The annual Space Foundation prize was awarded to the companies as they were responsible for operating the Ariane 4 launcher. It orbited 182 satellites for 50 customers from around the world, on 116 Ariane 4 vehicles. Ariane 4 entered service in June 1988 and carried out its final mission in February 2003.

Arianespace chairman Jean-Marie Luton was quoted in a company release saying, "This award recognises the excellence and reliability of the European launcher. It is a fitting tribute to the remarkable development work accomplished by CNES, and in general to the entire European industry operating through ESA. At the same time it recognises the top-flight professionalism of Arianespace's operational and commercial staff."