A French company, founded in 1980, Arianespace SA undertakes the production, operation and marketing of the Ariane 5 rocket launcher as part of the Ariane programme. It is the world's first commercial space transportation company.

As of 2007 Arianespace held more than 50 percent of the world market for boosting satellites to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). More than 240 commercial launches have occurred since May 22, 1984, and Arianespace states that the total number of launch contracts signed since Ariane launches commenced operations in 1984 is 285. Arianespace uses the Centre Spatial Guyanais as a launch site. It has its headquarters in Évry, Essonne, France.