The Symphonie satellite was the first telecommunications satellite to use three-axis stabilization in geostationary orbit. It resulted from a joint collaboration between France and Germany. Two identical satellites were launched in 1974 and 1975 aboard an American Thor-Delta rocket.

However, as part of the launch contract, the United States prohibited Europe from using Symphonie for commercial purposes. This incident motivated Europe to seek independent access to space. Consequently, Symphonie is often considered the 'father of Ariane,' as described by Hubert Curien, President of CNES in 1980