Helios and Essaim are French miltary satellites for observation of Earth. Parasol is an Earth Observation research satellite.Nanosat 01 is a small technologu demonstator for the spanish space agency INTA.

The Ariane 5 G+ had an improved EPS second stage, with a GTO capacity of 7,100 kg (15,700 lb) for a single payload or 6,300 kg (13,900 lb) for two. It flew three times in 2004, with no failures.

Arianespace SA is a multinational company founded in 1980 as the world's first commercial launch service provider. It undertakes the production, operation, and marketing of the Ariane programme. Their vehicles launch exclusively from French Guiana in South America.