Ariane 6 successfully completes first commercial mission

Europe's Ariane 6 rocket roared skyward in its first commercial flight this week.

It successfully launched a CSO-3 French military observation satellite into orbit at an altitude of around 800 kilometres.

The rocket took off smoothly from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, quickly disappearing into thick clouds.

The ArianeGroup says the launch is significant because it "guarantees independent access to space for France and Europe," according to a statement.

"Ariane confirms the return of autonomous access to space for Europe," Martin Sion, the CEO of ArianeGroup, said in a statement.

"It demonstrates the quality of the industrial development of Europe's new heavy-lift launcher".

This third CSO satellite also completes an Earth observation system that will transmit high resolution images to France's military and its European partners.

Ariane 6 had its first flight in July 2024 after repeated delays.

This first commercial launch was delayed, too, due to an "anomaly" on the ground.

Guy Pilchen, ESA project manager for the Ariane 6, told Euronews Nextthat 2025 will be the year that Ariane 6 "ramps up" its flight schedule, with nine launches this year and up to 12 in future years.

Until Ariane 6's inaugural flight, the European Space Agency temporarily employed Elon Musk's SpaceX to fulfill some of its contracts, which Pilchen said will no longer be the case.