SYLEX® – SOUNDING-ROCKET LAUNCH SYSTEM

Developed in just three years by ArianeGroup, SyLEx® – short for Système de Lancement d’Expériences (Experiment Launch System) – is a suborbital launch service dedicated to in-flight testing. It enables field testing of avionics equipment, atmospheric re-entry demonstrators and microgravity experiments.

Designed to meet the needs of both civil and military customers, particularly in the European market, SyLEx® combines technological sovereignty with operational excellence.

A Comprehensive Service, from Preparation to Flight

SyLEx® is built around an integrated solution consisting of two sounding rocket models – single and twin-stage versions – launched from the DGA-Essais de Missiles test range in Biscarrosse (French Defence Procurement and Technology Agency). This strategic location provides a secure, controlled and proven environment.

With a payload capacity of up to 600kg, SyLEx® sounding rockets can reach altitudes between 140 and 400 kilometres, depending on configuration. Thanks to a jettisonable fairing, onboard telemetry, a configurable payload volume and controlled release conditions, SyLEx® can be adapted to a wide range of mission profiles. It can also accommodate multiple experiments in a single flight, offering valuable flexibility for multi-user test campaigns.

Accelerated Development in Support of Sovereignty

SyLEx® builds on ArianeGroup’s expertise in solid propulsion, guidance systems and launcher architecture. This know-how enabled the development of the single-stage version in under three years, following a proto-flight approach and achieving a high technology readiness level (TRL).

Entrusted to ArianeGroup by the French Defence Procurement and Technology Agency (DGA), SyLEx® meets a strategic need for a sovereign suborbital testing capability. It is part of the roadmap for innovative defence demonstrators, together with France’s V-MAX hypersonic glider programme.

The first launch of the single-stage version was successfully completed in November 2025. The twin-stage version is scheduled for launch by 2027, paving the way to a full range of suborbital services “Made in Europe”.

Main characteristics of SyLEx®

SyLEx® single-stage sounding rocket (Block 1)

SyLEx® twin-stage sounding rocket (Block 2)