The Ariane 5 is a European heavy-lift launch vehicle designed to transport satellites into orbit. Developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and manufactured by Arianespace, it made its first flight in 1996. The rocket is known for its reliability and has been used for various missions, including launching commercial satellites and scientific payloads. The Ariane 5 features a two-stage design, with solid rocket boosters for additional thrust during liftoff. It can carry payloads of up to 10,000 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit, making it one of the most powerful rockets in operation.