Ariane Next
| Company type | Launch system project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founder | European Space Agency, ArianeGroup |
| Headquarters | Europe |
Area served | Global (space launch services) |
Key people | ArianeGroup (lead contractor) |
| Products | Partially reusable rocket launch system |
| Parent | European Space Agency |
Ariane Next is an upcoming partially reusable launch system intended to replace Ariane 6, with a planned operational debut in the 2030s. Its main objective is to cut launch expenses by 50% relative to Ariane 6. Supported by the EU's Horizon Europe initiative, the SALTO project aims to develop reusable rocket technologies that lower costs, minimize environmental footprint, and strengthen Europe's position in critical space missions. A significant development step will be conducting a hop test at Sweden’s Esrange Space Center.
Themis, a rocket prototype created by ArianeGroup as the lead contractor under the European Space Agency, acts as a prominent European demonstrator, leveraging decades of aerospace expertise within the region. The next-generation Prometheus engine, which runs on liquid methane cooled to –162 °C rather than hydrogen, is set to play a vital role in upcoming commercial satellite launches.
History
Development of the Ariane 6 launcher by the European Space Agency began in 2014, intending it to gradually supplant the Ariane 5 after 2023, with an initial launch planned for 2020. Preparations for its successor commenced before 2019, focusing on halving launch costs compared to Ariane 6 through streamlined and adaptable approaches.
In 2021, ArianeGroup was appointed by ESA to lead two initiatives: creating a new reusable launch vehicle and designing a new liquid propellant rocket engine. These projects are known as SALTO (reuSable strAtegic space Launcher Technologies & Operations) and ENLIGHTEN (European iNitiative for Low cost, Innovative & Green High Thrust Engine).
In May 2022, ArianeGroup obtained funding to advance Europe's inaugural reusable and environmentally friendly rockets via SALTO, backed by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe program aimed at fostering innovation. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire stated that SALTO and ENLIGHTEN are projected to be operational by 2026, a timeline ArianeGroup considers feasible.
By May 2022, SALTO scheduled its first flight test of a single rocket stage for mid-2024 utilizing a Themis prototype first stage to demonstrate landing capabilities. The initial hot fire test of the reusable Prometheus engine took place in 2023.
Description
The design of Ariane Next takes cues from SpaceX's Falcon 9, incorporating a reusable first stage that performs vertical landings after separation. This stage will be powered by several engines derived from the EU-developed Prometheus (rocket engine), which operates on a methane and liquid oxygen combination. Although methane offers lower efficiency compared to the hydrogen fuel used by the Vulcain (rocket engine) on Ariane 6, it benefits from being storable at significantly higher temperatures (approximately vs. for hydrogen), allowing for simpler and lighter tank structures and supply systems. Additionally, methane's greater density results in reduced tank weight. The launcher will feature seven to nine Prometheus engines on its first stage and one engine on the second stage. The overarching goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in launch costs relative to Ariane 6.
Initial Phases
Several technology demonstrators, financed by the EU, aid in advancing the project:
- FROG, a compact vertical landing prototype, completed multiple test flights in 2019.
- Callisto aims to enhance reusable launcher technology and assess operational expenses, with its inaugural flight expected between 2025 and early 2026.
- Themis plans to utilize a reusable first stage powered by one to three Prometheus engines, targeting launches within the 2022–2025 timeframe.
Design Variants
Three distinct Ariane Next configurations are being considered for different mission profiles:
- A two-stage model
- A variant equipped with two small liquid-fueled boosters
- A heavy-lift configuration featuring three interconnected first stages, similar in concept to Falcon Heavy
Atmospheric Re-entry Control
Multiple technologies are being assessed for managing the first stage during atmospheric re-entry:
- Grid fins, comparable to those employed on Falcon 9’s initial stage
- Stabilizing fins
- Air braking mechanisms
Recovery System
Landing strategies vary from fully ground-controlled to entirely autonomous on-board systems. Current efforts prioritize developing an on-board landing leg mechanism akin to Falcon 9’s design, with the goal of improving reusability and minimizing refurbishment time and costs.