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Defence systems
ArianeGroup plays a central role in the challenges and capabilities of space sovereignty by providing Europe with freedom of access to space, freedom of movement to transfer and gather information, freedom of use to support space operations, and freedom of action in space. This is made possible through our dual involvement in both civil and military activities, a major competitive advantage at the root of our expertise and operational capabilities.
DETERRENCE: M51 STRATEGIC BALLISTIC MISSILE SYSTEM
ArianeGroup is prime contractor for the M51 strategic ballistic missile system deployed on the nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) of the French Strategic Oceanic Force (FOST). The M51 is a true concentration of space technology. It is the fifth generation of French ballistic missiles, providing deterrence by carrying loads over intercontinental distances. With three solid propulsion stages, it travels through the atmosphere and re-enters at a speed of Mach 20. ArianeGroup is involved throughout the M51’s entire lifecycle: design, development, production, maintenance and dismantling. The M51.3 version, with recent developments, guarantees the security and sovereignty of France.
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Hypersonic systems: Extreme speed and manoeuvrability
On account of unique expertise in Europe in ballistic launchers, space vehicles and atmospheric re-entry of military re-entry vehicles, ArianeGroup has been appointed industrial prime contractor for the V-MAX (Véhicule MAnoeuvrant eXpérimental) demonstration programme on behalf of the French defence procurement agency (DGA). This programme aims to acquire, implement and validate the technologies and know-how needed to develop hypersonic gliders, via a series of flight demonstrations.
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Helix space surveillance network
ArianeGroup’s Helix space surveillance service can detect, track and characterise space objects. Helix is Europe’s largest private space surveillance network, providing permanent 24/7 coverage through 23, and soon 30, optical and infra-red surveillance stations. The Helix service issues an alert in the event of any unusual behaviour to protect satellites from the risk of collision or interference. ArianeGroup is also coordinating European projects such as Sauron and Integral, thereby enhancing the European Union’s space surveillance capability and contributing to the security of space-based infrastructure.
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