June 17, 2026, 3:20 p.mJune 17, 2026, 3:20 p.m
The European launch vehicle Ariane 6 has flown towards space with new, more powerful boosters. The rocket lifted off from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, in the afternoon. It has 36 satellites on board for Amazon.
The Ariane 6 is the successor model to the Ariane 5, which was in use from 1996 to 2023. It took off for the first time in the summer of 2024. It is intended to carry satellites into space for commercial and public clients and, according to the European Space Agency Esa, is significantly cheaper than its predecessor.
Depending on the mission, the flexible rocket can be equipped with two or four solid boosters. Previously it flew with P120C boosters, but now the rocket was equipped with the more powerful P160C models. The P160C engine can carry more solid propellant, making the rocket more powerful.
A dozen countries were involved in the construction of Ariane 6. Including Switzerland. For example, the tip of the Beyond Gravity rocket was manufactured in Emmen LU. The approximately 20 meter high rocket tip is a structure made of carbon fiber reinforced composite material. It protects the satellites during launch and ascent into space. (sda/dpa)