Ariane 6 Set for Launch on July 9th

Countdown to Europe's New Heavy-Lift Rocket

Live Coverage Begins at 15:30 Local Time

The long-awaited launch of Europe's new heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6, is finally upon us. Scheduled to take place on July 9th, 2024, the inaugural flight will mark a significant milestone in Europe's space program.

Ariane 6 is designed to replace the current Ariane 5 rocket and significantly enhance Europe's ability to launch satellites and other payloads into space. With its higher lift capacity, Ariane 6 can handle a wider range of missions, including those to geostationary orbits and beyond.

The launch is scheduled for 15:00-19:00 local time at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. Liftoff is now expected to occur no earlier than 16:00 local time (21:00 CEST), and live coverage will begin at 15:30 local time (20:30 CEST).

For those unable to attend the launch in person, there will be multiple ways to watch it live online. ESA (European Space Agency) will be providing a live stream on its website and YouTube channel, ensuring that people around the world can witness this historic event.

The successful launch of Ariane 6 would be a major step forward for Europe's space program and would significantly boost its competitive position in the global space market. It would also pave the way for future missions, including the planned Luna Clipper mission to the Moon and the Mars Sample Return mission.