Paris [France], March 4: Shortly before the maiden commercial flight of the new European launch vehicle, Ariane 6, the launch was called off.
"Due to further operations needed on a ground means interfacing with the launcher, the launch is postponed," the rocket operator Arianespace announced just half an hour before the planned start time on Monday. "The new launch date will be announced following the completion of these operations," it posted on X.
The rocket was already positioned at its launch site at the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and the mobile work platform around the rocket had already been removed for the planned flight. The Ariane 6 is crucial for Europe's independent access to space. It allows Europe to independently launch larger satellites into space. The rocket completed its maiden flight last summer. The Ariane 6 is the successor model to the Ariane 5, which was in operation from 1996 to the summer of 2023. The rocket is intended to transport satellites into space for commercial and public clients. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune