Vinci

Vinci is ArianeGroup’s restartable liquid-hydrogen/liquid-oxygen expander-cycle engine for Ariane 6’s upper stage, with approximately 180 kN vacuum thrust and 465 s specific impulse. Multiple firings let the upper stage change orbit between payload deployments. Vinci first flew on 9 July 2024: an initial firing reached an elliptical orbit, and a second firing after a coast circularised the orbit for satellite release. ESA reports that a later auxiliary propulsion unit interruption prevented the planned third Vinci firing and stage disposal burn. That final demonstration was not completed on the inaugural flight, while the earlier in-flight restart succeeded.