NASA / Boeing · USA
Arianespace / ArianeGroup · Europe
| SLS Block 1 | Metric | Ariane 6 |
|---|---|---|
| 95,000 kg+339% | Payload to LEO | 21,650 kg |
| 27,000 kg+135% | Payload to GTO | 11,500 kg |
| 98.1 m | Height | +5673%56–63 m |
| ~$40,000+/kg | Cost per kg | +433%~$7,500/kg |
| 100% | Success Rate | 100% |
| 2022+0% | First Flight | 2024 |
| No | Reusable | No |
| NASA / Boeing | Company | Arianespace / ArianeGroup |
| USA | Country | Europe |
Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) — relative scale
Payload to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)
3
SLS Block 1 wins
2
Tied
2
Ariane 6 wins
SLS Block 1 delivers 339% more payload to LEO, making it the heavier lifter.
Ariane 6 is more cost-effective at ~$7,500/kg vs ~$40,000+/kg.
Overall, SLS Block 1 wins on more metrics (3 vs 2), though each rocket is designed for different mission profiles.