Video: Ariane 6 liftoff from the launchpad

Whereas no individual might get this shut throughout Ariane 6’s inaugural flight on 9 July 2024, a number of small cameras bravely witnessed its take-off from the launchpad.

After years of preparations, the Vulcain fundamental stage engine ignites, arms offering cryogenic fuels to the rocket till the final second retract and boosters fireplace—Ariane 6 is space-bound. Because it lifts off, huge quantities of water are pumped at excessive pace to dampen vibrations on the launch website, which then come dashing in direction of one among these small cameras in a dramatic swirl, hiding the departing rocket from view.

Ariane 6 launched from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana at 16:00 native time (20:00 BST, 21:00 CEST), designed to supply extra launch energy with increased flexibility and at a decrease value than its predecessors.

The launcher’s configuration—with an upgraded fundamental stage, a alternative of both two or 4 highly effective boosters and a brand new restartable higher stage—will present Europe with larger effectivity and a wider vary of launch companies, together with for the launch of a number of payloads into totally different orbits on a single flight.