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Euronews
5 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Ariane 6 carrying climate monitoring satellite succesfully launched
Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket successfully launched for a third time on Tuesday night, carrying a satellite into orbit for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. "The success of this second commercial launch confirms the performance, reliability, and precision of Ariane 6," said Martin Sion, CEO of ArianeGroup, operator of the rocket. "Once again, the new European heavy-lift launcher meets Europe's needs, ensuring sovereign access to space," Sion added. It marks the second commercial flight of the rocket, which has been in development for almost a decade with the European Space Agency (ESA). It is significant as it gives Europe independent access to space and reduces its reliance on Elon Musk's SpaceX. Phil Evans, Director-General of European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), said the newly launched satellite will also help European countries "build resilience against the climate crisis". 'Extreme weather has cost Europe hundreds of billions of euros and tens of thousands of lives over the past 40 years," Evans said in a statement after the launch. He noted that the launch is a "major step forward in giving national weather services in our member states sharper tools to save lives, protect property, and build resilience against the climate crisis". Lift-off took place at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Spacecraft separation followed after 1 hour and 4 minutes, Arianespace said. Airbus Defence and Space built the spacecraft under a contract with the ESA. It will be operated by EUMETSAT, which will distribute its data to users. The Ariane 6 was first launched in July 2024 on its inaugural flight, and was launched once again on its first commercial mission March of this year.
Euronews
07-03-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Ariane 6 successfully completes first commercial mission
By Euronews with AP The European Space Agency's Ariane 6 rocket successfully launched a French military satellite into space this week on its first commercial mission. ADVERTISEMENT Europe's Ariane 6 rocket roared skyward in its first commercial flight this week. It successfully launched a CSO-3 French military observation satellite into orbit at an altitude of around 800 kilometres. The rocket took off smoothly from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, quickly disappearing into thick clouds. The ArianeGroup says the launch is significant because it "guarantees independent access to space for France and Europe," according to a statement. "Ariane confirms the return of autonomous access to space for Europe," Martin Sion, the CEO of ArianeGroup, said in a statement. "It demonstrates the quality of the industrial development of Europe's new heavy-lift launcher". This third CSO satellite also completes an Earth observation system that will transmit high resolution images to France's military and its European partners. Ariane 6 had its first flight in July 2024 after repeated delays. This first commercial launch was delayed, too, due to an "anomaly" on the ground. Guy Pilchen, ESA project manager for the Ariane 6, told Euronews Nextthat 2025 will be the year that Ariane 6 "ramps up" its flight schedule, with nine launches this year and up to 12 in future years. Until Ariane 6's inaugural flight, the European Space Agency temporarily employed Elon Musk's SpaceX to fulfill some of its contracts, which Pilchen said will no longer be the case.
