---
type: entity
entity_type: company
name: "SUSIE (ArianeGroup)"
domain: space-development
status: concept
tracked_by: astra
created: 2026-03-11
key_metrics:
  announced: "2022"
  architecture: "reusable upper stage for Ariane 6"
  capability: "multi-mission (crew, cargo, automated)"
  comparison: "large Crew Dragon rather than Starship-class"
---

# SUSIE (ArianeGroup)

Reusable upper stage concept for Ariane 6 announced by ArianeGroup in 2022. Designed for multi-mission capability including crew, cargo, and automated operations. SUSIE is positioned as catching up with current US capabilities (comparable to "large Crew Dragon") rather than competing with next-generation heavy-lift systems like Starship.

Represents ArianeGroup's incremental approach to reusability—adding a reusable upper stage to the existing Ariane 6 expendable architecture—rather than a clean-sheet reusable design.

## Timeline

- **2022** — SUSIE concept announced by ArianeGroup as reusable upper stage for Ariane 6
- **2026-03** — Remains in concept phase with no flight hardware or operational timeline

## Relationship to KB

- Incremental reusability approach contrasts with [[reusability without rapid turnaround and minimal refurbishment does not reduce launch costs as the Space Shuttle proved over 30 years]]
- Part of Europe's fragmented response to [[the space launch cost trajectory is a phase transition not a gradual decline analogous to sail-to-steam in maritime transport]]