European heavy-lift launch vehicle — A62 (two boosters, 10.3 t to GTO) and A64 (four boosters, 21.6 t to GTO), Vulcain 2.1 core + Vinci upper stage, first flight July 2024.
Ariane 6 Launch Vehicle
European heavy-lift launch vehicle — A62 (two boosters, 10.3 t to GTO) and A64 (four boosters, 21.6 t to GTO), Vulcain 2.1 core + Vinci upper stage, first flight July 2024.
Description
Ariane 6 is ArianeGroup's next-generation European heavy-lift launch vehicle, designed to provide flexible and competitive access to all orbits. Two configurations are available: Ariane 62 (two P120C solid boosters, up to 10.3 t to GTO) and Ariane 64 (four P120C boosters, up to 21.6 t to GTO or 20 t to SSO/LEO). The Vulcain 2.1 main engine powers the cryogenic core stage, while the restartable Vinci upper stage enables multi-orbit missions, satellite deployment sequences, and deorbit maneuvers. Ariane 6 made its inaugural flight on July 9, 2024, from the Guiana Space Centre (CSG), Kourou, French Guiana.
Specifications
| Configurations | A62 (2 boosters), A64 (4 boosters) |
|---|---|
| GTO payload (A62) | 10.3 t |
| GTO payload (A64) | 21.6 t |
| Core engine | Vulcain 2.1 (cryogenic, 136 kN vacuum) |
| Upper stage engine | Vinci (restartable, 180 kN vacuum) |
| Solid boosters | P120C (each 3,600 kN SL thrust) |
| Launch site | Guiana Space Centre (CSG), Kourou |
| First flight | July 9, 2024 |
