Airbus Safran Launches Ariane 6 Ground Qualification Models Production

Airbus Safran has launched production of Ariane 6 ground qualification models, under contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) following review from Maturity Gate 6.1 industrialization.

The “Maturity Gate 6.1” industrialization review was held March 27 to April 20, 2017, among Airbus Safran Launchers, its industrial partners and independent experts, Satellite Today reported Monday.

Based on the positive outcome of this review, production of the Ariane 6 ground qualification models has been green-lighted. The first flight of Ariane 6 is scheduled 2020.

"The maturity of the industrialization of Ariane 6 is sufficient to begin production of the ground qualification models for the future European launcher, in accordance with the objectives of the program." The Maturity Gate 6.1 review confirmed.

The Maturity Gate 5, in 2016, had enabled Airbus Safran Launchers to validate the technical, industrial and programming characteristics of Ariane 6 and to continue with development of the launcher with its partners, as planned.

The Ariane 6 development method, known as “Ariane 6 Way,” comprises 15 major steps, six of which have already been completed.

“Maturity Gate 11” will give the green light for the first flight of Ariane 6, while “Maturity Gate 15” will mark the end of development and start full operational capacity.

Each “Maturity Gate” takes place under the responsibility of Airbus Safran Launchers, and involves independent experts. “Maturity Gate 6.2” is scheduled to take place at the end of 2017, so that the production of the first Ariane 6 flight models can begin.

Airbus Safran Launchers is building Ariane 6, which is also suitable for constellations, on behalf of the ESA. It will be a modular launcher available in two versions, Ariane 62 and Ariane 64.