Arianespace is the commercial launch services leader, holding more than 50 percent of the world market for satellites to geostationary transfer orbit. Created as the first commercial space transportation company in 1980, Arianespace has signed contracts for more than 260 satellite payloads. The company is responsible for the production, operation and marketing of the Ariane 5 launchers, and is a partner in the commercial operations of Starsems Soyuz launch vehicle.