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 launching new satellites to look back and study Earth, peer out to deep space or test important new technologies in orbit, Ariane 6’s first flight will showcase the versatility and flexibility of this impressive, heavy-lift launcher.

Video: 00:01:24

Scenes from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana during the unloading of the launch vehicle adapter and ballast at the final assembly building for the first Ariane 6 flight on 19 January 2024.

Placed on the top of Europe’s new rocket the launch vehicle adapter connects the launcher to the ballast and passengers for its first flight. The payloads will arrive later this year and prepared at the payload preparation facilities to prepare the cargo for launch and connecting everything to this payload adapter.

Once complete the payload is put under the protective nose cone. This fairing will ensure the

Image:

Artist's view of the Ariane 6 rocket on it’s first flight as its fairing – a nose cone that splits into two vertically – showing its passengers at the top of the launcher. The view shows Ariane 6 already three minutes into launch after Ariane 6 will have jettisoned its two boosters after liftoff from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The passengers Ariane 6 will launch into space on its inaugural flight include several satellites, deployers and experiments from space agencies, companies, research institutes, universities and young professionals on its first flight.

From established players like NASA to students designing their first ever

ESA Academy is calling on university students to apply for the Navigation Training Course to be held from 24 to 28 June 2024 at ESA Academy’s Training and Learning Facility in ESEC-Galaxia, Belgium. This Training Course is a collaboration between ESA Education and ESA’s Directorate of Navigation. Would you like to know more about the future of satellite navigation? Apply for our course today!

In the first episode, published today Eike Kircher, Head of the ESA Technology Programmes Office, and Gianfranco Visentin, Head of Automation and Robotics, delve into the ambitious Star Tiger program, a project that's set to redefine space exploration and construction. Join us as we explore the insights from a panel of experts who are at the forefront of this technological marvel.

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 27, 2024
In an era where Earth's freshwater resources are increasingly under scrutiny, NASA has taken a significant step forward by developing a software tool designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of science missions aimed at observing terrestrial freshwater. Spearheaded by Bart Forman, an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, in collaboration with the Stevens Institute of Tec

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 01, 2024
Gogo Business Aviation (NASDAQ: GOGO) recently reached a significant achievement in the development of its Gogo Galileo global broadband service by successfully completing end-to-end connectivity testing using the HDX antenna on the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, signaling a crucial step towards the service's commercial debut later this year. This advancement foll

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 01, 2024
Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL), a leading supplier of daily Earth observation data, has reported a multi-year data-license contract with Carbon Mapper, Inc. Under this $20 million deal, secured through initial backing from leading climate philanthropy, Planet will supply Carbon Mapper and its affiliates with vital hyperspectral imagery until the year 2030. This collaboration not only strengthe