Europe's newest uncrewed heavy launcher, the Ariane 6, successfully blasted off on Thursday in its first commercially operational launch, carrying a French military observation satellite into orbit.
This launch marks the culmination of more than a decade of development for Ariane 6, following a partially successful inaugural test flight on July 9, 2023, which saw the rocket conduct a series of trials but leave its upper stage in orbit due to a software glitch. The mission on Thursday, which is transporting the CSO-3 optical and infrared satellite for the French Air Force's Space Command, highlighted the importance of Europe regaining independent access to space.
The retirement of the Ariane 5 rocket in 2023 left Europe with limited access to space, especially after the war in Ukraine disrupted ties with Russian Soyuz rockets. Additionally, Italy's Vega C was grounded for two years until last December. The delays in the Ariane 6's development, initially planned for 2020, have led to Europe relying on external providers, including Elon Musk's SpaceX for some launches.
Despite carrying a military payload, the mission is classified as commercial by European authorities because it is managed by Arianespace, the operator of the Ariane 6, rather than the European Space Agency (ESA), which was responsible for the rocket's development. The Ariane 6 itself is built by ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and Safran, marking a key collaboration in Europe’s space efforts.
An Azerbaijani delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 30th Shanghai Television Festival, one of Asia’s most prestigious media events, held in China’s Shanghai city on June 23.
Following U.S. military strikes on Iran, at least two supertankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting heightened fears of disruption in one of the world’s most vital oil shipping lanes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities as unjustified and warned they are driving the world toward heightened instability. He met with Iran’s foreign minister in Moscow, offering support while calling for efforts to ease tensions.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to Mongolia on 24-25 June at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.
An Azerbaijani delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 30th Shanghai Television Festival, one of Asia’s most prestigious media events, held in China’s Shanghai city on June 23.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles at Windsor Castle on Monday during a short visit to the UK aimed at strengthening defense ties and increasing pressure on Russia.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel could dismantle the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, calling for an urgent return to diplomacy and inspections.
Following U.S. military strikes on Iran, at least two supertankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting heightened fears of disruption in one of the world’s most vital oil shipping lanes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities as unjustified and warned they are driving the world toward heightened instability. He met with Iran’s foreign minister in Moscow, offering support while calling for efforts to ease tensions.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles at Windsor Castle on Monday during a short visit to the UK aimed at strengthening defense ties and increasing pressure on Russia.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel could dismantle the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, calling for an urgent return to diplomacy and inspections.
Following U.S. military strikes on Iran, at least two supertankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting heightened fears of disruption in one of the world’s most vital oil shipping lanes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities as unjustified and warned they are driving the world toward heightened instability. He met with Iran’s foreign minister in Moscow, offering support while calling for efforts to ease tensions.
Italy has frozen Russian oligarchs' assets worth €2.3 billion ($2.6 billion) since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, as part of European Union sanctions, with additional seizures targeting Iranian-linked companies accused of aiding Moscow.
An Azerbaijani delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 30th Shanghai Television Festival, one of Asia’s most prestigious media events, held in China’s Shanghai city on June 23.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles at Windsor Castle on Monday during a short visit to the UK aimed at strengthening defense ties and increasing pressure on Russia.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel could dismantle the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, calling for an urgent return to diplomacy and inspections.
Following U.S. military strikes on Iran, at least two supertankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting heightened fears of disruption in one of the world’s most vital oil shipping lanes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities as unjustified and warned they are driving the world toward heightened instability. He met with Iran’s foreign minister in Moscow, offering support while calling for efforts to ease tensions.
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