Germany's Integral Role in the Ariane 6 Launch Program

Germany's Integral Role in the Ariane 6 Launch Program
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Jul 09, 2024

The Ariane 6, Europe's new launcher, is set for its maiden voyage on 9 July 2024. This rocket aims to provide Europe with reliable and cost-effective access to space, succeeding the Ariane 5 while offering greater flexibility. Germany stands as the second-largest contributor to the European Space Agency's (ESA) Ariane 6 program, with the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Bonn coordinating its contributions. DLR has played a significant role in developing Ariane 6, particularly through extensive engine tests and upper stage evaluations at its Lampoldshausen facility.

The Ariane 6 will primarily support institutional missions from ESA, the European Union, national space agencies, and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). Currently, 28 flights have been commissioned, including missions for Amazon's Kuiper constellation. The inaugural flight will carry 17 smaller payloads, including a re-entry demonstration capsule, a CubeSat deployer, and three small satellites, all from Germany.

"Independent European access to space is essential for our daily lives as well as for business and science. The acute launcher crisis in Europe has made us all the more aware of this. We now keep our fingers crossed for the first launch next week and thank the entire Ariane 6 team and everyone involved for their incredible efforts over the last few years. The launch of a new rocket is always a fascination, illustrating what humankind can achieve with excellent research and technology, and is thus an important inspiration for European hubs of innovation," emphasised Anna Christmann, Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy and Member of the Bundestag.

"German research and industry play a key role in the overall development of the new Ariane 6 European launcher. The strengths of the German sites lie in liquid propulsion, upper stage technology, tanks and rocket structures. This includes the Lampoldshausen research and industrial site - Europe's most modern test and production facility for these liquid propulsion systems. It will play a key role in Ariane 6 over the long term. Many important parts of the Ariane 6 launch site in Kourou were also manufactured by German companies. Ariane 6 is therefore proof that German technology and expertise are indispensable in the launcher sector," emphasised Walther Pelzer, DLR Executive Board Member and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR.

Bremen Upper Stage Testing at Lampoldshausen
Since 14 February 2021, the first Ariane 6 upper stage has been undergoing rigorous testing at DLR's Lampoldshausen site, the most advanced test center for rocket engines in Europe. This stage, developed by ArianeGroup in Bremen, features two main tanks for liquid hydrogen and oxygen, cooled to extremely low temperatures. The Vinci engine, which can be re-ignited up to four times, and the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) from ArianeGroup in Ottobrunn, allow for a diverse range of missions. The upper stage is designed to burn up in the atmosphere post-mission, preventing space debris accumulation.

Innovative Manufacturing in Germany
Approximately 1,000 ArianeGroup engineers in Germany, alongside 500 specialists at MT Aerospace and numerous SMEs, contribute to the Ariane 6 program. Innovations such as 3D printing and automated welding processes are employed, particularly in Bremen and Ottobrunn, to develop key components efficiently. These advancements help reduce production costs significantly compared to the Ariane 5.

Specialists at MT Aerospace produce tanks and structures using cutting-edge manufacturing processes. Despite their minimal weight, these structures endure the intense stresses of a launch. These innovations ensure Ariane 6's production is more economical and efficient.

Enhanced Versatility with ASTRIS
The ESA's ASTRIS program is developing a new 'kick-stage' that will enhance Ariane 6's versatility, enabling it to place multiple payloads into various orbits. This kick-stage, powered by the re-ignitable BERTA engine, is a collaborative effort from Bremen, Ottobrunn, and Lampoldshausen.

New Launch Site in French Guiana
Ariane 6's new launch site, ELA 4, at the European Spaceport in French Guiana, was constructed by a consortium led by the French EIFFAGE Group, with contributions from four German companies. The Hanover-based SEH handled key infrastructure, while OHB Digital Connect GmbH, RMT from Kehl am Rhein, and Actemium Cegelec GmbH from Mannheim managed mechanical, electrical, and refueling systems respectively.