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Europe's Ariane 6 to Test Reusable Stage by 2027

10/1/2025

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Arianespace and BULL will pursue debris mitigation with the HORN PMD device for Ariane 6 DLS.
A flight demonstration is planned for 2027.
The European Space Agency awarded Avio €40 million to design a reusable upper stage.
The contract defines requirements for a demonstrator that can reach orbit and return, drawing on methane-LOX propulsion.

History

Historical Context

The European Space Agency (ESA) initiated the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines in 2007 to combat the growing issue of orbital debris, which reached over 3,300 satellites in orbit by 2023. Collaborations, such as Arianespace's partnership with BULL and €40 million funding for Avio, emphasize the commitment to sustainable space exploration, culminating in the planned 2027 flight demonstration of the HORN PMD device.

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Story summary

Arianespace and BULL will pursue debris mitigation with the HORN PMD device for Ariane 6 DLS.
A flight demonstration is planned for 2027.
The European Space Agency awarded Avio €40 million to design a reusable upper stage.
The contract defines requirements for a demonstrator that can reach orbit and return, drawing on methane-LOX propulsion.

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