Ariane Next

Ariane Next
FunctionPartially reusable launch vehicle to low Earth orbit
ManufacturerArianeGroup
Country of originEuropean multi-national
Size
Stages2
Associated rockets
FamilyAriane
ComparableFalcon 9
Launch history
StatusUnder development
Launch sitesGuiana Space Centre
First stage
Powered by7 to 9 × Prometheus[1]
PropellantLOX / CH4
Second stage
Powered by1 × Prometheus[1]
PropellantLOX / CH4

Ariane Next[2]—also known as SALTO (reusable strategic space launcher technologies and operations)[3]—is a future European Space Agency rocket being developed in the 2020s by ArianeGroup. This partially reusable launcher is planned to succeed Ariane 6, with an entry into service in the 2030s. The objective of the new launcher is to halve the launch costs compared with Ariane 6. The preferred architecture is that of the Falcon 9 rocket (a reusable first stage landing vertically with a common engine model for the two stages) while using an engine burning a mixture of liquid methane and liquid oxygen. The first technological demonstrators are under development.

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference CNESroadmap2019 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference ArianeNextVision201907 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference euronews20220507 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).