After taking an astronomy class in school, Ambra Pedrazzini now works for Arianespace on Europe’s newest rocket, Ariane 6. With past experience on Ariane 5, Ambra is now Fluid and Mechanical Interfaces Functional Assistant for the Ariane 6 upper liquid propulsion module.

Having worked on the development and implementation of the automatic programmes used during Ariane 6 launch campaign tests at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, Ambra was then part of the team in charge of the rocket’s qualification tests. Ambra is responsible for ‘functional testing’ – verifying that the rocket and its associated launch pad are ready for the launch chronology and firing tests.

With many different contributors from CNES, ESA and Arianespace, what is so special about working on Ariane 6 is the team spirit. With something as complex as rocket science, everyone must work together.

Ariane 6 launched from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana at 16:00 local time (20:00 BST, 21:00 CEST), designed to provide more launch power with higher flexibility and at a lower cost than its predecessors. The launcher’s configuration – with an upgraded main stage, a choice of either two or four powerful boosters and a new restartable upper stage – will provide Europe with greater efficiency and a wider range of launch services, including for the launch of multiple payloads into different orbits on a single flight.

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