Europe Successfully Launches Ariane 6 Rocket After Four Years

The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launched the Ariane 6 rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, on the 9th (local time), according to France24 and AFP.

Reports state that the ESA launched the Ariane 6 from the Guiana Space Centre launch site in Kourou, French Guiana, at around 4 p.m. on this day.

This launch is seen as a significant step for Europe in regaining the capability to access space independently, without relying on companies such as SpaceX in the United States.

ESA Secretary-General Josef Aschbacher emphasized that this launch is a "very important moment for Europe," and added, "We are re-establishing independent space access for Europe."

He also described it on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) as the "first step to change the future of Europe's space transportation ecosystem."

For 27 years, Ariane 5 played a central role in European space development, flying 117 missions before its final flight last year.

Since then, Europe has had to rely on external companies like SpaceX in the U.S. for satellite launches.

The success of this launch is measured by the safe descent of the reusable upper stage into the Pacific Ocean. ESA's technical manager Tony dos Santos estimated that the first satellite would be deployed about 1 hour and 6 minutes after launch.

Ariane 6 is scheduled for one more launch this year, six launches next year, and eight more in 2026.

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Europe Successfully Launches Ariane 6 Rocket After Four Years