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Artist’s impression of the Arianespace 6 rocket in space.
(Image credit: ESA)
Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket has a firm launch date at last, set to debut June 15, 2024. On board will be small satellites, including two from NASA.
Progress is accelerating, with a hotfire test of the heavy-lift rocket being successfully completed, and plans to overcome any potential delays. Ariane 6 is the successor to Ariane 5, aiming to meet new launching needs and ensure independent launching access to space for Europe.
Given Ariane 6’s significance, this milestone is monumental, given the impact and influence it has had on the space industry and Europe’s goals to establish their own GPS.

