Update July 9, 3:30 p.m.
ET: The Ariane 6 rocket blasted off from Europes spaceport in French Guiana at 3:00 p.m. Update July 9, 12:44 p.m.
The rockets inaugural launch will be broadcast live on ESAsonlinechannel,and you might also tune in through thefeedbelow.
Ariane 6 performing its inaugural launch, July 9, 2024.© ESA
The launch vehicle comes in two variants, Ariane 62 and 64.
Ariane 64 is meant for commercial satellite operators.
The legendary rocketperformed its final flight in July 2023, ending a 27-year run.
The Ariane 6 booster falling away during stage separation. Credit: ESA
Aftercutting ties with Russiafollowing its invasion of Ukraine, Europe no longer had access to Soyuz rockets.
The rockets big debut is finally here.
Unlike some other next-generation rockets, Ariane 6 is not reusable.
Its successor, which is currently in the making, will be partially reusable.
The aptly labeled Ariane Next is slated for its own debut launch sometime in the 2030s.
Due to its delayed first flight, Ariane 6 has already amassed a backlog of 30 launches.
The majority of the upcoming missions will be todeliver Amazons Project Kuipers internet satellitesto orbit.
This decision was driven by exceptional circumstances EUMETSAT Director-General Phil Evans said in a statement.
It does not compromise our standard policy of supporting European partners.
Still, it doesnt reflect well on the European markets confidence in the Ariane 6 rocket.
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