ArianeGroup ponders sending more European rockets into space

European aerospace firm ArianeGroup is considering sending more launch vehicles into space in the future, the head of the group in Germany said on Friday.

“There are already discussions or ideas, what would be the next step,” said Pierre Godart, who is also chief financial officer of the overall ArianeGroup, during a visit to a manufacturing plant in Bremen on Friday.

No concrete figures or timelines have been set yet, he said.

The Ariane 6 rocket is crucial for Europe’s space ambitions, as it will enable Europe to launch larger satellites independently.

Seven to eight rockets are scheduled to launch this year. This means the group has almost reached its current target of around 10 launches per year, which it says could be achieved by 2027.

Plans for the future are currently being coordinated with the approximately 600 participating companies and suppliers.

“We are discussing: Can we increase? Is it sustainable?” said Godart.

If more rockets are to be built, the entire supply chain would need to be able to sustain this in the long term, he said. “It’s not helping to say I do 1 year 15 or 20 and then it’s going back to 9.”

The next Ariane 6 launch vehicle will launch on Tuesday from the European spaceport in French Guiana – once again carrying 32 satellites for the internet giant Amazon.

A total of 18 such launches are planned, and the first flight in early February went smoothly. The European launch vehicle flew into space for the first time in its most powerful configuration, with four solid-fuel boosters.

The Ariane 6 carries satellites into space for commercial and public clients.

More than a dozen countries from across Europe are involved in the construction of the Ariane 6.