The European Space Agency (ESA) is considering increasing the launch schedules for its Ariane 6 and Vega-C rockets due to a potential surge in satellite launch demand, particularly projected for 2030. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher indicated that a timely decision is necessary to address the anticipated demand, which surpasses the planned launch capacity.
Arianespace, the operator behind these launches, expects to conduct 9 or 10 Ariane 6 launches annually starting in 2027. The growing interest, notably from companies like Amazon, which has commissioned 18 launches, highlights the need for ESA to assess its capabilities. Aschbacher emphasized the complexity of evaluating costs and benefits and the urgency to enhance launch capacity to meet future requirements.
Arianespace’s upcoming news briefing on September 7 may provide further insights, but they have refrained from commenting until then.
