For the first time the new European rocket Ariane 6 has been launched. There was great anticipation for the inaugural flight of the new European Space Agency launcher from Kourou, French Guiana. This has rekindled hopes for Europe to be able to carve out a prestigious autonomous access to the space and all scientific possibilities, from Earth observation to technological and commercial development. A 56-meter colossus that, in theory, should be able to make us less and less dependent on the United States for space launches of satellites and probes.
5,4,3,2,1 Volcanic lighting!
Relive the moment the first Ariane 6 launched from @EuropeSpacePortFrench Guiana
Turn the sound all the way UP #GoAriane! pic.twitter.com/WYRpPLGtnn
— European Space Agency (@esa) July 9, 2024
The launch took place without any problems, with clear skies providing the backdrop, at 4 pm local time (9 pm in Italy) from the European spaceport. The duration of the inaugural flight is expected to be 2 hours 51 minutes and 40 seconds. The mission will be considered successful only when the reusable upper stage of the rocket plunges into thePacific Ocean. Obviously, every single movement will be kept under observation: the analyses will have to guarantee that everything will work correctly, as expected. This is a necessary condition to then allow the launch authorization for the second flight, which should take place by the end of 2024.
More pictures from the first liftoff of Ariane 6 #VA262 from @EuropeSpacePortFrench Guiana on 9 July 2024!
(We have something in our eyes)
: ESA – M. Pédoussaut pic.twitter.com/7paFmKW4tZ
— European Space Agency (@esa) July 9, 2024
Josef AschbacherDirector General of ESA, on his profile X (former Twitter) posted a photo alongside Ariane 6 and described the historic significance of the event: “It is indescribable. I feel a wide range of emotions as we prepare to have an impact on European history, for the future of Europe, for generations of Europeans. This is just the first step, we still have a lot of work to do, but we are focused on changing the future of the European space transportation ecosystem.“.
Ariane 6 will power Europe into space. Ariane 6 will make history.
Standing next to the massive #Ariane6 it’s indescribable. I feel a wide range of emotions as we get ready to make an impact on European history, for Europe’s future, for generations of Europeans. This is just the… pic.twitter.com/4B9uB84X55
— Josef Aschbacher (@AschbacherJosef) July 9, 2024
So Europe seems to be back on the space scene. The Old Continent has placed great trust in the launch of the rocket, considering that it is necessary to move within a market that must face competition from the company SpaceX by Elon Musk. A success that can put an end to the crisis of the vectors. Great versatility is the main feature of Ariane 6: the launcher, thanks to the new Vinci engine, will be able to place satellites and payloads in any orbital path.
During the day the weather report was positive; so the rocket’s tanks were filled with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
TO Kourou Over 200 experts, in a bunker near the launch site, checked for any possible anomalies before the launch. Many military personnel also monitored the launch. The operation was reinforced by three fighter planes to intercept any curious aircraft in the vicinity.