AEROSPATIALE AND SEP of France and Italy's Fiat BPD have formed an alliance to develop a new small launcher based on the solid-rocket boosters developed for the Ariane 5.
Development costs have been estimated at Fr1-2 billion ($200-400 million). The venture is aimed at capturing the growing market for low-cost launchers for small commercial and scientific satellites. There is as yet no funding from either the European Space Agency or the French space agency for the programme, so initial financing will come from the three companies.
SEP, owned by French engine manufacturer Snecma, is for sale, and some sources suggest that Aerospatiale may be a suitor, with the mini-rocket alliance providing the catalyst. The three are under pressure to seal the agreement as soon as possible, since Germany and Russia are marketing the Rokot mini-launcher, and several are under development in the USA.
Source: Flight International
