Europe aims to end space access crisis with Ariane 6's inaugural launch Q&A about Ariane 6 with Toni Tolker-Nielsen, ESA Director of Space Transportation.
Interview with Toni Tolker-Nielsen, ESA director of space transportation
Honestly, I don’t think Starship will be a game-changer or a real competitor. This huge launcher is designed to fly people to the moon and Mars. Ariane 6 is perfect for the job if you need to launch a four- or five-ton satellite. Starship will not eradicate Ariane 6 at all.
This seems a bit shortsighted on the part of Tolker-Nielsen. If Starship unlocks full reusability, it could end up being the cheaper option for surprisingly small payloads.
I understand the geopolitical reasons that created Ariane 6, but it is not a particularly exciting rocket. I hope some of the European startup companies can shake up the industry a bit.
This seems a bit shortsighted on the part of Tolker-Nielsen. If Starship unlocks full reusability, it could end up being the cheaper option for surprisingly small payloads.
I understand the geopolitical reasons that created Ariane 6, but it is not a particularly exciting rocket. I hope some of the European startup companies can shake up the industry a bit.