Watch reside: greater booster, extra highly effective Ariane 6 launch

Enabling & Assist

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

P160C based mostly booster for Ariane 6 arrives on the launch pad

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

Europe’s largest solid-propellant rocket motors

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

Ariane 6 with 4 P160C boosters in flight artist impression

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

Ariane 6 with 4 P160C boosters throughout separation artist impression

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.

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