The journey would finally restore the continentsindependent access tospace, which ended last July with the retirement ofAriane 5.
Ariane 6 is the launchers chosen successor.
The first flight is now four years behind schedule.
Problems with theVegalaunch system compounded the setbacks.
Europe also lost access to Russias Soyuz rockets following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Deprived of these capabilities, ESA has relied on US companySpaceXto send satellites into orbit.
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Thierry Breton, the EUs commissioner for the internal market, described the dilemma as an unprecedented crisis.
The launch of Ariane 6 promises a resolution.
ESA will operate the first launch.
Frances ArianeGroup, whichbuilt the vehicle, will lead subsequent flights.
The company said that30 missions are already in the order book.
It planstomake a second launch by the end of 2024 and eventually complete around 10 a year.
Martin Sion, the CEO of ArianeGroup, heralded the maiden flight as a breakthrough for Europe.
Ariane 6 is a powerful, versatile and scalable launcher that will ensure Europes autonomous access to space.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
