Ariane 6 Set to Usher in New Era of European Spaceflight
The European Space Agency (ESA) has taken a crucial step to bolster Europe’s independent access to space, just as its new heavy-lift rocket, the Ariane 6, prepares for its maiden flight. On July 5th, ESA member states adopted a resolution that includes a definition of what qualifies as a “European launch service”.
This move comes on the heels of the Ariane 6’s upcoming inaugural launch, slated for July 9th from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
What Defines a “European Launch Service”?
According to the resolution, a launch service must meet several criteria to be considered “European”:
- The company’s registered address, decision-making centers, launch system development and manufacturing locations, and launch operations sites must be within the territories of ESA member states or EU member states.
- The launch service must not be subject to the dominant influence of a non-European economic operator, as determined by ownership, financial participation, and the rules governing the launch service provider.
This definition aims to ensure that European institutional payloads are launched on European rockets, bolstering the continent’s independent access to space.
Why the Need for a European Launcher Definition?
The push to define and prioritize European launch services has intensified following the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites’ (EUMETSAT) decision to launch its next weather satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 instead of the Ariane 6.
This decision surprised European space officials and highlighted the need for a clear definition of what constitutes a European launch service.
| Launch Provider | Registered Address | Manufacturing Locations | Launch Sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| ArianeGroup (Ariane 6) | France | France, Germany | French Guiana |
| Isar Aerospace | Germany | Germany | TBD |
| PLD Space | Spain | Spain | TBD |
| Rocket Factory Augsburg | Germany | Germany | TBD |
Table: Select European launch providers and their key locations
The Ariane 6: Europe’s New Heavy-Lift Rocket
Developed by ArianeGroup on behalf of ESA, the Ariane 6 is a two-stage rocket designed to succeed the Ariane 5 as Europe’s primary heavy-lift launch vehicle.
It utilizes liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (hydrolox) engines, with the first stage powered by an upgraded Vulcain 2.1 engine and the second stage featuring the new Vinci engine.The Ariane 6 comes in two variants:
- Ariane 62: Equipped with two P120 solid rocket boosters, it can lift up to 10.3 tons to low Earth orbit.
- Ariane 64: Featuring four P120 solid rocket boosters, it has a payload capacity of up to 21.6 tons to low Earth orbit.
Originally targeted for a 2020 debut, the Ariane 6 has faced delays, with its inaugural flight now set for July 9th, 2024.
The Importance of Ariane 6’s Inaugural Launch
The successful inaugural flight of the Ariane 6 is crucial for Europe’s space ambitions. It will mark the beginning of a new era in European spaceflight, ensuring autonomous access to space for ESA member states and the European Union.
However, test launches have a high failure rate, with ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher noting a 47% chance that the first flight may not succeed or happen exactly as planned. Despite this, the Ariane 6 already has 30 launches booked, including 18 for Amazon’s Kuiper constellation.
Irish Technology Aboard Ariane 6
The Ariane 6’s inaugural flight will also showcase Irish space technology. Dublin-based company Réaltra has provided two key systems for the rocket:
- VIKI: A video telemetry system that will provide live HD video from six cameras onboard the Ariane 6 during all phases of the mission.
- GNSS: A global navigation satellite system that leverages advanced satellite navigation technology to collect and transmit precise positioning, velocity, and timing data.
The inclusion of Réaltra’s technology on the Ariane 6 highlights the growing capabilities of the Irish space industry and the importance of international collaboration in space exploration.
Looking to the Future
As the Ariane 6 prepares for its historic first flight, Europe is already looking to diversify its launch services. An ESA Council resolution on July 5th paved the way for the commercialization of the Vega rocket by its prime contractor, Avio.
The resolution also authorized the use of the Guiana Space Centre for launches by four European micro- and mini-launcher providers: Isar Aerospace, MaiaSpace, PLD Space, and Rocket Factory Augsburg.
These developments underscore Europe’s commitment to maintaining and expanding its access to space, ensuring that the continent remains a key player in the global space industry for years to come.
