Germany and ArianeGroup Forge Key Partnership for Vinci Engine Assembly Ahead of Ariane 6 Launch

On October 24, 2025, a significant agreement was formalized between the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and ArianeGroup, with backing from the European Space Agency (ESA), concerning the assembly of the Vinci engine, which powers the upper stage of the Ariane 6 rocket. The partnership will see the integration of this key engine component taking place at DLR’s facilities in Lampoldshausen, Germany, where the final assembly will occur. The event also introduced plans for a new production building designed to support this initiative.

This agreement marks a step forward following a prior accord reached on December 18, 2024, between Germany, Italy, France, and ESA, which involved transferring the development of the Ariane 6 oxygen turbopump to Vernon, France, while the integration and testing of the Vinci engine were relocated to Lampoldshausen. Additionally, the installation of the Vinci engine within the upper stage of Ariane 6 will still occur in Bremen, Germany.

The Vinci engine operates using liquid hydrogen and oxygen as propellants and is notable for its restartable capabilities, allowing it to be stopped and restarted multiple times. This feature enables the rocket to deploy satellites into various orbits and manage the de-orbiting of the upper stage.

During the event in Lampoldshausen, Toni Tolker-Nielsen, the ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, celebrated the collaboration among partners tasked with assembly and testing at the site. He acknowledged the journey of the Vinci engine, which began its initial development in France, and emphasized the essence of European cooperation embodied in this project. He also highlighted Germany’s pivotal role in advancing the upper stages of the Ariane 6 and hinted at future discussions during the next Ministerial Council regarding the ASTRIS orbital transfer vehicle, which Germany is expected to lead.

The DLR test center in Lampoldshausen is equipped for comprehensive rocket engine testing, including component and full-stage evaluations. This facility’s advanced testing systems mimic flight conditions, providing engines with the necessary fuels and fluids, while meticulously monitoring and regulating engine performance. It has successfully conducted tests on the Vinci engine and the full upper stage of Ariane 6, ensuring readiness ahead of the rocket’s inaugural flight scheduled for 2024.