Arianespace successfully launched Ariane 6 for its second flight and first commercial mission, carrying the third Satellite for France’s military spy program CSO (Système de surveillance satellitaire des armées). This marks a significant milestone as it completes the CSO system. The launch took place at Guiana Space Center in French Guiana using Ariane 62 configuration with a short fairing. Ariane 6 is developed within European Space Agency’s framework, with prime contractor and design authority being ArianeGroup responsible for development alongside its industrial partners. Arianespace markets and operates the launcher after this first commercial flight.
The versatile and competitive Ariane 6 aims to meet both institutional missions of Europe as well as growing demands from the commercial market. With this success, autonomous access to space is restored for Europe showcasing high quality in European industrial cooperation’s outcome. Martin Sion, CEO of ArianeGroup emphasized their focus on ramping up production after achieving such a milestone.
Ariane 6 launched its first test flight in December 2019 but faced delays due to various technical issues and COVID-19 pandemic impacts. This successful mission brings confidence for upcoming launches as it demonstrates the reliability of Europe’s new heavy-lift launcher amidst increasing competition from SpaceX Falcon Heavy or Elon Musk’s Starship system.
The VA263 launch summary highlights key aspects: 352nd overall mission by Arianespace; second Ariane 6 flight (first being a test); third CSO satellite launched by them completing the series; fifth defense satellite deployed by Arianespace so far; forty-fifth spacecraft built under Airbus Defence and Space umbrella successfully sent off into orbit through their partnership with Arianespace.
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