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Arianegroup

All articles tagged with #arianegroup

space-technology1 year ago

Europe's Space Ambitions and Protein Study Breakthroughs

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected ArianeGroup and Rocket Factory Augsburg to develop designs for a super heavy-lift rocket capable of frequent, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly launches. The Protein study explored the feasibility of such rockets for future space-based projects like solar power generators and data centers. The study concluded that developing these rockets within a decade is possible but requires immediate technological advancements, particularly in high-thrust staged-combustion engines. The rockets must be at least semi-reusable and use low-carbon fuels to meet environmental and cost goals.

space-exploration2 years ago

ArianeGroup's Multirole Susie Upper Stage Prototype Undergoes Testing

ArianeGroup has begun testing a prototype of its Smart Upper Stage for Innovative Exploration (SUSIE), a versatile spacecraft designed to enhance European independence in spaceflight. The two-meter-tall, 100-kilogram demonstrator is the first step in ArianeGroup's roadmap to validate the concept, with testing expected to continue until Q2 2025. The full-sized SUSIE, measuring 12 meters tall and with a payload capacity of seven tons, aims to launch atop an Ariane 64 rocket and can carry cargo or up to five astronauts. It is designed to be fully reusable and capable of precision landings using engines or a parachute. The development team is focusing on practical hardware-based testing, including parachute and abort tests, and consultations have been held with European astronauts and Airbus on the human-machine interface. The timeline for a smaller commercial cargo version of SUSIE could be ready for 2028, meeting the deadline set by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the European reusable cargo system contest.

space-technology2 years ago

"Prometheus: Advancing Ultra-Low Cost Reusable Rocket Engines"

The development of a cost-effective, reusable Prometheus engine for European rockets has made significant progress, with successful tests achieving full ignition and a 30-second burn with re-ignition of an early prototype. The engine burns liquid oxygen-liquid methane fuel, enabling reusability and reducing ground operation costs. The use of new materials and manufacturing techniques is expected to reduce costs to a tenth of the current Vulcain 2 engine. Further testing will be conducted with additional prototypes, and parallel development of the Themis reusable rocket stage is also underway.

space-technology2 years ago

"Europe's Ariane 6 Rocket Prepares for First Flight with Nighttime Rehearsal"

The development of a low-cost, reusable engine for European rockets, called Prometheus, has made significant progress with successful tests including full ignition and a 30-second burn with re-ignition. The engine, which burns liquid oxygen-liquid methane fuel, aims to enable reusability and reduce ground operation costs. Further testing will be conducted with two additional prototypes, and a modified test bed for liquid methane fuel will be installed in Germany. The engine is being developed in parallel with a reusable rocket stage called Themis, which is also undergoing testing.

space-technology2 years ago

Revolutionizing Space Travel: Prometheus and the Era of Reusable Rockets

ArianeGroup has successfully tested Prometheus, a 100-tonne thrust class engine designed for cost-effective, clean, and reusable space travel. Using liquid oxygen-liquid methane fuel and 3D printing, Prometheus aims to reduce costs and simplify handling. Mounted on a prototype reusable rocket stage called Themis, further tests will evaluate flight and landing capabilities. Prometheus and Themis are expected to be key components in future European launchers.

space-technology2 years ago

ESA's Ariane rockets: Updates on Reusable Engines and Final Launch Date.

ArianeGroup has achieved full ignition of an early prototype of Prometheus, a reusable engine for European rockets, at its test facility in Vernon, France. The engine features extensive use of new materials and manufacturing techniques designed to reduce its cost to just a tenth of Ariane 5’s Vulcain 2. Prometheus burns liquid oxygen-liquid methane fuel, and a version using liquid hydrogen-liquid oxygen is also being developed. The engine is mounted in a prototype of a reusable rocket stage, called Themis, which is being developed in parallel with the engine.