Europe’s new rocket is on the launch pad and ready for liftoff
On 20 June 2024 the first Ariane 6 rocket to launch into space went through its last full ‘wet dress rehearsal’ at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana – it provided an exciting sneak peek of what’s to come, stopping just a few seconds before engine ignition and of course, liftoff.
One of the first steps was to roll back the colossal 90-m tall Ariane 6 mobile gantry building 120 m away from the launch pad – the first moment the complete rocket stood free.
The first parts of Ariane 6 began arriving in French Guiana from continental Europe in February 2024 via the Canopée ‘spaceship’. In March, the main stage and upper stage were assembled, followed by the transfer of the two powerful P120C boosters in April.
In May, Ariane 6’s first passengers also arrived in Kourou – a varied selection of experiments, satellites, payload deployers and reentry demonstrations that represent thousands across Europe, from students to industry and experienced space actors NASA and ArianeGroup.
The payloads were integrated onto the ‘ballast’ at the end of May, and just a few days ago the ballast was fitted onto the top of the rocket and the fairing closed around it – the last time Ariane 6’s cargo would see light.
From Earth observation to technology demonstrations testing wildlife tracking, 3D printing in open space, open-source software and hardware and science missions looking for the most energetic explosions in the universe, the passengers on Ariane 6’s first flight are a testament to the rocket’s adaptability, complexity, and its role for the future – launching any mission, anywhere.
Credits: ESA – European Space Agency
Footage: ESA/ArianeGroup/Arianespace/CNES
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Where are the landing legs for the booster?
Will it land as SpaceX do?
Don't rest until it's human rated.
Great to hear y’all ready have waited for a long time for this launch best of luck!!!!!
Go ESA! I've been waiting for this launch for a long!
looks cool, i dont have context on what the mission profile is for this rocket, or how it compares to the other rockets. that would have been interesting to know
ESA THE BEST.. LUSEIXAS O LOUCO.🎸🤔🎻🕳️🪐🚥🔭🧪🌎🚀🚀🚀
Ohhh the Ariane 6. ESA has proved again and again that they know how to build good and reliable rockets (JWST was launched aboard an Ariane rocket). Now I just hope that European companies use Arianespace to launch their satellites etc. Europe doesn't really need Space-X. BTW, fun fact, the first commercial rocket launch company wasn't Space-X, in fact it was almost 30 years earlier, a German company called OTRAG (which had to give up due to political pressure from the US and others).
This is a beautiful rocket. And very often, beauty also means efficiency.
Godspeed, Ariane 6!