ArianeGroup and Air Liquide renew strategic industrial partnership with two major Ariane 6 contracts

As part of a long-standing industrial collaboration, ArianeGroup and Air Liquide 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 launchpad to the satellites.

A global leader in cryogenics for space, Air Liquide has supported the development onboard and on the ground of successive launcher generations in the Ariane program for more than 50 years, by developing innovative cryogenic technologies and providing comprehensive onboard and ground-based solutions, including high-technology equipment, gases and related services. To date, the Group has contributed to 268 successful 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 signed 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 fl uids (liquid and gaseous helium, liquid and gaseous nitrogen, and compressed air) needed to safely execute all ground operations, from satellite cooling to system inerting.

Armelle Levieux, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, notably supervising Innovation and Technology activities, said: “These renewed contracts for the Ariane 6 launcher underscore Air Liquide’s leadership and 60-year expertise as a key enabler in the space supply chain. While securing the first flights of Ariane 6 was a crucial milestone, our core strength lies in our ability to accompany our long-standing partner on the ramp up of its activities. Driven by a pioneering spirit to continuously develop deep-tech solutions and collaborate on exploration efforts, we look forward to supporting landmark space missions across the world.”