• The all new Ariane 6 rocket is a week away from its first launch window.
• The rocket, which has been in development since 2014, is the result of a collaboration between 13 European nations.
• The launch window for Ariane 6 opens on 9th July at 20:00 CEST for four hours.

Last year, nearly to the day, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Ariane 5 rocket into the heavens for the last time. First launched in 2003, the design has been reused for 82 successful launches but it needed to be retired, and its successor is itching to get off of the launchpad.

The successor is the Ariane 6 and the ESA is currently targeting a launch of the rocket for later this month. A four hour launch window opens on 9th July between 20:00 to 00:00 CEST.

The rocket comes into two flavours. The Ariane 62 has two solid rocket boosters while the Ariane 64 has four. The rocket was developed and produced by ArianeGroup which oversees many facets of the rocket’s production including its integration with the launder at the space port in French Guiana.

“With the ability to restart its upper stage up to four times, and its innovative auxiliary propulsion unit, Ariane 6 is especially suited to launch multiple payload missions, including orbiting satellite constellations. The same innovation also allows Ariane 6 to deorbit its upper stage after the mission has ended, to minimise space debris,” the ESA says.

That last point is particularly important as space debris becomes a major problem in Earth’s orbit. Just last week crew aboard the International Space Station had to take shelter following detection of debris in the orbital laboratory’s path.

As many as 13 European countries contributed to the development of the Ariane 6 which began all the way back in 2014. The spacecraft can be used to ferry satellites and other equipment to space. The ESA also says that it will conduct crewed missions using the rocket.

Last month Ariane 6 went through a wet dress rehearsal at the space port in French Guiana. This saw the rocket loaded with fuel and it was a successful rehearsal. Now the ESA is getting ready for a launch next week.

While it may not be reusable like SpaceX’s Falcon and Starship spacecraft, the Ariane 6 looks to be a monumental feat of collaborative engineering. We’re holding thumbs for a successful launch next week.

[Image – ESA – M. Pédoussaut]