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<\/p>\nArianespace\u2019s new rocket, the Ariane 6, will make her maiden flight with OneWeb satellites onboard, following a contract announcement on Tuesday. The contract, which includes options for future Ariane 6 launches, will open with the qualification launch of the Ariane 62 version in the latter part of 2020.<\/p>\n
The Ariane 6 will be an evolution via integration streamlining and innovated design changes are major elements, which will play into reducing costs in an increasingly competitive launch provider marketplace.<\/p>\n
Evolving from Ariane\u2019s currently in-house fleet of Ariane 5 and Vega, the new rockets will have more commonality between them. Arianespace is still expecting to also launch Russian-built Soyuz rockets.<\/p>\n
To reduce costs, Ariane 6\u2019s Vulcain 2.1 engine is built with fewer parts while holding a greater efficiency, while the improved Vinci upper stage will allow for additional orbital destinations for more flexibility via a wider reignition capability.<\/p>\n
As noted, the new era will also see Ariane 6 and Vega C brought closer together via the synergy of the boosters.<\/p>\n
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Ariane 6 and Vega C \u2013 via ESA<\/p>\n
Cross-rocket streamlining will be involved for the upgraded Vega C rocket, which is the new version of Arianespace\u2019s small lift capability rocket, Vega.<\/p>\n
With Ariane 6 (62 and 64) using the P120c solid motor as boosters, the motor will also be the first stage of the Vega C. This will provide the company with three platforms for specific customers.<\/p>\n
Streamlining on the operational and integration side will see Ariane 6 and Vega C move into horizontal processing, with the boosters undergoing production at the new facility at Kourou.<\/p>\n
Arianespace believes a focus on this approach of reducing costs is a bigger priority than the promotion of reusability. Officials have previously noted they are \u201cwatching\u201d SpaceX to see if returning boosters back to Earth for reuse is \u201ccost effective\u201d. However, those comments came during the initial successes and SpaceX has already flown two Falcon 9\u2019s three times.<\/p>\n
Spaceflight news subscription (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/p>\n If \u2013 as is expected \u2013 SpaceX shows reusability is an obvious business case for all launch companies, Arianespace has plans.<\/p>\n Led by Airbus, the concept for a partially reusable system codenamed Adeline (ADvanced Expendable Launch with INnovative engine Economy) is being evaluated.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n