- Europe
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June 2025
ArianeGroup and Stäubli have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to drive the joint development and commercialization of a new quick-coupling system for liquid hydrogen refueling. This initiative aims to make a significant contribution to the efficiency of the liquid hydrogen distribution.
Both companies bring their respective expertise to the project: ArianeGroup, with its extensive experience handling liquid hydrogen as a leading player in launch vehicles, and Stäubli, as the leading manufacturer of coupling systems with vast knowledge in this field. Their shared goal is to develop a reliable and efficient solution for rapid motorsport vehicle refuelling and other applications utilizing liquid hydrogen as fuel.
Liquid hydrogen is a crucial energy source for emission reduction but challenging due to its properties. By partnering, ArianeGroup and Stäubli will develop a reliable and efficient solution that facilitates the use of liquid hydrogen as fuel. This quick-coupling system will combine safe operation in the distribution chain and improved refuelling process to comply with motorsport expectation, as a first application.
This collaboration is not only technologically promising but also economically sensible, as both companies combine their competencies to drive forward the energy transition and create new opportunities for mobility decarbonisation.
Nadege Vissiere, Head of Hydrogen Programmes at ArianeGroup, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:
Meet us at the Hydrogen Village during Le Mans 24h from Wednesday 11/06 to Sunday 15/06
Fabrice Pouillerie, Director of Product, Equipment & Services Programs at ArianeGroup, adds: “It will be a significant contribution to the adoption of Liquid Hydrogen in the energy transition.”
says Damien Leterrier, R&D Officer at Stäubli Fluid Connectors.
Didier Gigandet, Global Business Head for Hydrogen at Stäubli adds: “Our longstanding presence and success in the motorsports industry underscore our capability to meet the high demands of performance and reliability. In partnership with ArianeGroup, we are excited to extend this expertise to liquid hydrogen refueling solutions, further solidifying Stäubli's position as a leader in innovative energy technologies.”
ArianeGroup is an industrial company delivering critical missions for the space and defence sectors and an expert in the handling, management and safekeeping of liquid hydrogen. With 8,300 highly qualified employees in France and Germany, ArianeGroup has unique expertise in access to space, covering the full spectrum of civil and military launch systems, including design, development, manufacturing, integration, flight preparation, operational readiness and end-of-life decommissioning. ArianeGroup is lead contractor for the Ariane 6 European launcher for the European Space Agency (ESA), and for the French oceanic deterrent force M51 strategic missile for the French Defence Armament Procurement Agency (DGA).
Internationally recognised for its innovative, competitive solutions, ArianeGroup has expertise in state-of-the-art technologies, from the chemistry of propellants and composite materials, to liquid, solid and electric space propulsion systems. ArianeGroup also offers a broad range of space, defence and industrial equipment and services, both individually and together with its subsidiaries Sodern, Pyroalliance, Nuclétudes and APP.
In the field of space launchers, ArianeGroup’s subsidiary Arianespace markets and operates the Ariane 6 and Vega-C launchers developed for ESA, and its subsidiary MaiaSpace develops and markets the reusable launcher Maia.
ArianeGroup, equally owned by Airbus and Safran, posted consolidated revenues of €2.5 billion in 2024.
