Airbus Group and Safran Join Forces in Launcher Activities

June 19, 2014

Matthew Monaghan

The Ariane 6 is a three-stages configuration powered by solid propulsion for the lower composite (first two stages) and with a cryogenic liquid oxygen and hydrogen for the upper stage.

Airbus Group and Safran are further strengthening their relationship to propose a new family of competitive, versatile, and efficient space launchers, to serve both commercial and institutional needs. Both companies have agreed to create a 50:50 joint venture, with a key role for each shareholder in their legacy activities especially in France and Germany, combining expertise in the launcher systems from Airbus Group as well as propulsion systems from Safran. The current industrial initiative proposes to further develop and accelerate entry-into-service of the Ariane 5 ME launcher as a logical evolution of Ariane 5, including an improved upper stage based on the Vinci engine; and to further develop the Ariane 6 launcher in a jointly agreed configuration, able to fulfil a range of missions as expressed by European Space Agency, the National Space Agencies, Arianespace, and satellite operators.