PADAriane Launch Area 3
SITEGuiana Space Centre, French Guiana →ORBITSun-Synchronous Orbit
TYPEDedicated Rideshare
MISSION OVERVIEW
Helios and Essaim are French miltary satellites for observation of Earth. Parasol is an Earth Observation research satellite.Nanosat 01 is a small technologu demonstator for the spanish space agency INTA.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Ariane 5 G+
AGENCY
ArianespaceMISSION
Helios 2A, Essaim 1-4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01
MISSION TYPE
Dedicated Rideshare
TARGET ORBIT
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Ariane Launch Area 3LAUNCH SITE
Guiana Space Centre, French GuianaCOUNTRY
FRA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: b338e79f-b718-4f83-86b3-a4c6a2a53249
Reported date: Dec 18, 2004 at 16:26 UTC
Last synced: 7 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
Loading weather…
CAN YOU SEE THIS LAUNCH?
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
VEHICLE
MANUFACTURER
ArianeGroup
VARIANT
G+
FLIGHTS
3
SUCCESSES
3
SUCCESS RATE
100%
The Ariane 5 G+ had an improved EPS second stage, with a GTO capacity of 7,100 kg (15,700 lb) for a single payload or 6,300 kg (13,900 lb) for two. It flew three times in 2004, with no failures.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Ariane 5 G+ | Helios 2A, Essaim 1, 2, 3, 4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01 launch?
The Ariane 5 G+ | Helios 2A, Essaim 1, 2, 3, 4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01 is scheduled for Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 4:26 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Helios 2A, Essaim 1-4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01?
The Ariane 5 G+ | Helios 2A, Essaim 1, 2, 3, 4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01 mission uses the Ariane 5 G+ rocket, manufactured by ArianeGroup. The Ariane 5 G+ has flown 3 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Ariane 5 G+ | Helios 2A, Essaim 1, 2, 3, 4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01 launching from?
The launch takes place from Ariane Launch Area 3 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
What orbit is Helios 2A, Essaim 1-4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01 going to?
The Helios 2A, Essaim 1-4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01 mission is targeting Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
Who is launching Helios 2A, Essaim 1-4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01?
The Ariane 5 G+ | Helios 2A, Essaim 1, 2, 3, 4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01 is operated by Arianespace.
Can I watch the Ariane 5 G+ | Helios 2A, Essaim 1, 2, 3, 4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 18, 2004 at 16:26 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Arianespace
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 7 hours ago
●Launch Library 27 hours ago
Launch ID: b338e79f-b718-4f83-86b3-a4c6a2a53249
●Open-Meteo Weather7 hours ago
Pad weather at 5.24, -52.77
●YouTube Video Search3 weeks ago
1 video discovered
Mission Profile
Helios 2A, Essaim 1-4, PARASOL, Nanosat 01 was a Ariane 5 G+ mission operated by Arianespace that lifted off from Ariane Launch Area 3, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana on December 18, 2004. The flight carried its payload on a dedicated rideshare mission to Sun-Synchronous Orbit. The launch was a success.