Ariane Next

Ariane Next—partially reusable launcher is planned to succeed Ariane 6, with an entry into service in the 2030s. The objective of the new launcher is to halve the launch costs compared with Ariane 6. Funded by the EU under the Horizon Europe programme, project SALTO (reusable strategic space launcher technologies and operations)— aims to raise the maturity level of the first European reusable rocket technology, significantly reduce launch costs, ensure improvements in the environmental footprint and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in strategic space missions. The main highlight of the project will be a hop test that will be performed in Esrange Space Center in Sweden. Themis is a European Space Agency rocket prototype – a flagship European demonstrator. It is developed with ArianeGroup as prime contractor and building on decades of European research and experience in rocketry and space operations. The next-generation Prometheus rocket engine will use liquid methane at –162 °C as a fuel instead of hydrogen. The engine is expected to play a key role in future missions, including launching commercial satellites.