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.
President Donald Trump has postponed 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for one month, easing concerns over a broader trade war.
Fighters loyal to Syria’s ousted leader Bashar al-Assad attacked government forces on Thursday, killing at least 13 in one of the deadliest clashes since Islamist-led rebels seized power.
President Donald Trump told his Cabinet that they—not Elon Musk—are in charge of their departments, following backlash over mass firings led by Musk’s agency, DOGE.
Intuitive Machines' Athena lander has reached the moon, but its status remains unclear after a tense landing, marking the company's second lunar attempt.
FIFA will review a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, marking the tournament’s centenary.
President Donald Trump has postponed 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for one month, easing concerns over a broader trade war.
Fighters loyal to Syria’s ousted leader Bashar al-Assad attacked government forces on Thursday, killing at least 13 in one of the deadliest clashes since Islamist-led rebels seized power.
President Donald Trump told his Cabinet that they—not Elon Musk—are in charge of their departments, following backlash over mass firings led by Musk’s agency, DOGE.
Intuitive Machines' Athena lander has reached the moon, but its status remains unclear after a tense landing, marking the company's second lunar attempt.
YouTube has introduced a new subscription tier, Premium Lite, which offers an ad-free viewing experience on most videos for $8 per month in the United States, according to company sources.
Norway’s government has affirmed that it will continue to supply fuel for U.S. Navy vessels, dismissing recent calls from a private marine fuel supplier to halt deliveries amid tensions linked to U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
President Donald Trump is preparing a new travel ban that could block entry for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan as early as next week. The move is part of an intensified immigration crackdown.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting hosted this year by Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat, on 4 March.
Watch AnewZ Live Coverage of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting at the Oval Office at https://anewz.tv/tv-live
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his respect for the United States and its people in an interview with Fox News, following a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Torrential rains on Thursday led to significant flooding in eastern Spain, prompting local authorities to evacuate schools and close roads in the regions of Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia.
President Donald Trump has postponed 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for one month, easing concerns over a broader trade war.
Fighters loyal to Syria’s ousted leader Bashar al-Assad attacked government forces on Thursday, killing at least 13 in one of the deadliest clashes since Islamist-led rebels seized power.
President Donald Trump told his Cabinet that they—not Elon Musk—are in charge of their departments, following backlash over mass firings led by Musk’s agency, DOGE.
President Donald Trump has postponed 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for one month, easing concerns over a broader trade war.
Fighters loyal to Syria’s ousted leader Bashar al-Assad attacked government forces on Thursday, killing at least 13 in one of the deadliest clashes since Islamist-led rebels seized power.
President Donald Trump told his Cabinet that they—not Elon Musk—are in charge of their departments, following backlash over mass firings led by Musk’s agency, DOGE.
Intuitive Machines' Athena lander has reached the moon, but its status remains unclear after a tense landing, marking the company's second lunar attempt.
YouTube has introduced a new subscription tier, Premium Lite, which offers an ad-free viewing experience on most videos for $8 per month in the United States, according to company sources.
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