An Ariane 5 ECA launcher
Photo: European Space Agency

[Via Satellite 09-19-13] Arianespace and Astrium signed an initial agreement on Sept. 17 to begin the production of 18 additional Ariane 5 ECA launchers.

As part of this agreement, Arianespace has ordered from Astrium long-lead items and the start of production activities for the 18 additional launchers. These items and the first production activities are valued at more than €400 million ($542 million). The companies plan to sign the full production contract for the additional launchers before the end of 2013.

The additional 18 Ariane 5 rockets should be launched from 2017 onwards, following on from the 35 launchers ordered in 2009 (PB batch). This order takes the number of Ariane 5 launchers in production for Arianespace to 38, and guarantees the continued provision of launch services for the European operator’s customers at the Guiana Space Centre through to the end of the decade.