ArianeGroup studies higher launch rate for Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket

ArianeGroup is studying whether Europe can launch its Ariane 6 heavy rocket more often as satellite deployments threaten to outpace available launch capacity.

Chief Executive Christophe Bruneau said the company was discussing a possible increase with the European Space Agency and its supply chain of about 600 companies. The main obstacle is the investment required to expand supplies of solid propellant for the rocket, he said.

Arianespace, the ArianeGroup subsidiary that markets and operates launches from French Guiana, aims to establish a stable rate of nine to 10 Ariane 6 launches a year from 2027. The rocket has completed nine flights since its first mission in 2024.

The comments came at a French space-industry briefing ahead of a September 9-10 summit organized by France to promote Europe’s independence in space. Arianespace Chief Executive David Cavailloles said awareness was growing that space had become a strategic sector and that Europe should not depend on third parties for access to orbit.

European countries agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 amid rising competition. Repeated delays to the rocket’s arrival left Europe relying on Elon Musk’s SpaceX for some launches after a series of separate setbacks.

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There is a growing awareness in Europe that space is a strategic sector that should not depend on third parties to secure access to orbit.