Astrium Awarded Contract For Development Of Ariane 6

Ariane 5 ME and Ariane 6 proposal.  The contract, signed on January 30, follows on from the decisions reached at the ESA Ministerial Council meeting in Naples on 20-21 November 2012 (Credits: Astrium).

Astrium, the largest company in Europe for space technology, has been awarded a prime contractor agreement covering the development of Ariane 5 ME (Midlife Evolution) and Ariane 6 by the European Space Agency.

“The European Space Agency has renewed its faith in us as prime contractor by signing these contracts,” said Alain Charmeau, CEO of Astrium Space Transportation.   “The studies for the industrial development of Ariane 6 will pave the way for this truly next generation launcher.  Manufacturing of Ariane 5 ME will begin immediately, and with more than three years work already completed by us we are on target for the first flight in five years’ time.”

Astrium is preparing to begin feasibility studies for the future European launcher, in accordance with the €108 million contract.  A 6 month study will identify the concept and architecture for Ariane 6, setting out the main specifications.  Ariane 6’s preliminary design has been already established.  It will consist of 3 stages: 2 solid lower stages and the cryogenic upper stage (PPH configuration), which is powered by a Vinci restartable engine.  The rocket will have the capability of placing 3 to 6.4 metric tons into geostationary orbit.  Ariane 6 is being designed to fulfil the €70 million per launch cost requirements while maintaining the same reliability as Ariane 5.

Astrium will also continue the development of Ariane 5 ME, the modernized version of Ariane 5. This new version is going to boost launch capacity by 20% for the same price, meaning a cost reduction by 20% per kilogram.  Ariane 5 ME’s maiden flight is scheduled for 2017-2018.  Like the Ariane 6, the Ariane ME will also utilize the Vinci restartable engine.

Astrium has been the prime contractor of the Ariane 5 since 2003. The company supervises an industrial network of more than 550 companies in 12 European countries.

The animation below shows the Ariane 6 during launch: