Air Liquide and ArianeGroup have signed two major new contracts for the operational phase of Ariane 6, supporting the ramp-up of the European heavy launcher. These agreements cover the supply of critical cryogenic equipment for the manufacturing of the rocket, as well as the supply of gases required for its propulsion. ArianeGroup, a French-German leader in space technology, is prime contractor for Ariane 6. Air Liquide is uniquely positioned across the entire space industry supply chain thanks to its dual expertise in both space cryogenic technologies and supply and management of gases and propellants for space applications, from the launch pad to the satellites.
Air Liquide has supported the development of successive launcher generations in the Ariane program for more than 50 years, by developing innovative cryogenic technologies and providing comprehensive onboard solutions, including high-technology equipment, gases and related services. To date, Air Liquide has contributed to 268 Ariane flights. Air Liquide's expertise also extends to the ground infrastructure, having designed the fluid distribution systems of the new ELA4 launch pad complex at the Guiana Space Center.
Following the successful completion of its initial flights, ArianeGroup is currently increasing the Ariane 6 production rate. To support this industrialization phase, Air Liquide's Engineering & Technologies will provide critical cryogenic equipment necessary for the manufacturing and propulsion of the rockets up to the 42nd flight of Ariane 6. Concurrently, ArianeGroup and Air Liquide Spatial Guyane have renewed a gas supply agreement for an initial three-year term. This contract secures the delivery of propellants (liquid hydrogen and oxygen), essential to power the rocket's ascent, alongside critical fluids (liquid and gaseous helium, liquid and gaseous nitrogen, and compressed air) needed to safely execute all ground operations, from satellite cooling to system inerting.
