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On 20 June 2024 the first\u00a0Ariane 6\u00a0rocket to launch into space went through its last full \u2018wet dress rehearsal\u2019 at\u00a0Europe\u2019s Spaceport\u00a0in French Guiana \u2013 it provided an exciting sneak peek of what\u2019s to come, stopping just a few seconds before engine ignition and of course, liftoff.<\/p>\n
One of the first steps was to roll back the colossal 90-m tall Ariane 6 mobile gantry building 120 m away from the launch pad \u2013 the first moment the complete rocket stood free.<\/p>\n
The first parts of Ariane 6 began arriving in French Guiana from continental Europe in February 2024 via the\u00a0Canop\u00e9e\u00a0\u2018spaceship\u2019. In March, the main stage and upper stage were assembled, followed by the transfer of the two powerful P120C boosters in April.<\/p>\n
In May, Ariane 6\u2019s first passengers also arrived in Kourou \u2013 a varied selection of experiments, satellites, payload deployers and\u00a0reentry\u00a0demonstrations that represent thousands across Europe, from students to industry and experienced space actors NASA and ArianeGroup.<\/p>\n
The payloads were integrated onto the \u2018ballast\u2019 at the end of May, and just a few days ago the ballast was fitted onto the top of the rocket and the fairing closed around it \u2013 the last time Ariane 6\u2019s cargo would see light.<\/p>\n
From Earth observation to technology demonstrations testing wildlife tracking, 3D printing in open space, open-source software and hardware and science missions looking for the most energetic explosions in the universe, the passengers on Ariane 6\u2019s first flight are a testament to the rocket\u2019s adaptability, complexity, and its role for the future \u2013 launching any mission, anywhere.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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