The central core of the second Ariane 6 to launch was transported from the launcher assembly building to the launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, on 13 January 2025.

The central core includes the upper and core stages of the Ariane 6 rocket. Hiding underneath the purple protective covering is Ariane 6's main engine, Vulcain 2.1

Ariane 6 is Europe’s newest heavy-lift rocket, designed to provide great power and flexibility at a lower cost than its predecessors. The rocket provides Europe with greater efficiency and an ensures access to space for the benefits of humankind, allowing for all types of missions from exploration to navigation, science and communications.