French engine maker Safran and Airbus are linking up in a joint venture to develop space launchers capable of competing with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Specifically, the two companies will work together on producing Ariane rockets for Arianespace, a market in which SpaceX is currently attempting to take over by sending up low-cost communications satellites.
Airbus and Safran said the 50-50 joint venture revolves around “further strengthening their relationship to propose a new family of competitive, versatile and efficient space launchers, to serve both commercial and institutional needs.”
SpaceX has been launching Falcon rockets to send satellites into orbit for $60 million, half the cost of Ariane rockets at the moment!
The Arian 6 will look to challenge Falcon rockets as a viable low cost alternative.
