The European Space Agency’s next-generation heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6, is expected to make its maiden flight on July 9, ending a year-long gap in Europe’s solo access to space. The launch vehicle, developed by ArianeGroup, replaces Ariane 5, which was retired last July after its 117th mission. The launch window opens at 2PM ET (8PM CEST) on Tuesday.
Ariane 5 was operational from 1996 to 2023 and was ESA’s primary launch system. Ariane 6 was supposed to be delivered immediately after the retirement of its predecessor, but years of delays in its development ultimately meant that it was not ready in time. As a result, ESA had to rely on other launch providers, such as SpaceX, to fly science missions from Earth last year. If all goes well with Ariane 6, Europe will be back in the game. “Ariane 6 marks a new era of autonomous, versatile European space travel” It will “restore Europe’s independent access to space,” he said in June.
Ariane 6 will be launched from the European Spaceport in French Guiana. It will be broadcast coverage is expected to begin 30 minutes prior to takeoff.
