Why is Ariane-5 one of the best heavy-lift launch vehicles?

New Delhi, Feb 7: Ariane 5 is a European heavy-lift launch vehicle that can carry payloads weighing more than 10 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and over 20 metric tons into low-Earth orbit (LEO). The rocket is operated and marketed by Arianespace, and built by prime contractor Airbus Defence and Space. European Space Agency (ESA) describes Ariane 5 as a highly reliable rocket at an affordable price for launches.