Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket successfully completed its maiden launch on Thursday, carrying 32 satellites for Amazon's Leo network. The launch from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, marked a significant milestone for the European space program and a crucial mission for Amazon, which is aiming to rival Elon Musk's Starlink. The Ariane 64, the most powerful version of the rocket, lifted off at 11:45 am EST (16:45 UTC), generating over 3.4 million pounds of thrust.
The Ariane 64, named for its four boosters, is a symbol of European innovation in the space industry, according to Euronews. The launch was a critical one for Amazon, with the company relying on the rocket to deploy its satellite broadband constellation. The rocket's hydrogen-fueled main engine and four strap-on solid rocket boosters propelled it quickly into the clear sky.
Meanwhile, another rocket launch experienced difficulties. Moments after liftoff from Florida's Space Coast early Thursday morning, United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket showed sparks in its exhaust plume, according to Ars Technica. The rocket twisted on its axis before recovering and continuing its climb into orbit with a batch of US military satellites. Details of the booster problem remain unclear, and an investigation is underway.
The successful Ariane 6 launch comes as France grapples with other issues. A parliamentary committee unveiled a plan to address the country's falling birth rate, sparking debate and criticism. The government is planning to send a letter to adults aged 29 and over about infertility, an initiative that has already drawn criticism. "I found the approach extremely awkward and it's not the right way at all to raise awareness," Lucie, a 27-year-old, told Euronews.
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