In only what can be termed a less-than-resounding snapshot of profitability in commercial space, news that Arianespace Needs Aid To Avoid Loss in 2010, as reported in Space News, has landed with a thud. For investors of other commercial launcher endeavors, this news will certainly cause them to consider grabbing some Pepsid AC.
- “The Evry, France-based company conducted six launches of its heavy-lift Ariane 5 rocket in 2010, down from seven in 2009, and this is the main reason for the revenue drop, to slightly more than 900 million euros ($1.2 billion), in 2010.
In a press briefing here, Arianespace Chief Executive Jean-Yves Le Gall said the company would normally report a loss when it closes its books this spring but may be able to avoid it if the 18-nation European Space Agency (ESA) agrees to a new series of subsidies to offset operating costs at Arianespace and its contractors.”