Published on 2024/05/21
The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management of ESA, as the overall Ariane 6 procuring entity and launch system architect, of the French space agency CNES as the launch base prime contractor, of ArianeGroup as the launcher system prime contractor and of Arianespace as the launch service provider. This group reports regularly on progress being made towards inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.
Teams are narrowing down the launch period and the first attempt for launch will happen within the first two weeks of July 2024. We are on track and in line with the launch period that was communicated in November.
The tentative date for the first launch attempt will be given at ILA airshow in Berlin, Germany, held from 5 June to 9 June, where all the task force members will be present.
Key milestones towards inaugural flight:
On the way towards the first flight of Ariane 6, these milestones have been conducted since the last joint update:
April 29: Ariane 6 launch system qualification review, Les Mureaux, France
The conclusion of a final all-encompassing review of the Ariane 6 launch system (including launcher and ground segment) was delivered after four-weeks intensive work.
May 16: Payloads arrived in Kourou, French Guiana
The passengers for the first Ariane 6 arrived in Kourou and are being readied for integration.
Next milestones:
Mid-June: Ariane 6 launch system qualification review close-out
The closing of all aspects of the qualification for the Ariane 6 launch system will be approved mid June. This is the final step of the launch system qualification.
June: Upper composite transfer, and integration on the launcher, Kourou, French Guiana
The upper composite, consisting of the launcher adapter, the payloads and the fairing for Ariane 6 flight model-1 will be moved from the encapsulation hall to the launch pad.
June 18: Ariane 6 flight model-1 wet dress rehearsal, Kourou, French Guiana
The Ariane 6 will be fuelled on the launchpad and subsequently drained of fuel in preparation for launch.
Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.
