Europe's most powerful rocket, the Ariane 64, successfully completed its maiden launch on Thursday, carrying 32 satellites for Amazon's Leo network, according to Euronews and Ars Technica. The launch from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, marked a significant step for the Ariane 6 program and a win for Amazon, which is aiming to rival Elon Musk's Starlink.
The Ariane 64, named for its four boosters, lifted off at 11:45 am EST (16:45 UTC), generating over 3.4 million pounds of thrust, Ars Technica reported. The rocket's hydrogen-fueled main engine and solid rocket boosters propelled it into a clear sky. This launch was particularly important for Amazon, which relied on the Ariane 6 after facing setbacks with other launch providers.
The launch comes as the French government faces scrutiny over its efforts to address the country's falling birth rate. A parliamentary committee unveiled a plan to tackle the issue, including a controversial initiative to send letters to adults aged 29 and over about infertility, Euronews reported. The contents of the letter have not been made public, but the initiative has already sparked criticism. "I found the approach extremely awkward and it's not the right way at all to raise awareness," said Lucie, a 27-year-old, according to Euronews.
Meanwhile, another rocket launch faced challenges. United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket experienced a booster problem shortly after liftoff from Florida's Space Coast on Thursday, Ars Technica noted. The rocket recovered and continued its climb into orbit with a batch of US military satellites. Details of the booster problem remain unclear, and an investigation is underway.
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