So long Vinci

Last view of the Ariane 6 upper stage engine Vinci before it connects to the core stage. Two central cores for Ariane 6 at the launcher assembly building (BAL) at Europe’s Spaceport. On the right is the two stages assembled for Ariane 6’s first flight assembled as one and on the left the central core that was used for the Ariane 6 test campaigns. Identical, the test hardware was never destined to fly. Having proved itself, the stage is set for the flight hardware to be let loose and soar to the skies.

Teams from ArianeGroup, France’s space agency CNES and ESA are working hard to get the flight model core ready to be moved to the all-new Ariane 6 launch pad, where the central core will be raised to its vertical launch position. This is where the two boosters for the first Ariane 6 flight will be connected, the first booster is already waiting in storage. Lastly the payloads will be placed on top of the central core and covered by the fairing – Ariane 6’s nose cone that splits vertically in two.

The flight hardware stages were connected in just three weeks after arriving at Europe’s Spaceport on the novel hybrid sail ship Canopée on 21 February.

Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.