Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6, successfully carried out its first commercial mission on Thursday, placing a French military satellite into orbit.
The launch, which had been delayed several times, marks a significant step in ensuring the continent’s independent access to space amid growing security concerns.
The rocket blasted off from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, just before 1:30 pm local time (1630 GMT) under rainy skies.
Around an hour later, the control centre erupted in applause as the CSO-3 satellite was successfully released into orbit at an altitude of approximately 800 kilometres (500 miles) above Earth.
Delayed but Determined
Initially scheduled for its maiden flight in 2020, Ariane 6’s debut was postponed multiple times, with the latest delay occurring just 30 minutes before launch on Monday due to a faulty valve in one of the refuelling pipes.
Previous attempts in December and February were also scrubbed. Arianespace, the company behind the launch, described the successful mission as a crucial milestone for Europe’s space ambitions.
The CSO-3 satellite, which had been waiting since 2022, completes a trio of French military imaging satellites aimed at enhancing France’s surveillance capabilities.
The first two satellites in the series were launched in 2018 and 2020 aboard Soyuz rockets. With Russia withdrawing its Soyuz rockets following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Europe has been left with limited options for heavy-lift launches until now.
Strengthening Security and Independence
French General Philippe Steininger highlighted the disparity in space capabilities between Europe and other global powers, noting that Europe has just 10 military satellites compared to “hundreds” for the United States and China.
“Europe must ensure its own security,” stated Toni Tolker-Nielsen, the European Space Agency’s space transportation director. Tolker-Nielsen also called for an increase in the number of annual Ariane 6 launches to 12, compared to the five planned for this year.
The successful launch of Ariane 6 is seen as a step towards reducing reliance on the United States for critical satellite deployments, particularly as uncertainties grow over US-European security ties under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Competition with SpaceX
Europe’s space industry has struggled to remain competitive with SpaceX, the American aerospace company led by Elon Musk.
SpaceX has rapidly become a dominant force in satellite launches and is expected to play an even greater role in US space efforts.
The European Union’s challenge is further underscored by the recent retirement of the Ariane 5 rocket in 2023 and an accident that grounded the smaller Vega-C launcher for two years.
With Vega-C resuming flights in December and the successful debut of Ariane 6, European space officials are hopeful that a new chapter has begun.
Heavy security measures were in place for the launch, given the military nature of the payload, including French fighter jets patrolling the area.
Arnaud Prost, a French pilot and reserve astronaut for the European Space Agency, emphasized the significance of the launch.
“A successful Ariane 6 launch is an important step for the independence of France and Europe’s access to space,” Prost told AFP. “At the moment, Europe needs to find projects that bring us together. Space exploration is a unique opportunity to do this.”
As Europe looks to bolster its defences and reduce reliance on external partners, the success of Ariane 6 could serve as a pivotal moment in shaping the continent’s future in space exploration and security.
