European Space Agency Considers Overhauling Ailing Ariane 6 Rocket with 'Franken-Rocket' Approach
In a bid to turn around Europe's struggling space industry, the European Space Agency (ESA) is considering revamping its troubled Ariane 6 rocket program by repurposing it as a reusable spacecraft. The plan, dubbed a "Franken-rocket," involves adapting existing technology from other companies and integrating them into the aging rocket.
ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and Safran, has submitted a proposal to ESA for a major upgrade of the Ariane 6 rocket's boosters. According to the company, the new liquid-fueled boosters would significantly reduce operating costs and increase launch rates. The plan also aims to make the rocket more reusable by incorporating technology from companies such as MaiaSpace and Isar Aerospace.
However, not everyone is convinced that this approach will work. Industry experts argue that recovering the Ariane 6's core stage for reuse is technically infeasible due to its high speed and single engine design during descent and landing phases. Additionally, the rocket's payload shroud and upper stage are also not reusable, making the entire concept challenging.
Despite these challenges, ArianeGroup believes that introducing liquid-fueled boosters would bring significant economic benefits. The company would control the development and production of the boosters under its own umbrella, cutting out Italian solid rocket motor developer Avio from the program.
While this plan is still in its infancy, it represents a major effort by Europe's space industry to catch up with international competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin, which have already made significant strides in reusable rockets. The success of this approach will depend on several factors, including the technical feasibility of the design and the costs associated with development and production.
Ultimately, if successful, this "Franken-rocket" approach could give Europe's space industry a much-needed boost, enabling it to compete more effectively with global leaders in the field.
In a bid to turn around Europe's struggling space industry, the European Space Agency (ESA) is considering revamping its troubled Ariane 6 rocket program by repurposing it as a reusable spacecraft. The plan, dubbed a "Franken-rocket," involves adapting existing technology from other companies and integrating them into the aging rocket.
ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and Safran, has submitted a proposal to ESA for a major upgrade of the Ariane 6 rocket's boosters. According to the company, the new liquid-fueled boosters would significantly reduce operating costs and increase launch rates. The plan also aims to make the rocket more reusable by incorporating technology from companies such as MaiaSpace and Isar Aerospace.
However, not everyone is convinced that this approach will work. Industry experts argue that recovering the Ariane 6's core stage for reuse is technically infeasible due to its high speed and single engine design during descent and landing phases. Additionally, the rocket's payload shroud and upper stage are also not reusable, making the entire concept challenging.
Despite these challenges, ArianeGroup believes that introducing liquid-fueled boosters would bring significant economic benefits. The company would control the development and production of the boosters under its own umbrella, cutting out Italian solid rocket motor developer Avio from the program.
While this plan is still in its infancy, it represents a major effort by Europe's space industry to catch up with international competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin, which have already made significant strides in reusable rockets. The success of this approach will depend on several factors, including the technical feasibility of the design and the costs associated with development and production.
Ultimately, if successful, this "Franken-rocket" approach could give Europe's space industry a much-needed boost, enabling it to compete more effectively with global leaders in the field.
. If they can make it work, it would be huge for the EU space program. But like, what if it doesn't? 
They're trying to cram a bunch of different techs into an old rocket that's already got some major issues. Like, how are they gonna make sure all these pieces fit together smoothly? It's not just about slapping new parts on and calling it a day... 
I don’t know if this is the magic solution they're looking for, but it's definitely worth a shot! 
. And now they want to try this "Franken-rocket" thing? I think it's a bit like trying to fix a toy with glue and tape... it might work in theory but who knows what kind of problems we'd be creating?
. Can't they just stick with one design and see if that works? I'm worried about all the extra costs and complexity that comes with it... let's just hope they know what they're doing before we invest too much time and money into this project 
.
. We've been playing catch-up for far too long, and if this "Franken-rocket" approach can finally get us there, then I'm all for it! Just keep me updated on how it's going, okay? 
. but seriously tho, i think its cool that they wanna try something new. that 'franken-rocket' thing sounds like a good idea... but u gotta wonder how much it'll actually cost to fix the ar6. btw, dont expect me 2 hold my breath waiting for europe 2 catch up with spX & blue origin tho 
The chart on ArianeGroup's proposed liquid-fueled boosters shows a potential saving of €100m per year! 
.
.
. And don't even get me started on the whole recovering the core stage for reuse thing 
. They've already got some solid ideas (no pun intended) and are willing to take risks 
. And who knows, maybe this "Franken-rocket" approach could just be the spark Europe needs to get back in the space game 
️.
. They're not giving up on the Ariane 6 program just yet, and instead are trying to breathe new life into it by making it a reusable spacecraft. It's not like they're starting from scratch or anything, which would be crazy expensive 
, but I think it's worth a shot. I mean, SpaceX and Blue Origin have already proven that reusable rockets can work, so why not Europe too? It's all about innovation and taking risks 
. Like, why update an old rocket if u can just build a new one? But at the same time, i can see the appeal of saving costs & increasing launch rates 
. We'll just have 2 wait & see how dis whole thing plays out 
.