Ariane-6, Europe’s latest rocket, is poised for its first flight from French Guiana. This demonstration mission aims to place several satellites into orbit. Developed at a cost of €4 billion (£3.4 billion), Ariane-6 is designed to provide European governments and companies with independent access to space.
I can’t believe we are just hours away from the #Ariane6 launch! ⌛️🚀
This powerful rocket marks #Europe‘s return to independent space launches. Developed with contributions from hundreds of companies across Europe, Ariane 6 offers incredible flexibility for various missions… pic.twitter.com/IHpjnrGNFN
— Matthias Maurer (@astro_matthias) July 9, 2024
Despite having a backlog of launch contracts, there are concerns about the rocket’s future competitiveness. Like its predecessor, Ariane-5, Ariane-6 is not reusable, whereas modern American rockets are being designed for partial or full reusability. However, European space officials remain optimistic about Ariane-6’s potential.
Josef Aschbacher, the European Space Agency (ESA) director-general, emphasized the importance of the mission. “Daily life today depends on satellite information, from telecommunications and Earth observation to weather forecasting and disaster management. Europe needs guaranteed, independent access to space,” he told BBC News.
The launch from the Kourou spaceport is scheduled within a three-hour window starting at 16:00 local time (21:00 CEST; 20:00 BST).
Externally similar to Ariane-5, Ariane-6 incorporates advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing and friction stir welding, promising faster and cheaper production. Ariane-6 will come in two configurations: the “62” with two solid-fuel side boosters for medium payloads, and the “64” with four boosters for the heaviest satellites.
The rocket’s core stage is complemented by a second stage capable of multiple restarts, useful for deploying large satellite constellations. This stage can also return to Earth, avoiding space debris accumulation.
The upcoming mission will use the Ariane-62 variant, launching to an altitude of 580km to deploy a mix of university and commercial spacecraft. Notable payloads include two capsules designed to survive reentry and a small-scale demonstrator, Nyx Bikini, which aims to transport supplies and people to space stations.
🚀🌌 It’s tomorrow! Come stream the first launch of the European Ariane 6 rocket with our camera system on board! 🌌🚀
📅 When? Tomorrow, July 9
⏰ At what time? 19:30 – 20:30 GMT+1#Ariane6 #ScanwaySpace #YPSAT #launch #euspace #ESA #live pic.twitter.com/oyiQrM1kSk— Scanway (@Scanway_SA) July 8, 2024
Inaugural flights carry significant risk, with new rockets often facing failures. Ariane-5’s first flight in 1996 ended in an explosion due to control software errors. Yet, it went on to dominate the commercial launch market until the 2010s when Elon Musk’s reusable Falcon-9 rockets emerged, offering competitive rates.
Europe is progressing towards reusability, with expected service not until the 2030s. Meanwhile, Musk’s increasingly larger rockets continue to reduce launch costs. Ariane-6 thus enters a highly competitive market.
“We have an order book that is full,” stated Lucia Linares, head of space transportation strategy at ESA. “Our customers have said Ariane-6 meets their needs.”
Contracts are in place for the rocket’s first three years, including 18 launches for Jeff Bezos’ internet satellite constellation, Kuiper. European officials hope to achieve a flight rate of one launch per month.
Pierre Lionnet from space consultancy ASD Eurospace noted that securing demand from European customers and winning a few commercial contracts beyond Kuiper would help Ariane-6 establish itself. However, he warned, “If Falcon-9 consistently undercuts Ariane-6’s prices, there will be an issue.”
Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket launching for 1st time ever this week https://t.co/Bx1jBBiffu pic.twitter.com/sQuUnzx67z
— SPACE.com (@SPACEdotcom) July 8, 2024
Ariane-6 is a project of 13 ESA member states, led by France (56%) and Germany (21%). The partners have pledged subsidies of up to €340 million (£295 million) annually to support Ariane-6’s early operations. Although the UK is no longer directly involved, some British companies continue to supply components, and British-built spacecraft will still fly on Ariane.
Major Points:
- Inaugural Flight: Europe’s new Ariane-6 rocket is set for its maiden launch from French Guiana, aiming to deploy multiple satellites into orbit.
- Development and Cost: Developed at a cost of €4 billion (£3.4 billion), Ariane-6 is designed to provide Europe with independent access to space.
- Configurations and Capabilities: Ariane-6 features advanced manufacturing techniques and comes in two configurations, “62” for medium payloads and “64” for heavy payloads, with a re-ignitable upper stage to prevent space debris.
- Market Competition: Despite concerns over its expendable design versus reusable American rockets, Ariane-6 has a backlog of launch contracts, including 18 launches for Jeff Bezos’ Kuiper satellite constellation.
- Future Prospects: European officials aim for Ariane-6 to achieve a monthly launch rate, relying on European institutional demand and competitive pricing to secure its market position.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
