Okay lets see. What I meant is: at its time, the Ariane 5 was a great program.
Now is a different time. Now we have got SpaceX (and RocketLab etc.) and at the same time the Ariane 6 is already outdated before it is ever launched. At the same time, the Ariane 6 program has run into major delays, so it is not even clear when the first launch will be – probably 2024.
Reusable rocket technology is where it’s at if we as Europeans want to stay relevant in the commercial launch sector.
Honestly, I’m totally fine with whoever launching our stuff, because what I actually care about is the science and exploration part, not the rocket itself
Okay lets see. What I meant is: at its time, the Ariane 5 was a great program. Now is a different time. Now we have got SpaceX (and RocketLab etc.) and at the same time the Ariane 6 is already outdated before it is ever launched. At the same time, the Ariane 6 program has run into major delays, so it is not even clear when the first launch will be – probably 2024.
Reusable rocket technology is where it’s at if we as Europeans want to stay relevant in the commercial launch sector.
Honestly, I’m totally fine with whoever launching our stuff, because what I actually care about is the science and exploration part, not the rocket itself