Artist’s rendition of the Ariane 62 version of the Ariane 6

[Via Satellite 06-13-2016] Airbus Safran Launchers has finalized the first design phase for Ariane 6, Europe’s next generation launch system. The successful review enables the company to validate all of the Ariane 6 technical, industrial and programming characteristics.

Airbus Safran Launchers presented its conclusions regarding the Ariane 6 to the European Space Agency (ESA) on June 10. Following this step, Airbus Safran Launchers and all its European industrial partners are now continuing with launcher development at the planned rate.

The first design review, called “Maturity Gate 5,” began on April 28, less than nine months after the signing of the development contract with ESA on August 12, 2015. The review enables Airbus Safran Launchers to confirm performance, schedule and operating costs.

“This success confirms all our undertakings to the European Space Agency and its member states, and means that we can make a firm budget commitment to the development and production of Ariane 6, for which the maiden flight is confirmed for 2020,” said Alain Charmeau, CEO of Airbus Safran Launchers.