A dream. Arianespace has been launching all of Europe’s rockets for 40 years. At the event, Bowles was asked how the French company would compete with the $15 million launches promised by SpaceX.
He replied:
“[SpaceX’s] progress is going forward amazingly well, but I’m discovering in the market is that SpaceX primarily seems to be selling a dream, which is good, we should all dream. But I think a $5 million launch, or a $15 million launch, is a bit of a dream…
You’re presenting to me, how am I going to respond to a dream? My answer to respond to a dream is that first of all, you don’t wake people up, they have to wake up on their own, and then once the market has woken up to the dream and the reality…
They’re not supermen, so whatever they can do we can do.”
The awakening. Few would have predicted the success of SpaceX in 2013, particularly considering Arianespace’s long-standing launch monopoly in Europe. By nature, large corporations tend to be risk-averse and lack the agility of startups.
However, time proved SpaceX CEO Elon Musk right. By 2024, Arianespace launched three rockets: an Ariane 6, a Vega, and a Vega-C. In contrast, SpaceX launched 132 Falcon 9 rockets and two Falcon Heavy rockets. Additionally, SpaceX set a reusability record with 26 launches and landings of the Falcon 9’s first stage.
The Themis Project. In 2019, ArianeGroup began taking strategic steps under the direction of French space agency CNES. ArianeWorks is a collaboration between the two entities. That year, they announced the development of a low-cost, reusable multipurpose rocket stage known as the Themis Project. The initiative received $37.6 million in initial funding.
Although the first hop test (a low-altitude vertical flight) was scheduled for 2023, it’s been delayed. The Themis Project will be integrated with another rocket that has proven to be more promising.
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A rocket named Maia. In 2022, ArianeGroup established MaiaSpace, a subsidiary designed to operate as a startup. MaiaSpace is developing the Maia rocket, which will compete with PLD Space’s Miura 5 and Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum. The Maia rocket can carry up to 1,100 pounds into heliosynchronous orbit in its reusable version.
Maia’s first stage is essentially based on the Themis rocket, utilizing methane and liquid oxygen. It’s designed to land on a barge in the ocean shortly after liftoff from the French Guiana Space Center.
The Skyhopper Project. MaiaSpace is progressing with the expendable version of its rocket. In fact, it’s already secured its first customer, space mobility operator Exotrails, for satellite launches. Meanwhile, a newly announced initiative, the SkyHopper Project, aims to develop the modifications necessary for landing Maia’s first stage.
The SkyHopper Project will focus on making the booster recoverable, refurbishable, and reusable within 12 months of launch. The first stage is expected to be reused at least five times. CNES has awarded MaiaSpace a contract of at least $22.7 million to spearhead this innovative endeavor. The first landing is scheduled for 2028.
Image | MaiaSpace
The post 12 Years After Mocking SpaceX’s Reusable Rocket ‘Dream,’ Europe’s ArianeGroup Is Developing a Mini Falcon 9 appeared first on Xataka On.
