European Space Agency Warns of Ariane 6 Rocket Shortage by End of Decade
The Director General of the European Space Agency said a shortage of Ariane 6 rockets could emerge near the end of the decade, as the agency holds talks to boost production.
European Space Agency Director General Josef Aschbacher said the agency is likely to face a shortage of Ariane 6 rockets near the end of the decade, according to Advanced Television.
He explained that decisive action will wait until early next year when launch demand estimates become available, while the agency is holding talks with ArianeGroup, Arianespace, and Avio to increase production.
The agency expects six Ariane flights this year, rising to between 9 and 10 flights next year, with the next launch scheduled for around November 23, carrying 36 satellites for Amazon LEO.
Aschbacher was speaking at an ESA Council briefing on October 22, as reported by Advanced Television.
What do these terms mean?
Ariane 6: A European heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by ArianeGroup and operated by Arianespace.
Launch capacity: The number of flights a launch system can perform within a given timeframe.
Amazon LEO: A satellite internet constellation operated by Amazon and launched in batches.
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