ULA · USA
Arianespace / ArianeGroup · Europe
| Vulcan Centaur | Metric | Ariane 6 |
|---|---|---|
| 27,200 kg+26% | Payload to LEO | 21,650 kg |
| 14,400 kg+25% | Payload to GTO | 11,500 kg |
| 61.6 m | Height | +9093%56–63 m |
| ~$5,500/kg+36% | Cost per kg | ~$7,500/kg |
| 100% | Success Rate | 100% |
| 2024 | First Flight | 2024 |
| No | Reusable | No |
| ULA | Company | Arianespace / ArianeGroup |
| USA | Country | Europe |
Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) — relative scale
Payload to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)
3
Vulcan Centaur wins
3
Tied
1
Ariane 6 wins
Vulcan Centaur delivers 26% more payload to LEO, making it the heavier lifter.
Vulcan Centaur is more cost-effective at ~$5,500/kg vs ~$7,500/kg.
Overall, Vulcan Centaur wins on more metrics (3 vs 1), though each rocket is designed for different mission profiles.