Astrium taps Snecma, Europropulsion for rocket motors PARIS, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- French companies Snecma and Europropulsion have signed contracts with Astrium for cryogenic rocket engines and solid rocket motors for Ariane 5 launchers. The contracts signed Wednesday call for Astrium to be supplied with 18 Vulcaine 2 rocket engines for the cryogenic main stage, 17 HM7B cryogenic engines for the upper stage of Ariane 5 launchers, plus equipment for the propulsion systems of each stage. "With this agreement, Snecma and its European partners can ensure the continued production of Ariane 5 engines until the end of 2018," said David Quancard, director of Snecma's Space Engines division. Scecma and Europropulsion are both owned by Safran, and other Safran companies will benefit from the deal. Among them is Herakles, a company that specializes in solid propulsion. Safran said the contract represents an extension of a contract signed in 2009. Financial details were not disclosed. The new launchers will be delivered to Astrium beginning in 2017 and ending in 2019.