Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket has successfully launched its first commercial mission, placing a French military satellite into orbit. The launch comes as Europe seeks to strengthen its defences amid doubts about relying on the US as a security partner.
The Ariane 6 rocket was initially delayed multiple times before blasting off from the spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. It successfully deployed the CSO-3 satellite into orbit at an altitude of around 800 kilometres above Earth.
Europe’s independence in space is crucial after Russia pulled its Soyuz rockets following Ukraine’s invasion in 2022. The Ariane 6 rocket confirms Europe’s ability to launch large satellites independently, a development that had been delayed multiple times.
French General Philippe Steininger highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating “Europe must ensure its own security.” Toni Tolker-Nielsen, space transportation director at the European Space Agency, called for more frequent Ariane 6 launches, aiming for 12 per year.
The successful launch marks an important step towards Europe’s independence in space and comes as the industry faces competition from Elon Musk’s SpaceX. With Vega-C resuming flights in December and Ariane 6’s first commercial launch, European space efforts aim to recover from past delays.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250306-%F0%9F%94%B4european-rocket-ariane-6-launches-on-first-commercial-mission