Space engines

PPS1350 at test bench | © Marc Courmont

Snecma (Safran group), the propulsion prime contractor on Europe’s Ariane 5 launcher, designs, develops and produces a wide range of space propulsion systems, including cryogenic rocket engines for launchers, and plasma (electric) thrusters and propulsion systems for satellites and other spacecraft. Fellow group company Herakles participates in the development of systems and equipment for launchers, including nozzles for the MPS solid rocket motor on the Ariane 5 launcher’s boosters, and the P80 solid rocket motor on Europe’s new Vega light launcher. In addition, this company develops and manufactures solid rocket motors for the strategic missiles in France’s nuclear deterrent force.

Key figures

No. 2 worldwide in liquid propulsion for launch vehicles
No. 1 in Europe for plasma propulsion
No. 2 in Europe for solid propulsion on launch vehicles

Our solutions

Vinci®

With Vinci®, Snecma (Safran group) is paving the way for a new generation of rocket engines. The development of this new cryogenic engine, intended for the upper stage of the upgraded Ariane 5 ECB launcher, was originally approved at the meeting of European space ministers in May 1999.
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Vulcain®2

Launched in October 1995, the Snecma-led Vulcain® 2 program considerably increased the performance of the Ariane 5 launch vehicle.
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