Arianespace to launch Exotrail's Spacevan on Ariane 6

Arianespace to launch Exotrail's Spacevan on Ariane 6
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 20, 2024

Arianespace has secured a contract to launch Exotrail's spacevan, marking its first GEO mission as an auxiliary payload aboard the Ariane 64 configuration of the Ariane 6 launcher. The mission, set for the latter half of 2026, will depart from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. This version of Ariane 6, equipped with four solid boosters, will carry the spacevan into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). The spacevan serves as an Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), facilitating satellite deployment and in-orbit payload hosting. By incorporating auxiliary payloads, Ariane 6 showcases its capability to execute multifaceted missions for a diverse customer base.

"Launching Exotrail's spacevan highlights Ariane 6's capability to meet our customers' specific expectations and needs, bringing together unrivalled flexibility, versatility, and tailored services," commented Stephane Israel, CEO of Arianespace. "As an auxiliary payload on a flight scheduled for the second half of 2026, the spacevan will benefit from Ariane 6's performance and capacity to reach the geostationary transfer orbit. Through this launch, Arianespace is also pleased to contribute to the development of space logistics and in-space mobility services, a very promising emerging market for the future. We thank Exotrail, CNES and France 2030 for their trust."

"With this mission, we aim at opening new possibilities for the growing demand of smaller birds needing to reach the geostationary arc," added Jean-Luc Maria, CEO of Exotrail. "For this 4th spacevan mission, Ariane 6 is the perfect match. The partnership between the European heavy launcher and our servicing satellite addresses one of the ambitions tackled by France 2030, which is extending the European sovereignty of access to space, up to the GEO arc."

The Ariane 6 successfully completed its inaugural launch on July 9, 2024, showcasing its adaptability for a range of mission profiles, including LEO constellations, GEO telecommunications, MEO Galileo navigation payloads, and other European institutional projects focused on secure communications and scientific research.

Engineered from the ground up to be flexible, Ariane 6 incorporates a modular design that allows for regular integration of new technologies. This continuous development approach aims to enhance Arianespace's service offerings for both institutional and commercial clients. The European Space Agency (ESA) oversees the program, acting as the primary procurer and system architect. ArianeGroup leads the launcher's development and production in collaboration with its industrial partners.