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Ariane 6 reduces launches in 2025 amid European space debate
The European Ariane 6 rocket will carry out fewer launches in 2025 than initially planned, according to Arianespace’s chief executive David Cavaillolès. The number of missions has been reduced from five to four, though company officials stressed that the adjustment should not be seen as a setback but rather as part of the rapid scaling-up process following the launcher’s maiden flight in July 2024.
One of the upcoming missions will place a Sentinel satellite into orbit as part of the EU’s Copernicus Earth observation program. Another could involve the Galileo navigation system or mark the beginning of operations for Amazon’s Kuiper constellation, a project for which Ariane 6 has already secured 18 launches.
Amazon’s heavy presence in the order book has sparked debate about whether Europe’s flagship launcher, designed to safeguard strategic autonomy in space, risks depending too heavily on a foreign commercial client. However, Cavaillolès insisted that working with Kuiper provides valuable experience for future megaconstellations, including Iris², the EU’s planned secure satellite network set to start deployment in 2029.
Despite these prospects, Ariane 6 still faces criticism over its higher launch costs compared to SpaceX’s reusable rockets. Cavaillolès acknowledged the challenge but maintained that contracts are being signed, proving that Ariane 6 remains competitive in the market. For Europe, he added, maintaining institutional support and ensuring sovereignty in space access is just as important as expanding its commercial portfolio.