Published on 2024/02/22
The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management of ESA, as the overall Ariane 6 procuring entity and launch system architect, of the French space agency CNES as the launch base prime contractor, of ArianeGroup as the launcher system prime contractor and of Arianespace as the launch service provider. This group reports regularly on progress being made towards inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.
Key milestones towards inaugural flight:
On the way towards the first flight of Ariane 6, these milestones have been conducted since the last joint update:
9 February 2024: Fairing removal from Ariane 6 test model, Kourou, French Guiana
The fairing and dummy payloads were removed from the Ariane 6 test model and transferred to the Batiment Assemblage Final. With this the test model on the Ariane 6 launch pad has started to be dismantled to make way for the flight model of Ariane 6.
This dismantling also validates the ability to disassemble the launcher in case anomalies would require a change of a stage of the rocket on the launch pad.
In addition, a “Dummy Payload Dismounting Test” will be executed in the Hall d’Encapsulation (HE) that is part of the Batiment Assemblage Final (BAF).
21 February 2024: Arrival of Ariane 6 first flight model main and upper stage, Kourou, French Guiana
The main and upper stage for the inaugural flight for Ariane 6 arrived at Europe’s Spaceport from mainland Europe.
Next milestones:
Inaugural launch campaign
March: Integration of central core, Kourou, French Guiana
The upper and main stage will be connected in March to form the central core.
By mid March 2024: First booster flight model ready and stored, Kourou, French Guiana
The first booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight is being integrated at the booster finishing facility in French Guiana.
Early April 2024: second booster for inaugural flight ready and stored, Kourou, French Guiana.
The second booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight is being integrated at the booster finishing facility in French Guiana.
First flight period
ESA, CNES and ArianeGroup are targeting the first launch of Ariane 6 between 15 June and 31 July 2024.
Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.
