Europe’s Ariane 6 takes flight

July 11, 2024 - By Jesse Khalil

Photo: ESA

Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6, was launched into space from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on July 9, 2024.

Ariane 6 is the latest in Europe’s Ariane rocket series, taking over from Ariane 5. It features a modular and versatile design that can launch missions from low-Earth orbit (LEO) and out into deep space. Galileo Second Generation (G2) satellites are projected to join the constellation in 2026 with the Ariane 6 launcher. G2 satellites will use electric propulsion and host a more powerful navigation antenna, better atomic clocks and fully digital payloads.

This inaugural flight, designated VA262, is a demonstration flight to test the capabilities of Ariane 6 in escaping Earth’s gravity and operating in space. It had several passengers on board. The next Ariane 6 is planned for launch this year on its first commercial flight under Arianespace as operator and launch service provider.