The rocket was used in a number of variants - it could be fitted with two or four additional solid (PAP for Propulseurs d'Appoint à Poudre) or liquid fueled booster rockets (PAL for Propulseurs d'Appoint à Liquide). The launcher included a satellite payload carrier system called SPELDA (Structure porteuse externe de lancement double Ariane, French for External Carrying Structure for Ariane Double Launches) for launching more than one satellite at a time. The rocket captured nearly 60% of the world's commercial launch services market, serving both European and international clients. Atop the third stage was a vehicle equipment stage which housed a computer that performed various functions, including sequencing, guidance, control, tracking, telemetry and an explosive-based self-destruct.
the rocket was used in a number of variants - it could be fitted with two or four additional solid (pap for propulseurs d'appoint à poudre) or liquid fueled booster rockets (pal for propulseurs d'appoint à liquide) the launcher included a satellite payload carrier system called spelda (structure porteuse externe de lancement double ariane french for external carrying structure for ariane double launches) for launching more than one satellite at a time the rocket captured nearly 60% of the world's commercial launch services market serving both european and international clients atop the third stage was a vehicle equipment stage which housed a computer that performed various functions including sequencing guidance control tracking telemetry and an explosive-based self-destruct