Editing Ariane 2 (section)

== Launch history ==
{{main|List of Ariane launches (1979–89)}}
The Ariane 2 first flew on 31 May 1986, during which it carried the [[Intelsat VA F-14]] satellite. However, the third stage had a partial ignition followed by another ignition above nominal pressure which led to the engine's failure. Because the upper stage of the Ariane 2 was shared with the other Ariane rockets, all flights were suspended until 16 September 1987. As a result of an investigation into the ignition irregularities, it was decided that installing more powerful igniters would sufficiently rectify the issue.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Harland|first1=David M.|last2=Lorenz|first2=Ralph D.|year=2005|publisher=Praxis Publishing (Springer)|location=Berlin, Heidelberg, New York|isbn=0387215190|title=Space Systems Failures - Disasters and rescues of satellites, rockets, and space probes|page=50}}</ref> Despite this incident, the reliability of the Ariane family meant that [[insurance]] costs for the launcher decreased until they were less than that of rival American launchers.<ref name="harvey 176"/> Throughout the 1980s, the platform became increasingly competitive on the global stage.<ref name="harvey 176">Harvey 2003, p. 176.</ref>

Following its reintroduction, five further launches of the Ariane 2 were conducted, all of which were successful. The last Ariane 2 launch occurred on 2 April 1989, successfully placing [[Tele-X]] into orbit.<ref name="Gunter"/> According to Harvey, the Ariane family had become the dominant series of launchers on the world market as early as 1986.<ref name="harvey 172">Harvey 2003, p. 172.</ref> Even prior to the maiden flight of the Ariane 2, the family had been able to secure the majority of the global launcher market.<ref name="harvey 176"/> Despite its relative success, the Ariane 2 was quickly replaced by the even more capable [[Ariane 4]], which had resulted in the launcher only conducting a comparatively small number of launches.<ref name="Ariane 1-3">{{cite web|url=http://www.arianespace.com/launch-services-ariane-heritage/ariane-1-3.asp|publisher=[[Arianespace]]|title=Ariane 1-3|work=Ariane Heritage|access-date=13 June 2015}}</ref>