Tags: Arianespace, Ariane 5, Launch Vehicle, European Space Agency
Publication: Phys.org
Publication Date: 06/04/2013

The Ariane 5 launch vehicle. Image credit: Arianespace

Stephane Israel, Arianespace’s recently appointed chairman and CEO, has called for a fast-track modification of the Ariane 5 rocket that will enable it to launch larger electric-propelled satellites into orbit.

In November 2012, the European Space Agency (ESA) decided to dedicate funds to build the Ariane 5 ME launch vehicle, a new, improved version of the Ariane 5, and slowly work toward its successor, the Ariane 6, to be ready after 2020. However, Israel requested an update of the existing Ariane 5 ECA within the next two years. His plan would not affect the ESA’s decisions, according to reports.

The Ariane 6 would be a smaller launch vehicle capable of lifting one or multiple payloads of up to six tons. The Ariane 5 ME, would be able to carry two large satellites of up to six tons each. This “Middle Evolution” vehicle, would use a new engine called Vinci that can reignite to place payloads in different orbits. It is expected to be completed by 2017. The idea is that the technology developed to the Ariane 5 ME can also be used for the Ariane 6.

 Full story