MUMBAI: A few days ago The Space Foundation presented its 2004 apace achievement award to Arianespace, the CNES French national space agency and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The annual Space Foundation prize was awarded to the companies as they were responsible for operating the Ariane 4 launcher. It orbited 182 satellites for 50 customers from around the world, on 116 Ariane 4 vehicles. Ariane 4 entered service in June 1988 and carried out its final mission in February 2003.

Arianespace chairman Jean-Marie Luton was quoted in a company release saying, "This award recognises the excellence and reliability of the European launcher. It is a fitting tribute to the remarkable development work accomplished by CNES, and in general to the entire European industry operating through ESA. At the same time it recognises the top-flight professionalism of Arianespace's operational and commercial staff."