Europe's new heavy lift launch vehicle takes flight

Ariane 6 successfully completes its maiden launch from Kourou, French Guiana

The long-awaited maiden flight of Europe's new heavy lift launch vehicle, Ariane 6, has finally taken place. The rocket lifted off from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on 9 July 2024.

The successful launch is a major milestone for the European Space Agency (ESA), the French space agency CNES, and the rocket's prime contractor, ArianeGroup. Ariane 6 is a replacement for the highly successful Ariane 5 rocket, and it is designed to be more versatile and cost-effective.

The maiden flight of Ariane 6 was a success, with the rocket successfully delivering its payload of two satellites into orbit.