From CNBC: 2024-07-09 15:56:35

The European Space Agency’s Ariane 6 rocket successfully launched from French Guiana, marking a competition with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Costing $4.5 billion, it’s the latest in a series, supplanting the Ariane 5. The rocket can carry up to 21,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit, targeting the “heavy” rocket class market.

Ariane 6 was delayed for years due to technical challenges, the pandemic, and the Ukraine conflict. European leaders support the program for independent space access. However, SpaceX’s dominance forced Europe to rely on them multiple times. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets are used for high-profile ESA missions, raising concerns over Ariane 6’s viability.

In contrast to U.S. companies pushing reusable rocket tech, Ariane 6 is expendable. Amazon has ordered 97 rocket launches, out of which Arianespace secured a significant portion for Project Kuiper internet satellite deployment. Despite concerns and setbacks, Europe is steadfast in supporting Ariane 6 for space exploration and competitiveness in the market.



Read more at CNBC: First Ariane 6 launch of European rocket