Air Liquide’s space odyssey: at the heart of the Ariane 6 operational phase

With the space market expected to triple in size within the next 10 years¹, these two contracts highlight Air Liquide’s unique position across the entire value chain, from the supply of molecules to cutting-edge technological equipment. Nicolas Droin, General Manager of Air Liquide France Industrie, and Xavier Traversac, Vice President of Air Liquide advanced Technologies, discuss the implications of these agreements and the Group’s ambitions for the future of the space sector.

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Air Liquide supplies critical cryogenic equipment for Ariane 6. How does the Group’s technological expertise make a difference in this highly competitive market?

Xavier Traversac: We are immensely proud of this renewed partnership. It crowns more than 50 years of Air Liquide’s commitment to the Ariane program. We have contributed to every successive evolution of the launch vehicle, from Ariane 1 to Ariane 6, which to date represents 269 Ariane flights. The most recent flight took place on June 17, marking the 8th flight of Ariane 6.

Our strength lies in our expertise in cryogenics—that is, extremely low temperatures. This unique expertise enables us to design, industrialize, and manufacture the equipment essential for the propulsion of launch vehicles. For Ariane 6, our teams provide critical technologies: the rocket’s propellant management systems, the liquid helium tank, the control panel that ensures stable pressure in the control circuit and the tanks, and the cryogenic lines for both stages of the rocket. We also serve as the design authority for cryogenic systems, which means we have studied the behavior of cryogenic fluids to help design the launch vehicle and that we monitor every launch alongside ArianeGroup to verify that everything is functioning as expected, both on the ground and in flight.

Today, the challenge has taken on a new scale. After successfully supporting the maiden flight and the first commercial launches, our mission is now to support the ramp-up of Ariane 6 launcher production. Our expertise in advanced technologies allows us to combine cutting-edge innovation with reliable production while complying with the requirements of this highly specialized sector, which is governed by extremely high standards and regulations.

Our mission is now to support the ramp-up of Ariane 6 launcher production.

For its part, Air Liquide Spatial Guyane has renewed its gas supply agreement for the European launch vehicle. What is the specific role of these fluids, and how do they fit into the sector’s sustainability challenges?

Nicolas Droin: While the design of the rocket and its associated equipment is central, gases are the lifeblood and fuel of the launch vehicle. As part of this renewed partnership, we ensure that ArianeGroup has a reliable supply of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for the launch vehicle, which we produce on-site, allowing us to meet the specific quality and availability requirements of the space industry. These gases are essential for propelling the rocket and its onboard satellites into space. At the same time, we supply critical fluids such as helium, nitrogen, and compressed air, which are indispensable for safely carrying out all ground operations. Whether it involves inerting systems, pressurizing tanks, or venting the satellite under the fairing before liftoff, we are involved at every key stage at the Kourou base. As a fun fact, one of the last physical connections between Earth and the rocket before liftoff is… an Air Liquide hose!

However, a sustainable space economy cannot truly be conceived without considering its environmental impact. That is why we are actively participating in the sector’s energy transition through the Hyguane project, supported by ESA and CNES. This project aims to build and operate a 1.25 MW electrolyzer at the Guiana Space Center to produce renewable, low-carbon hydrogen directly on site. In particular, it will help meet between 10 and 15% of Ariane 6’s annual hydrogen needs and contribute to the decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation in French Guiana.

Given that the global space industry market could reach 1,800 billion dollars by 2035, how does the synergy between the Group’s various activities shape Air Liquide’s future in space?

Xavier Traversac: The global space industry market is indeed booming. On the one hand, governments have accelerated their strategic investments to address sovereignty issues. On the other hand, private companies have significantly strengthened their capabilities thanks to continued growth in investment. In this context, it is precisely our expertise—ranging from the provision of ground infrastructure, equipment, and cryogenic systems for launch vehicles and satellites, to the supply of cryogenic fluids and high-purity rare gases for propulsion—that positions the Group as a key player in the global space industry supply chain.

Nicolas Droin: Absolutely. It is this cross-functional approach that we are consolidating today with Ariane 6. And Kourou is no exception. Air Liquide provides essential infrastructure and services worldwide to major spaceports such as Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg in the United States, as well as Tanegashima in Japan. Our proven track record, areas of expertise, and meticulous approach position us as a leading player in serving this sector of the future.

Our proven track record, areas of expertise, and meticulous approach position us as a leading player in serving this sector of the future.

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