaceX launch vehicle; this was claimed to have been allowed via cost reductions; it had signed a total of 11 contracts by that point, while two additional ones that were under advanced negotiations. At the time, Arianespace has a backlog of launches worth billion with 38 satellites to be launched on Ariane 5, 7 on Soyuz and 9 on Vega, claiming 60% of the global satellite launch market. However, since 2017, Arianespace's market share has been passed by SpaceX in commercial launches. Launch vehicles Currently Arianespace operates 3 launch vehicles, including two versions of Ariane 5: Additionally Arianespace offers optional back-up launch service on H-IIA through Launch Services Alliance. Ariane launch vehicles Since the first launch in 1979, there have been several versions of the Ariane launch vehicle: Ariane 1, first successful launch on December 24, 1979 Ariane 2, first successful launch on November 20, 1987 (the first launch on May 30, 1986, failed) Ariane 3, first successful launch on August 4, 1984 Ariane 4, first successful launch on June 15, 1988 Ariane 5, first successful launch on October 30, 1997 (the first launch on June 4, 1996, failed). Ariane 6, in development. It would have a similar payload capacity to that of Ariane 5 but considerably lower costs. Tentatively, its first flight is planned for 2023. Ariane Next, in early development. It will be a partially reusable launcher that should succeed Ariane 6 from the 2030s. The objective of this reusable launcher is to halve the launch costs. See also French space program Europa rocket NewSpace Other launch service providers United Launch Alliance International Launch Services SpaceX Antrix Corporation References Citations Bibliography Harvey, Brian. Europe's Space Programme: To Ariane and Beyond. Springer Science & Business Media, 2003. . Aerospace companies of France Space tourism Airbus joint ventures Commercial launch service providers Companies based in Île-de-France French companies established in 1980