The Ariane Smart Transfer and Release In-orbit Ship (ASTRIS) complements the Ariane 6 rocket to increase its versatility, allowing it to reach an even wider variety of destinations. The ASTRIS orbital transfer vehicle will transport payloads between orbits, and take over when the Ariane 6 upper stage has finished its job. For example, Ariane 6 can deliver ASTRIS and its payload to a geostationary transfer orbit and then ASTRIS can fly the payload to its final geostationary orbit, saving time and payload fuel.

ASTRIS is an optional add-on stage for Ariane 6. A payload can be mounted on top of ASTRIS inside the rocket’s fairing offering more mission possibilities as it can extend the rocket’s flight –in duration and distance – and so carry payloads farther. Whereas the Ariane 6 upper stage can reignite up to four times thanks to its Vinci engine, ASTRIS can add even more ignitions to the mission, allowing for more mission flexibility.

More on ASTRIS: www.esa.int/astris