The European Space Agency (ESA) is investing approximately 90 million euros ($106 million) into a developmental contract with ArianeGroup that will give its Ariane 6 rocket a new kick stage. The kick stage, called ‘Astris,’ will allow Ariane 6 to perform complex orbital transfers in multiple orbits, including Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), and support deep space exploration missions for Europe. ArianeGroup’s facilities in Germany will take on a majority of work on Astris’ development and design. The new kick stage can be mounted as an optional add-on to Ariane 6’s upper stage. Astris and its propellant tanks will be based on a modular architecture that can be configured to a wider set of payload needs. The kick stage can also interface directly with the Ariane 6 rocket’s payload.