The Ariane 6 launch pad is called ELA-4 for 'Ensemble de Lancement Ariane' and is the fourth launch pad built for Ariane launches from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. ELA-4 was built from the ground up specifically for Ariane 6, some previous generation Ariane rockets reused older launch pads.

Starting with the rocket itself, Ariane 6 (1), is placed on its so-called launch table and connected to the core stage fuelling lines (4) which pass propellants into the rocket’s tanks. Ariane 6 is also connected to the launch tower (3), which supplies air conditioning (2a), fuelling for the rocket’s upper stage (2b) and electrical connections (2c).

The launch pad has two flame trenches (5) that divert the intense heat and flames produced during launch, directing them away from the rocket and surrounding infrastructure.

Surrounding the liftoff area, there are four lightning towers (6) that divert any lightning safely to Earth and not through the rocket.

The mobile gantry (7) is a huge hangar on wheels where the rocket is built and prepared before liftoff. It moves 120 m away on rails to give Ariane 6 a clear path to orbit.

Last but not least, a water tower (8) distributes water to the launch pad to reduce noise and vibrations of liftoff. After launch, the water is recuperated and recycled for the next launch.