15/06/2026
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In short
- The subsequent Ariane 6 launch is scheduled for 17 June
- This flight will characteristic upgraded boosters based mostly on the P160C solid-propellant rocket motor
- Flight VA269 will launch 36 satellites for the Amazon Leo constellation
In-depth
The subsequent Ariane 6 rocket launch is ready for liftoff on 17 June 2026 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana with a launch window of 08:53–09:22 native time (12:53–13:22 BST, 13:53–14:22 CEST) and will probably be much more highly effective than earlier than as a result of rocket being outfitted with boosters based mostly on the upgraded P160C motor.
Ariane 6 is the newest technology of Europe’s largest and strongest rocket. It’s subsequent flight, VA269, will fly with 4 boosters based mostly on the P160C motor, providing 14 tonnes extra stable propellant per booster, in comparison with the P120C motors used up to now. The Ariane 6 will launch 36 satellites for Amazon Leo the third flight for the communications constellation.
Evolution of energy
Ariane 6 is a flexible rocket that may be configured and tailored to the wants of every mission it launches, and it was designed from the beginning for steady upgrades. The heavy-lift rocket debuted in 2024 with two boosters based mostly on the P120C motor. Its sixth launch in February 2026 Ariane 6 flew for the primary time with 4 boosters.
Now, the launch this month will see the debut of 4 new boosters based mostly on the P160C rocket motor with extra propellant. Though this would be the strongest Ariane 6 up to now, extra upgrades are in preparation so extra remains to be to return.
Watch reside
Watch the launch reside on ESA Web TV, key moments embrace:
| Time in CEST | Time after liftoff (hours:minutes) | Occasion |
| 13:20 | Programme begins | |
| 13:53–14:22 | 00:00 | Liftoff |
| 13:54–14:23 | 00:02 | Boosters separation |
| 13:56–14:25 | 00:03 | Fairing jettison |
| 14:00–14:29 | 00:07 | Core stage separation |
| 14:00–14:29 | 00:07 | First Vinci ignition – first higher stage enhance |
| 15:01–15:30 | 00:19 | Second Vinci ignition – second higher stage enhance |
| 15:19–15:48 | 01:26 | Satellites begin to be launched into their orbit |
| 15:44–16:13 | 01:51 | Final satellites launched |
| 16:33–17:02 | 02:40 | Third Vinci ignition – higher stage enhance for secure deorbit |
Strongest getting extra highly effective
The P120C is already probably the most highly effective solid-propellant rocket motor that’s made in a single piece, and the P160C provides over 9% extra propellant. Regardless of being one meter taller, the extra peak doesn’t have an effect on the connection to Ariane 6’s central core.
P160C was developed by Europropulsion below contract from ArianeGroup and Avio. Its construction is made in Italy, the rocket engine nozzle in France and the igniter in Norway. The boosters are loaded with gas and finalised in French Guiana.
Made in Europe
The event of Ariane 6 is one other stellar instance of European cooperation. The European House Company works with an industrial community in 13 European international locations, led by prime contractor and design authority ArianeGroup. French house company CNES manages the vary operations at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Arianespace is the launch service supplier for this flight for Amazon.
