Ariane 6 has lift off! Historic rocket launches Europe back into space

Finally, Europe has regained independent access to space. The continent reestablished a sovereign launch capacity on Tuesday with the maiden flight of the Ariane 6 rocket. Built to take satellites into orbit, Ariane 6 lifted off from the European Spaceport in French Guiana at 16:00 local time (21:00 CEST). The rocket is now soaring into the cosmos with a payload of satellites and experiments. Once the cargo is dropped off, Ariane 6’s upper stage will burn up to reduce space trash. The demonstration mission aims to prove the launcher’s capabilities. It also close a dismal chapter for the European Space Agency (ESA).…

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