Future launchers and composite materials
Composite structures for the Ariane launcher

In the medium term, there are unlikely to be any major changes in the use of composites, even for a new launcher like Ariane 5, which could be described as "classic" in its design, with its 3 propulsion stages. Composites could be used in the following areas:

• nozzle with deployable divergent tip in thermostructural materials for cryogenic upper-stage engines ;

• filament-wound booster shells (used on the Titan's SRMU booster);

• composite flanges.

The small launchers that are emerging or under study make greater use of composites, with smaller, non-segmented solid-propellant engines for which the "wound" solution is particularly well-suited.

Composites could also be used for the vehicles of the future: single- or twin-stage...