By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-03-06 18:01:17 | Updated at 2025-03-06 22:13:24
4 hours ago
Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6 blasted off on its first commercial mission Thursday, carrying with it the continent’s hopes of bolstering its security and independent access to space.
After several delays including a last-minute postponement on Monday, the rocket carrying a French military satellite launched from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana just before 1.30pm.
The high-profile mission comes as Europe seeks to strengthen its defences amid doubts it can still rely on the United States as a security partner under new US President Donald Trump.
The launch was progressing normally, with the main stage separating from the rocket, according to an online broadcast from its operator, French firm Arianespace.
The rocket is expected to reach orbit an hour and six minutes after launch.
A previous attempt on Monday was called off just 30 minutes before launching due to a dysfunctional valve on one of the refuelling pipes, Arianespace said.
