The Ariane 6, Europe's latest heavy-lift launch vehicle, is scheduled for its maiden voyage on 9 July from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This debut mission will carry a payload of eight satellites and various experimental instruments.
When asked about the significance of Ariane 6’s first flight, a spokesperson of the European Space Agency (ESA) said Ariane 6 will ensure European independent and autonomous access to space for primarily mid- and heavy institutional and commercial payloads that were previously launched on Soyuz and Ariane 5 launchers.
“In addition, Ariane 6 will offer a greater flexibility to launch an even wider range of payloads (as compared to its predecessor Ariane 5), including constellations and payloads of different sizes combined in a single launch. Its re-ignitable upper stage will also help inject satellites in multiple orbits and allow controlled de-orbiting in line with space debris regulation," the spokesperson said.
The rocket comes in two booster configurations: the A62 with two boosters and A64 with four boosters.
The ESA spokesperson said Ariane 6 is designed to provide great power and flexibility at a lower cost than its predecessors.
“The launcher’s configuration – with an upgraded main stage, a choice of either two or four powerful boosters and a new restartable upper stage – will provide Europe with greater efficiency and possibility as it can launch multiple missions into different orbits on a single flight, while its upper stage will deorbit itself at the end of mission.”
The launch comes a year after the final flight of its predecessor Ariane 5.
European space amitions
The Ariane 6 programme was launched around the end of 2014. The first flight was originally scheduled for 2020. However, it was delayed due to technical setbacks as well as the Covid-19 crisis.
European space ambitions have evolved significantly over the past decades, driven by the need for technological independence, economic competitiveness, and scientific advancement.
At the heart of this policy is the European Space Agency (ESA), the intergovernmental organisation of 22 member states, working in close cooperation with the European Union (EU).
The cornerstone of European space policy is ensuring autonomous access to space. This began with the Ariane rocket family and continues with the development of Ariane 6 and Vega-C launchers.
These programs aim to maintain Europe's ability to launch satellites and other payloads without relying on foreign providers.
Another key aspect of Euroepan space strategy is Earth observation. The Copernicus program, jointly managed by ESA and the EU, operates a fleet of Sentinel satellites that monitor the planet's environment, providing crucial data on climate change, land use, and natural disasters. This information supports policy-making and aids in emergency response efforts across Europe and beyond.n.
