posted 12-27-2009 03:50 AM
The 30th anniversary of Ariane's first launch (December 24th) seems to have been missed by cS...
cspg Member
Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
posted 12-27-2009 08:24 AM
One would think that since it is (was) a French-led effort, newsmedia (TV) would talk a little more about it, but no. Sure it was mentioned but it's as if a 30th anniversary is not as important as a 25th... and for French and Swiss TV to mention an Ariane launch, it would have to fail.
But you're right - it's not something that was celebrated. Maybe because Ariane was born out of NASA's (or the US Government) policy towards the use of the Symphonie satellite (we will launch your satellite but you won't be able to use it as you please?)
issman1 Member
Posts: 1042 From: UK Registered: Apr 2005
posted 12-27-2009 08:50 AM
France and Germany's triumph with Ariane is the UK's misfortune. Let it be a lesson to our shortsighted governments who still squander such opportunities. Having said that, the Symphonies satellite reminds me of Iran's Zohreh. Once upon a time it was to be launched by the U.S. Space Shuttle - until the Shah was toppled. Then most recently by Russia. No wonder the Iranians built their own launcher.
gliderpilotuk Member
Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
posted 12-27-2009 11:41 AM
The UK's "misfortune" began with the cancellation of Black Arrow - well before Ariane I flew. I believe we have the honour to be the only country to have successfully developed and then abandoned a satellite launch capability. But then again, we threw away most of our aerospace lead in the late '60's and early '70's...TSR2 etc.