Ariane 6: made in the Netherlands

Ariane 6 is Europe’s flagship heavy-lift rocket. Modular, versatile and powerful, it was made possible by companies, institutions and countless individuals around Europe working together with expertise and dedication.

The Netherlands is home to the European Space Agency’s technical heart and largest site, ESTEC. Most satellites and space hardware pass through the test centre at ESTEC to get approved for space, including the upper stage of Europe’s largest rocket Ariane 6.

The Netherlands contributed 1.6% towards the Ariane 6 development programme up to its inaugural flight, and so also builds and delivers components for the heavy-lift launcher: the Dutch branch of Airbus builds the frames that hold the Vulcain and Vinci engines in place while APP provides the flames that set the engines off at liftoff.

This series of infographics is looking at the parts and components needed to assemble the Ariane 6 rocket – supplied by companies from the 13 ESA Member States participating to the Ariane 6 programme. Together they contribute the best of their know-how to build Europe's heavy-lift launcher under the guidance of main contractor ArianeGroup who also designed the Ariane 6 rocket.