European Sovereignty Monitor

Defence and space

ArianeGroup completes Greta engine tests, signs new ESA contract

ArianeGroup finished hot-fire testing of its Greta engine (hydrogen peroxide/ethanol, for Ariane 6's Astris kick stage and landers) at Trauen, Germany, and on 6 February 2026 signed a new ESA Future Launchers Preparatory Programme contract for a flight-engine demonstrator by 2027.

Verified ESA, 25 February 2026

What it does not test. This does not disclose the new contract's monetary value or confirm the engine will fly operationally; the demonstrator test is not due until 2027.

How this item counts. No movement: no answer to who owns, who operates, whose law governs or who made the parts changes. Weight 0. ArianeGroup/ESA contract advances existing kick-stage engine; pre-flight, no shift. European Sovereignty Index

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