Vulcain 2.1 igniters for Ariane 6 on the launch pad

Ariane 6 on the launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana ready for liftoff with Sentinel-1D, under the main engine nozzle extension the igniters for Vulcain 2.1 are firing.

Vulcain 2.1 is the main stage engine and sits at the bottom of the Ariane 6 core. This rocket engine uses liquid oxygen and hydrogen as fuel, providing more than 1370 kN of thrust. Vulcain 2.1 consumes over 327 kg/s of fuel a second and does this for 468 seconds to propel the launcher away from Earth.

A difference with the original Vulcain engine used on Ariane 5 is that the ignition on Ariane 6 is done from the launchpad and not from the rocket itself. Burners underneath the core stage ignite the engine. Having the ignition separate from the rocket allows for weight to be saved and offers more space for the payloads.

The Sentinel-1 mission will continue to deliver radar images of Earth’s surface, performing in all weathers, day-and-night, providing a service vital for users who depend on frequent updates of critical data, such as disaster response teams, environmental agencies, maritime authorities and climate scientists.

Ariane 6 is Europe's heavy-lift rocket, this flight is designated VA265.