Infinite Orbits, Arianespace sign MoU for direct-to-GEO launch capabilities

Infinite Orbits and Arianespace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on multiple direct-to-geostationary orbit (GEO) launch services. The partnership brings together Arianespace’s decades of launch heritage with Infinite Orbits’ next-generation in-orbit servicing capabilities. The collaboration reflects the evolution of the European space ecosystem, where established launch providers and NewSpace companies are working together to develop future French and European direct-to-GEO launch capabilities. For Infinite Orbits, future direct-to-GEO launch capability is a key enabler for both Orbit Guard and Endurance. Direct access to GEO allows the company to deploy servicing spacecraft more rapidly, supporting satellite inspection and life-extension missions with greater operational flexibility. By identifying these future launch requirements, Infinite Orbits reaffirms its commitment to European launch capabilities while supporting the timely development of sovereign access to geostationary orbit. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the growing commercial demand for sovereign European direct-to-GEO capabilities and reinforces both companies’ shared ambition to strengthen Europe’s independent access to space. By combining launch expertise with in-orbit servicing, the partnership will help satellite operators extend mission life, maximise the value of existing GEO assets and improve the long-term resilience of Europe’s space infrastructure. “The challenges facing the space sector, and geostationary orbit in particular, demand responses equal to their strategic importance: innovative, competitive, and industrialized solutions, combined with reliable and responsive launch capabilities that enable rapid deployment. Without this full value chain, French and European space sovereignty will remain an ambition on paper, both on commercial and sovereign sides. The expertise is there – what is needed now is the speed of execution to deploy these strategic capabilities.” said Adel Haddoud, CEO, Infinite Orbits. “This partnership with Infinite Orbits reflects our commitment to supporting Europe’s most innovative players and preparing the future of launch services. By jointly exploring new capabilities for direct access to geostationary orbit, we are helping to strengthen the competitiveness of the European space industry and meet the growing needs of our customers, both institutional and commercial,” said David Cavaillolès, CEO, Arianespace. ArianeGroup and Beyond Gravity sign major contract (PHOTO: Arianespace) ArianeGroup and Beyond Gravity have signed a new contract for the operational phase of Ariane 6, securing Europe’s access to space for years to come. The agreement covers the supply of 27 payload fairings for the flight models 16 to 42 of Ariane 6. ArianeGroup, a French-German leader in space technology, is prime contractor for Ariane 6. Following the successful completion of its initial flights, ArianeGroup is currently increasing the Ariane 6 production rate. Beyond Gravity, a leading international space supplier headquartered in Switzerland with 12 locations in six countries, has been producing payload fairings for every Ariane mission since the first flight of Ariane 1 in 1979. Beyond Gravity is also playing an important role in the Ariane 6 programme. Depending on the mission, the European heavy-launcher can be equipped with a short (14-meter) or long (20-meter) payload fairing. This allows Ariane 6 to adapt to a wide variety of payloads. Instead of maintaining a separate system for each mission type, a common technical platform covers the entire spectrum. The new contract for the operational phase starts at the end of 2026 and marks the largest to date in the history of Beyond Gravity’s Swiss launch vehicle business. By producing 20 long and seven short payload fairings, the company is making a key contribution to the industrial ramp-up of the Ariane 6 program and to the planned launch cadence of nine to ten missions per year. Christophe Bruneau, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ArianeGroup, said: “We are thrilled to continue our fruitful collaboration with Beyond Gravity. The agreement underscores that cooperation is key to ensure a competitive and autonomous European access to space. As the Ariane 6 ramp-up is in full swing, we now have long-term visibility on the supply of payload fairings for the operational phase of Europe’s heavy-launcher that has demonstrated its reliability and performance with eight successful flights since July 2024.” Barbara Frei-Spreiter, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Beyond Gravity, said: “This record-breaking order marks an important milestone for Beyond Gravity and for Europe’s space industry as a whole. We are delighted to actively help shape the ramp-up of the Ariane 6 launch vehicle program by supplying key technologies and to continue our long-standing partnership with ArianeGroup and the ESA. With our ability to mass-produce highly complex launch vehicle structures to the highest quality standards, we are making a key contribution to the competitiveness of the European space industry.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]