2024-07-07 19:28:13| Engadget
Ariane 6, the European Space Agencys next-gen heavy-lift rocket, is expected to take its inaugural flight on July 9, ending a yearlong gap in Europes ability to access space on its own. The launch vehicle, made by ArianeGroup, replaces Ariane 5, which was retired last July following its 117th mission. The launch window opens at 2PM ET on Tuesday (8PM CEST).
Ariane 5 was in operation from 1996 to 2023 and was ESAs main launch system. Ariane 6 was supposed to take over right away after its predecessors retirement, but years of delays in its development meant it ultimately wasnt ready in time. As a result, ESA has had to rely on other launch providers, like SpaceX, to get science missions off the ground over the last year. If all goes smoothly with Ariane 6, Europe will be back in the game. Ariane 6 marks a new era of autonomous, versatile European space travel, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said in June, adding that it will re-establish Europes independent access to space.
Ariane 6 will launch from Europes Spaceport in French Guiana. Itll be streamed on ESA Web TV, with coverage expected to start 30 minutes before liftoff.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/esas-new-heavy-lift-rocket-ariane-6-is-poised-to-launch-for-the-first-time-on-tuesday-172813576.html?src=rss
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