European rocket on target for 2020 launch
European Space Agency director general Johann-Dietrich Wörner visited the Airbus Safran Launchers (ASL) facility in Les Mureaux, France, this week.
The Ariane 6 rocket is currently under construction at the facility, and is currently on target to make its maiden flight in 2020. The company’s hope is that the rocket will be fully operational and launching several times a year by 2023. Wörner visited the facility this week, and spoke to reporters about the progress of the rocket.
The aim of the new rocket is to cut the cost-per-kilo in half compared to its predecessor, the Ariane 5, under increasing pressure from US-based companies which are making prices ever more competitive. Ariane 6 will be built using 3D-printed parts, and creating a new integration hall at the facility to streamline cost.
Wörner stressed that, although cost-effectiveness is driving the methods the team are using to build the launcher, it is important not to lose sight of European innovation in the face of international competition. He said: “Ariane is built on solid foundations for Europe; it is the European way. Of course, we can discuss different ways worldwide, but we need always to look for a way that works for Europe. For us, for the foreseeable future, Ariane 6 is the right solution.”
The European Commission have expressed concerns about ASL’s desire to purchase a controlling share in Arianespace, the company that will sell the rocket launches, as this could lead to preferential treatment being offered to Airbus’ satellite launches. The commission is due to meet in December to discuss the project further.
