ArianeGroup is studying whether to increase Ariane 6 deployments beyond Arianespace's planned stable rate of nine to 10 launches annually from 2027. CEO Christophe Bruneau said the company is discussing the potential ramp-up with the European Space Agency (ESA) and a supply chain of about 600 companies. The main challenge is identifying the investment needed to expand solid-propellant supplies. ESA is also considering faster launch rates for Ariane 6 and Vega-C as satellite deployments face a potential bottleneck. The discussions precede a September 9-10 French summit on Europe's independence in space, amid concerns that delays to Ariane 6 have left Europe reliant on SpaceX for some launches.