# Ariane 40

> rocket in the Ariane 4 series

**Wikidata**: [Q9159561](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9159561)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ariane-40

## Summary
Ariane 40 is a rocket model that is part of the Ariane 4 series, classified as an expendable medium-lift launch vehicle. Manufactured by Aérospatiale and operated by Arianespace, it was designed to launch moderate payloads to orbit. It was operational from its first launch in January 1990 until its last in December 1999.

## Key Facts
*   Ariane 40 is a rocket model within the Ariane 4 series.
*   It is classified as an expendable launch vehicle and a medium-lift launch vehicle.
*   Its first launch occurred on January 22, 1990.
*   Its last launch occurred on December 3, 1999.
*   The rocket was manufactured by Aérospatiale and operated by Arianespace.
*   It had a height of 58.4 meters and a diameter of 3.8 meters.
*   Its gross weight was 243,000 kilograms.
*   Ariane 40 could deliver a payload of 2740 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) or 1900 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).
*   It had a maximum thrust of 2708.0 kilonewtons.
*   The country of origin for Ariane 40 is France.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of rocket is Ariane 40?
A: Ariane 40 is a rocket model that is part of the Ariane 4 series. It is classified as an expendable launch vehicle and a medium-lift launch vehicle, meaning it is used once and can lift moderate payloads to orbit.

### Q: When was Ariane 40 in service?
A: Ariane 40 was operational for nearly a decade. Its first launch took place on January 22, 1990, and its final launch occurred on December 3, 1999.

### Q: What was the payload capacity of Ariane 40?
A: Ariane 40 was capable of lifting 2740 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO). For missions to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), its payload capacity was 1900 kilograms.

### Q: Who manufactured and operated Ariane 40?
A: Ariane 40 was manufactured by Aérospatiale. Its operations, including launches, were managed by Arianespace.

## Why It Matters
Ariane 40 played a significant role in European space access during its operational period from 1990 to 1999. As a configuration of the successful Ariane 4 series, it provided a reliable and versatile medium-lift capability for a variety of missions. Its ability to launch moderate payloads to both low Earth orbit and geostationary transfer orbit made it a crucial asset for deploying satellites for Earth observation, communications, and scientific research, as evidenced by the diverse range of satellites it launched, including SPOT series, ERS series, and various amateur radio satellites. By offering a specific configuration within the Ariane 4 family, it allowed for tailored launch solutions, contributing to Europe's independent access to space and supporting numerous national and international space programs.

## Notable For
*   Being a specific configuration within the highly successful Ariane 4 series, designed for medium-lift missions without additional solid rocket boosters.
*   Its operational period from 1990 to 1999, contributing to European space launch capabilities for nearly a decade.
*   Its capacity to launch a diverse array of satellites, including Earth observation, military reconnaissance, and amateur radio satellites, to various orbits.
*   Its classification as a three-stage-to-orbit expendable launch vehicle, providing a cost-effective solution for its payload class.

## Body

### Overview
Ariane 40 is a rocket model that belongs to the Ariane 4 series of European launch vehicles. It is classified as an expendable launch vehicle, meaning it is used once and not recovered, and a medium-lift launch vehicle, capable of delivering moderate payloads into orbit.

### Operational History
Ariane 40 commenced operations with its first launch on January 22, 1990. It remained in service for nearly a decade, with its final launch occurring on December 3, 1999. The rocket was manufactured by Aérospatiale and operated by Arianespace. Its launches originated from the ELA-2 launch site.

### Technical Specifications
*   **Height**: 58.4 meters
*   **Diameter**: 3.8 meters
*   **Mass**: 243,000 kilograms (gross weight)
*   **Maximum Thrust**: 2708.0 kilonewtons
*   **Payload Capacity**:
    *   2740 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO)
    *   1900 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO)
*   **Country of Origin**: France

### Components
Ariane 40 is a three-stage-to-orbit vehicle with the following main stages:
*   L220 (1st stage)
*   L33B (2nd stage)
*   H10 (3rd stage)

### Notable Payloads
Ariane 40 was responsible for launching a variety of satellites, including:
*   **Earth Observation Satellites**: SPOT-2, SPOT-3, SPOT-4, ERS-1, ERS-2
*   **Military Satellites**: Clémentine, Cerise, Hélios 1A, Hélios 1B
*   **Amateur Radio Satellites**: ITAMSAT, PoSAT-1, OSCAR 18, AMSAT-OSCAR 16, OSCAR 19, Dove-OSCAR 17
*   **Other Satellites**: Stella, TUBSAT-1, SARA, Healthsat-2, UPM-LBSat, Kitsat-2, Eyesat, UoSAT-3, UoSAT-4, UoSAT-5

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ariane 40",
  "description": "rocket in the Ariane 4 series",
  "additionalType": [
    "https://schema.org/Rocket",
    "https://schema.org/LaunchVehicle"
  ],
  "manufacturer": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Aérospatiale"
  },
  "operator": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Arianespace"
  },
  "height": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": 58.4,
    "unitCode": "MTR"
  },
  "diameter": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": 3.8,
    "unitCode": "MTR"
  },
  "mass": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": 243000,
    "unitCode": "KGM"
  },
  "startDate": "1990-01-22",
  "endDate": "1999-12-03",
  "countryOfOrigin": "France",
  "hasPart": [
    {
      "@type": "Thing",
      "name": "L220"
    },
    {
      "@type": "Thing",
      "name": "L33B"
    },
    {
      "@type": "Thing",
      "name": "H10"
    }
  ]
}

## References

1. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/a/ariane40.html)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/ariane.htm)