Europe’s first new heavy-lift rocket in almost 30 years lifted off from its launch pad near Kourou in French Guiana on Tuesday, ending a year-long crisis over the region’s ability to fly its own satellites into orbit.
Ariane 6’s lower stage separated smoothly about eight minutes into the flight, after the Vulcain engines were cut off and reignited.
It now begins a mission to carry 17 satellites and experiments into orbit, and to test its innovative re-ignitable engine.
The launch restores Europe’s independent access to space after the invasion of Ukraine ended co-operation with Russia’s Soyuz programme.
