The successful launch of the new European Ariane 6 launch vehicle from the spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana) took place on July 9. This was reported by European Space Agency.
The launch was uneventful, with the rocket successfully launching a constellation of satellites into orbit at an altitude of 600 kilometers. The satellites include devices from various private companies, space agencies, research institutions and universities.
According to the agency, the launch took place at 23:06 Moscow time.
Ariane 6 is the latest rocket in the European Ariane rocket series, replacing the Ariane 5, and features a modular and versatile design that allows missions to be launched from low Earth orbit and beyond into deep space.
“Rarely is an entirely new rocket launched and success is far from guaranteed. I was privileged to witness this historic moment when the next generation of the Ariane family successfully launched, effectively restoring Europe’s access to space,” said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.
The first flight, designated VA262, is a demonstration flight designed to demonstrate Ariane 6’s capabilities and prowess in defying Earth’s gravity and operating in space.
Europe in April performed Secret tests of the upper stage of the Ariane 6 rocket.
Former Starship rocket gone on its first suborbital flight.