[Satellite TODAY Insider 01-06-12] Arianespace carried out nine successful launches in 2011 between its Ariane 5 and revamped Soyuz rocket, and hopes for 12 more in 2012, the company announced Jan. 5.

   The commercial launch provider said it would target seven Ariane 5 launches for 2012, including the Edoardo Amaldi ATV3, which is scheduled to orbit March 9. Arianespace also has five Soyuz launches planned for the New Year — three from the Guiana Space Center and two from Baikonur, via its Starsem affiliate.

   In addition, Arianespace is set to debut its new Vega light rocket, which will launch the Lares and AlmaSat-1 satellites, along with several microsatellites. Arianespace officials said its teams are working with their counterparts from the European Space Agency (ESA), the Guiana Space Center and other industry partners to prepare for the maiden launch.

   Arianespace carried out five Ariane 5 missions in 2011, orbiting nine payloads and reaching its 46 successful Ariane 5 launch in a row. In October, Arianespace successfully launched its debut Soyuz rocket from the Guiana Space Center. Arianespace performed four Soyuz launches in 2011 — two from French Guiana and two from Baikonur.

   Arianespace’s backlog of orders reached 4.5 billion euros ($5.77 billion) at the end of 2011. The backlog includes 21 Ariane 5 launches, 15 Soyuz launches and two Vega launches, spanning three years of business. Arianespace officials said the company expects to post total revenues of about 985 million euros ($1.26 billion) in 2011 to break even for the year.