Europe’s new launch vehicle, Ariane 6, is now standing alone on the launch pad at the Kourou spaceport, as seen in images released by the European Space Agency and ArianeGroup. The next step for Ariane 6 is an engine test, where the rocket engine will be ignited on the ramp to check for overheating. This is an important part of the ongoing tests being conducted at the site in French Guiana, in preparation for the maiden flight of Europe’s new cargo horse into space.
The Ariane 6 is the successor to the Ariane 5, which has been in service since 1996 and has recently completed its last launches. Originally, the first Ariane 6 was planned to fly into space in 2020, but various delays due to the pandemic have pushed that timeline back. Even after the pandemic, the schedules have continued to be delayed. The ESA had previously stated that the first launch of an Ariane 6 could take place in April 2023 at the earliest, but that did not happen. A new date has not been provided by the ESA, but a list of milestones to be completed, released in May, suggests that the first launch in 2023 is unlikely.
The development of Ariane 6, largely funded by ESA, was Europe’s response to increased competition in the launcher market. However, the planned seamless transition from Ariane 5 was not achieved, missing an opportunity to take advantage of the loss of Russian launch vehicles. Meanwhile, competition in the industry continues to grow, with SpaceX working on its giant rocket, the Starship, which promises to have significantly higher payload capacities. Nonetheless, demand for launch services remains high, as evidenced by Amazon’s booking of 18 launches for its “Project Kuiper” satellite internet in April 2022.
In conclusion, Ariane 6’s presence alone on the launch pad signifies a significant milestone in its development. However, the delays and increased competition in the launcher market have posed challenges for the project’s timeline and goals. Nonetheless, the demand for launch services remains strong, and the maiden flight of Ariane 6, although postponed, continues to be eagerly anticipated.
