Enabling & Support
13/03/2026
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Ariane 6: a new reference for Europe
Rollout of Ariane 6 A62 flight VA 256 with Copernicus Sentinel-1D
Following on from Ariane 5, Ariane 6 established itself in 2025 as the European heavy-lift launcher, marking a decisive step forward for European space autonomy.
These launches confirm the reliability, versatility and performance of Ariane 6, capable of meeting a wide range of needs, launching strategic missions for Earth observation, meteorological and navigation satellites.
Vega-C: reliability at the service of scientific missions
The Vega-C rocket played an essential role in Europe’s scientific and environmental missions. In 2025, several launches from Europe’s Spaceport demonstrated the launcher’s versatility and reliability:
29 April: launch of ESA’s Biomass satellite, a mission dedicated to studying forests and the carbon cycle.
25 July: launch of the CO3D and MicroCarb satellites dedicated to Earth observation and carbon dioxide monitoring, contributing to European climate, environment and sustainable development objectives.
1 December: launch of Kompsat-7 satellite.
Complementarity at the heart of European strategy
Ariane 6 and Vega-C over Earth (artist impression)
2025 illustrated how Ariane 6 and Vega-C complement each other. Together the two launchers allow Europe to launch a wide range of missions, from heavy institutional satellites to medium-sized scientific and environmental missions.
For Europe, this complementarity is a strategic asset, guaranteeing flexible and autonomous access to space from the Europe’s Spaceport.
Solid improvement
P160C solid-propellant rocket motor test fire
On 24 April the P160C solid rocket motor was fired up at Europe’s Spaceport solid propulsion test stand, a visually striking milestone after three years of intense development work. P160C is the larger version of the P120C rocket motor that is used as a booster for Ariane 6 and as a first stage motor for Vega-C.
In 2026, Europe’s Spaceport will continue to ramp up its activities with a sustained launch schedule. Ariane 6 will be at the heart of operations, with several commercial and institutional missions planned, notably the heavy-lift version of Ariane 6 – with four boosters – designed for the largest payloads. Vega-C will carry out missions for smaller satellites, particularly in the fields of Earth observation and other European institutional missions.
Europe’s Spaceport is undergoing a major transformation to become a more modern, sustainable and competitive spaceport, capable of meeting the needs of both institutional players and new entrants to the space sector, while reducing its environmental impact.
The Spaceport is modernising its infrastructure to new standards and to increase launch activities: optimising launch facilities, improving logistics and strengthening security and control systems. These developments will enhance competitiveness, secure Europe’s autonomous access to space and prepare for future space programmes.
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