ArianeGroup is studying whether to increase deployments of its Ariane 6 heavy launcher beyond Arianespace's planned stable rate of nine to 10 launches per year from 2027. CEO Christophe Bruneau said the company is discussing the potential ramp-up with the European Space Agency (ESA), Europe's space agency, and a supply chain of about 600 companies. The main issue is identifying the investment needed to expand solid-propellant production for the rocket, which has completed nine flights since its first mission in 2024. ESA is also considering faster annual launch rates for Ariane 6 and Vega-C to address a looming bottleneck in satellite deployments. The discussions come ahead of a September 9-10 summit organized by France to promote Europe's independence in space. Arianespace CEO David Cavailloles said European officials increasingly view space as a strategic sector that should not depend on third parties for access to orbit. Ariane 6 was agreed in 2014 as Europe faced growing competition, but repeated delays left European nations relying on Elon Musk's SpaceX for some launches after separate setbacks.