- ArianeGroup has received approval from the European Space Agency (ESA) to continue the development of PHOEBUS, a demonstrator of the new and super-light carbon composite upper stage for Ariane 6.
- PHOEBUS (Prototype for a Highly OptimizEd Black UpperStage) is the core element in the development of ICARUS (Innovative Carbon Ariane Upper Stage)
- The purpose is to demonstrate that carbon fibre can be used instead of metallic pieces for cryogenic tanks, saving weight and improving competitiveness.
- As lead contractor, ArianeGroup partners with MT Aerospace to test and demonstrate PHOEBUS in two phases: the first one to mid-2023 and the second to 2025.
- This new agreement, worth 50 million euros, builds on previous ESA contracts signed in May 2019 and May 2021.
ArianeGroup has received a 50-million-euro agreement from the European Space Agency (ESA) to continue the development of PHOEBUS, a super-light carbon composite upper stage demonstrator. This work will enable development of the next Ariane6 upper stage, by raising the maturity level of cryogenic composite technologies.
The objective is to reduce the weight of the upper stage by using carbon fibre instead of metal for structures such as tanks.
PHOEBUS (Prototype for a Highly OptimizEd Black Upper Stage) is a key programme on the path to a further optimized upper stage called ICARUS (Innovative Carbon ARiane Upper Stage). PHOEBUS is built of carbon composites rather than metal, leading to lower cost and lower weight. It will increase payload capacity and thus contribute to a more sustainable use of resources.
“PHOEBUS will pave the way towards our new ‘Black Upper Stage’ for Ariane 6 and other future launchers, and also help introduce cryogenic composite and liquid hydrogen technologies to the aeronautics sector,” said Karl-Heinz Servos, ArianeGroup Head of Industry. “With support from ESA and in collaboration with MT Aerospace, we are continuing our journey to further enhance the versatility and competitiveness of Ariane 6. We are proud to continue delivering the building blocks for Europe’s new space launch champion, Ariane 6. We are powering European aerospace innovation, driving Europe’s new launcher family, and delivering more sustainable access to space.”
