Like the preceding Ariane rockets, Arianespace will market Ariane 5 and the launcher will be available as soon as it is declared operational (in 1996). So far, no payload has been manifested on commercial Ariane 5 flights. The launch price is 100-110 M$ (EC 1990) [Isakowitz, 1991]. Figure 8.5 Payload accommodation on Ariane 5 [Isakowitz, 1991] After the end of the development of the Ariane 5 launcher, it is at the present time envisioned to look for derivatives in two directions: an increased launch capability with an upgraded Vulcain (Ariane 5 Mark II) or two Vulcain's instead of one, and small launchers to replace Ariane 40, based on the Ariane 5 solid rocket booster, with Ariane 4 or to-be-developed upper stages (projects “DLA-V” or “DLA-S”). None of these projects is likely to give birth to an operational launcher before 2002, with the exception of Ariane 5 Mark II, which could offer a payload increase of two tons in LEO, which corresponds to two Atlas IIAS-class satellites in GTO. H-2 (Japan) The H-2 replaces the H-l which performed its last flight at the beginning of 1992. This new vehicle is being developed fully by the domestic technology of Japan. It consists of cryogenic first and second stages and a pair of solid strap-ons. It will be capable of 4 times more payload to GEO than H-l. First flight is scheduled for 1994 with the OREX payload, but since it is fully booked until 1997, it can only be considered for the second Space Solar Power Program demonstration. Japan has expressed its intention to eventually market this launcher on a commercial basis, but there are constraints on the launch windows due to the fishermen around Tanegashima Space Center. It is so far limited to two launch windows per year, which would authorize a maximum of four launches a year. The launch price is 100-120 M$ (EC 1990) [Isakowitz, 1991]. A configuration, called H-2D, with six Solid Rocket Boosters instead of two on the basic H-2 is being studied as a growth version. This launcher is necessary to launch the large 20 ton class HOPE, an unmanned winged vehicle accommodated on top of the H-2.
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