Ariane 6 will be launched for the first time on 9 July from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
The European Space Agency (ESA) announced the launch date for the heavy-lift launch vehicle at the ILA Berlin event. The rocket was originally scheduled to launch for the first time in 2020. Europe’s previous heavy-lift rocket Ariane 5 made its final flight last July.
Ariane 6 has a reignitable upper stage allowing it to launch multiple missions on different orbits on a single flight.
The rocket is being developed in two versions to be cost-effective for different missions. Ariane 62 will use two boosters while Ariane 64 will use four to reach higher orbits or carry heavier payloads.
Director General of the ESA , Josef Aschbacher said, “This powerful rocket is the culmination of many years of dedication and ingenuity from thousands across Europe and, as it launches, it will re-establish Europe’s independent access to space.
ESA is the Launch System Architect for Ariane 6 and with the ArianeGroup as the prime contractor for the development of the launch vehicle and French space agency CNES for the development of the ground segment.
ESA is responsible for the first flight. while subsequent flights Arianespace will be the launch service provider for institutional and commercial customers.
Martin Sion, CEO of ArianeGroup said, “This flight will pave the way for commercial operations and a significant ramp-up over the next two years. Ariane 6 is a powerful, versatile and scalable launcher that will ensure Europe’s autonomous access to space.”
