This will be the 24th commercial mission for Ariane 5. Launcher 531, the 24th production-phase Ariane 5, is the third of the 30 PA contract launchers for which EADS SPACE is production prime contractor. Launcher 531 is thus the third complete launcher to be delivered to Arianespace, integrated and checked out under EADS SPACE responsibility in the Launcher Integration Building (BIL).

In a multi-payload configuration using the SYLDA 5 ‘E’ (1,500 mm stretched) system, and a middle pattern fairing, the launcher is carrying two telecommunications satellites: the Japanese JCSAT-10 in the upper position and the French Syracuse 3B in the lower.