RUAG Space has won a major payload fairing contract from Arianespace. Signed in Zurich by Stephane Israel, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Holger Wentscher, Senior Vice President RUAG Space Switzerland, the contract covers the provision of Ariane 5 payload fairings through 2019, and is worth more than 100 million Swiss francs.

The payload fairing, mounted on the nose of the launch vehicle, protects satellites on the launch pad and during the initial trajectory through the Earth's atmosphere.

RUAG Space is the world's leading supplier of payload fairings made of composite materials. In addition to Ariane 5, Europe's small launcher, Vega, and the American launcher, Atlas V-500, also use fairings supplied by RUAG Space.

RUAG Space has partnered the European launcher program since the beginning. Starting with the first liftoff in December 1979, all 217 Ariane rockets launched to date have featured RUAG fairings.

"Payload fairings are an important source of revenue for RUAG Space, which is why this contract is so vital," said Holger Wentscher. "Today's contract marks a major milestone in a successful partnership that stretches back 35 years."

Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stephane Israel added, "Since the first Ariane launch, the equipment provided by RUAG Space has enabled us to successfully orbit hundreds of satellites. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate RUAG and the Swiss space industry, which has always offered cutting-edge innovative solutions.

"With this latest order, we have now secured our supply of fairings for the Ariane 5 ECA launcher through 2019. For all of our customers, the quality and reliability of these fairings mean that the RUAG name is synonymous with excellence."