Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency, has set up a "task force" to ensure that the first launch of Ariane 6 can be operated on before the end of next year.
Ariane 6 is a medium-heavy launcher developed by Ariangroup, for the European Space Agency, with the aim of replacing Ariane 5. This rocket, despite its efficiency, indeed costs too expensive and its market share is increasingly threatened by other competitors. Let us mention in particular SpaceX which, by reusing its launchers, is much more competitive.
Ariane 6 will be more modular and flexible , offering the ability to place any type of payload in low orbit (LEO), geostationary (GTO) or sun-synchronous (SSO). A new industrial organization implemented over the entire production cycle, combined with the contribution of new manufacturing processes (3D printing, friction stir welding, laser surface treatment, etc.) should also allow this launcher to be more competitive. ArianeGroup is counting on production costs 40 to 50% lower than those of Ariane 5 .
ArianeGroup and its partners have been officially developing this launcher since 2014, when the Ministerial Council approved its development. Originally, this rocket was to be launched in 2020. Last November, this deadline finally slipped to the April-June 2022 period, reported Ars Technica, ArianeGroup officials citing both technical and organizational problems inherent in the Covid-19 pandemic. It remains to be seen whether the schedule can be kept...
"This is a top priority for me" , Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency, recently said at the Paris Air Forum. “Ariane 6 is our most important launcher to come. We must put all the energy and effort necessary to carry out the maiden flight as quickly as possible. .
Working with leaders of the French Space Agency, CNES, and Ariane 6 prime contractor, ArianeGroup, Aschbacher said he has formed a "task force aiming to make an independent assessment of the timetable for the final development phase of Ariane 6. The aim will be to optimize the organization – if necessary – in order to ensure that “the rocket can be launched on time” , he said.
"Launched on time" means before the meeting of the Ministerial Council of the European Space Agency , which will be held in October or November 2022. It is during these meetings that the representatives of each member country of the space agency meet to define the policy to come.
“We need good news and good success, for our politicians to see that Europe is performing, that Europe is delivering , and that it is worth investing in the space” , said Aschbacher.
Based on these comments, it looks like Ariane 6 is ultimately no longer on track for launch in the first half of 2022. The goal, henceforth, would be able to inaugurate its first flight before the end of next year.
