After years of delays, Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket is finally ready for liftoff, with the goal of demonstrating that a traditional, one-time-use spacecraft can still compete in an industry now dominated by reusable launchers. The heavy-lift vehicle, produced by Airbus SE-Safran SA joint venture ArianeGroup, is set to launch on Tuesday afternoon local time from the spaceport in French Guiana on the northeast coast of South America. The rocket is capable of placing satellites in geostationary orbit at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers, as well as in orbits a few hundred kilometers from Earth.
Although the Ariane 6 does not feature reusable rocket technology like SpaceX, it has managed to secure business from satellite operators who do not have access to SpaceX launches. Lucia Linares, European Space Agency’s head of strategy and institutional launches, mentioned that the agency has secured three years of firm orders.
The Ariane 6 is a key part of European space ambitions, but is facing stiff competition from SpaceX, which has revolutionized the industry with its reusable boosters. The traditional rocket makers, such as Arianespace, Boeing Co., and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, are now looking to catch up with the likes of SpaceX by developing new rockets with modern features.
While SpaceX is leading the charge in reusable rockets, older companies are still working on improving their capabilities. Rocket Lab USA Inc. has made significant progress in this area, with its Electron rocket already featuring reusable elements. The overall goal for companies in the industry is to achieve reusability and increased launch frequency to remain competitive.
Despite the challenges posed by newer players in the industry, the older rocket makers are still attracting customers, especially those who need sensitive assets launched from specific locations. The Ariane 6, along with other new rockets from Europe, America, and Japan, are expected to gain traction with government customers who value security and technology protection.
Overall, the space industry is in a transition phase similar to the auto industry’s shift from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric cars. The coexistence of traditional and modern rockets in the market will likely continue for some time, giving stakeholders the opportunity to assess market demand and make informed decisions about future developments in the industry.
