The Ariane 6 rocket, developed by ArianeGroup, may soon be considered for carrying astronauts into space, according to Christophe Bruneau, the company's CEO, during a press conference on September 7. Bruneau noted that the rocket is technically capable of supporting crewed missions, with features such as the ability to abort a mission in case of danger and compatible launch facilities. While Ariane 6 was initially designed for satellite launches, the possibility of adapting it for human spaceflight marks a potential shift in Europe’s space strategy. For years, the European Space Agency (ESA) has relied on the United States for transporting its astronauts to space and for participating in lunar exploration efforts. However, recent developments, including the U.S. stepping back from some international programs, have led Europe to reassess its dependence on American space infrastructure. This shift is expected to be a central topic at an upcoming international space summit in Paris, where the future of European crewed spaceflight will be discussed. ESA director Josef Aschbacher recently stated that Europe could develop its own crewed space missions at a "very reasonable" cost. He also warned that the current supply of European launch vehicles might not be sufficient to meet future demand by 2030. This concern has added urgency to efforts to expand the production and capabilities of the Ariane 6 rocket. ArianeGroup aims to launch the Ariane 6 rocket 9 to 10 times per year starting in 2027. Bruneau mentioned that the company is working with ESA to explore increasing this rate further. He likened the challenge of scaling up production to moving from "haute couture to ready-to-wear," highlighting the complexity of the rocket, which includes up to 300,000 parts and involves 600 suppliers across 13 countries. This level of coordination underscores the ambition and scale of Europe’s space ambitions.