# Ariane 3

> rocket of the Ariane family

**Wikidata**: [Q18381](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18381)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariane_3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ariane-3

## Summary
Ariane 3 was a medium-lift expendable launch vehicle developed as part of the Ariane rocket family. It served as a successor to Ariane 2 and predecessor to Ariane 4, operating from 1984 to 1989 and launching 11 satellites, including key communications satellites like Olympus-1 and Arabsat-1A.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Expendable launch vehicle and medium-lift launch vehicle
- **Operator**: Arianespace
- **Manufacturer**: Aérospatiale
- **Launch Dates**: August 4, 1984 – July 12, 1989
- **Height**: 49 meters
- **Diameter**: 3.8 meters
- **Mass**: 237,000 kg (gross weight)
- **Payload Capacity**: 2,650 kg to geostationary transfer orbit
- **Launch Sites**: ELA-1 and ELA-2 at the Guiana Space Centre
- **Successes**: 11 successful launches
- **Failures**: 1 (Eutelsat I F-3 in 1985)
- **Predecessor**: Ariane 2
- **Successor**: Ariane 4

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Ariane 3 rocket?
A: The Ariane 3 was designed to launch medium-sized satellites into geostationary transfer orbit, primarily for communications and broadcasting purposes.

### Q: How many launches did Ariane 3 conduct?
A: Ariane 3 conducted 12 launches in total, with 11 successful missions and 1 failure (Eutelsat I F-3 in 1985).

### Q: What satellites did Ariane 3 launch?
A: Notable payloads included Olympus-1 (Europe’s first digital TV satellite), Arabsat-1A (Saudi Arabia’s first communications satellite), and INSAT-1C (India’s first domestic communications satellite).

### Q: Why was Ariane 3 retired?
A: Ariane 3 was retired in 1989 due to its limited payload capacity compared to the newer Ariane 4, which offered improved performance and reliability.

### Q: Where was Ariane 3 launched from?
A: Ariane 3 was launched from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana, using launch pads ELA-1 and ELA-2.

## Why It Matters
The Ariane 3 rocket played a crucial role in the early development of the Ariane family, bridging the gap between Ariane 2 and Ariane 4. It successfully launched several high-profile satellites, including Europe’s first digital TV satellite, Olympus-1, and Saudi Arabia’s first communications satellite, Arabsat-1A. Despite its relatively short operational life, Ariane 3 demonstrated the reliability and versatility of the Ariane program, paving the way for future advancements in European space launch technology. Its retirement marked the transition to the more capable Ariane 4, which further solidified Europe’s position as a leader in commercial space launches.

## Notable For
- **First European Digital TV Satellite**: Launched Olympus-1, Europe’s first digital TV satellite.
- **Saudi Arabia’s First Comms Satellite**: Deployed Arabsat-1A, Saudi Arabia’s first communications satellite.
- **Indian Space Program Contribution**: Launched INSAT-1C, India’s first domestic communications satellite.
- **Medium-Lift Capability**: Offered a payload capacity of 2,650 kg to geostationary transfer orbit.
- **Operational Longevity**: Conducted 12 launches over five years, with only one failure.

## Body
### Overview
Ariane 3 was a three-stage medium-lift launch vehicle developed by Aérospatiale and operated by Arianespace. It succeeded Ariane 2 and preceded Ariane 4, serving as a key transitional rocket in the Ariane family.

### Technical Specifications
- **Height**: 49 meters
- **Diameter**: 3.8 meters
- **Mass**: 237,000 kg (gross weight)
- **Payload Capacity**: 2,650 kg to geostationary transfer orbit
- **Stages**:
  - **First Stage**: PAP-10 solid rocket motor (2 units)
  - **Second Stage**: L144B liquid-fueled engine
  - **Third Stage**: L33B liquid-fueled engine
  - **Upper Stage**: H10 liquid-fueled engine

### Launch History
- **First Launch**: August 4, 1984 (Olympus-1)
- **Last Launch**: July 12, 1989 (Brazilsat B1)
- **Total Launches**: 12 (11 successes, 1 failure)
- **Launch Sites**: ELA-1 and ELA-2 at the Guiana Space Centre

### Notable Payloads
- **Olympus-1**: Europe’s first digital TV satellite (1989)
- **Arabsat-1A**: Saudi Arabia’s first communications satellite (1985)
- **INSAT-1C**: India’s first domestic communications satellite (1983)
- **Eutelsat I F-3**: Lost in a launch failure (1985)

### Legacy
Ariane 3 was retired in 1989 due to its limited payload capacity compared to Ariane 4. It laid the groundwork for the Ariane program’s future success, demonstrating the reliability and versatility of European space launch technology.

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## References

1. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/a/ariane3.html)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_det/ariane-3.htm)
4. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane_1_2_32)