A consensus has gradually formed in Europe acknowledging the need for the continent's space industry to invest in the development of reusable rockets. However, questions persist regarding the implementation strategies and associated costs.
The European discussion on reusable rockets largely revolves around creating a new rocket system that could ultimately replace the Ariane 6. Despite its launch less than two years ago, the Ariane 6 follows the traditional expendable model utilized by the launch industry for many decades.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is actively engaging with budding rocket companies across Europe by providing financial incentives to demonstrate the capability of their small satellite launchers. Additionally, ESA is also offering funds to promote technological upgrades that would allow rockets to carry heavier payloads into orbit. Alongside the European Commission and national governments, ESA is investing in rocket hoppers designed to test vertical takeoff and landing technologies. Although these initiatives come with substantial financial backing, they lack cohesion, resulting in sluggish progress.
Currently, there is a proposal to modify the existing Ariane 6 design for partial reuse. ArianeGroup, a joint venture equally owned by Airbus and Safran, secured a contract from ESA's Boosters for European Space Transportation (BEST!) initiative in late 2024.
Credit: ESA – S. Corvaja
Europe’s first Ariane 6 rocket launches on its maiden flight on July 9, 2024.
Tracing Back the Design Origins
The Ariane 6 rocket's design journey began in 2014 when Airbus and Safran revealed the framework that finally took to the skies in 2024. This rocket employs an expendable design featuring a cryogenic core stage and attaches either two or four solid rocket boosters based on mission requirements.
By the time of its design inception, SpaceX had already publicized its ambition to recover and reuse Falcon 9 boosters, a milestone accomplished in 2015. SpaceX further pushed boundaries by reusing a booster in 2017, challenging the skepticism of European officials. Blue Origin followed by successfully landing an orbital-class booster last year, while several Chinese companies are nearing similar achievements.