Europe’s newest rocket soon launches, taking with it many space missions each with a unique objective, destination and team at home, cheering them on. Whether into Earth orbit to look back and study Earth, peer out to deep space or test important new technologies, Ariane 6’s first flight will showcase the versatility and flexibility of this impressive, heavy-lift launcher. Read on for all about the PariSat mission, then see who else is flying first.

The goal of PariSat’s project is simple: what materials work best to get rid of heat in space? But for this project flying on Europe’s new rocket Ariane 6, finding the answer is less important than the journey itself.