Arianespace is the commercial launch services leader, holding more than 50 percent of the world market for satellites to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Created as the first commercial space transportation company in 1980, Arianespace has signed contracts for 285 satellite payloads. Arianespace is responsible for the production, operation and marketing of the Ariane 5 launchers, and is a partner in the commercial operations of Starsem's Soyuz launch vehicle.