The new, powerful European carrier rocket Ariane 6 commences its space adventure at the European base in Kourou, French Guiana. The rocket, built by "Ariane-Group" on behalf of ESA, the European Space Agency, and its predecessors in the "Ariane" family, incorporates numerous components manufactured by Italian industry. For instance, Avio's Vega P120 engine, which utilized additive technology, is manufactured in Italy. Europe is relaunching into space after a period of stagnation, not only with Ariane 6, but also with the Vega-C rocket, which will have to resume launches by the end of the year. It is impossible to compete with a powerhouse like Space X, which, thanks to significant funding and brilliant programming, manages to build a Falcon 9 rocket every six days and launches two on average per week. However, even for Ariane 6, the future plans are ambitious, with an average of 9 to 12 launches annually. Three development programs are already in the works to shape the launcher's evolution.
|