Ariane 6 flight VA267 components arrive in French Guiana

People watch from the coast as hybrid sailing ship Canopée arrives at French Guiana, 2 January 2026, transporting the main and upper stage for the sixth flight of Europe's heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6.

Ariane 6 launcher elements are manufactured in mainland Europe and then transported by a novel ship called Canopée (canopy in French) to Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The ship is the first custom-built transporter to use sails, reducing emissions and saving on fuel by up to 30%.

The main components for the sixth flight – VA267 – of Europe’s new rocket Ariane 6 have arrived at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana and are being assembled.

The two main elements, the core stage and upper stage arrive by ship from France and Germany, and are connected before being rolled to the launch pad and moved upright. The four boosters used on this flight are connected next on the launch pad. Meanwhile the passenger will be prepared at the payload processing facility and covered by Ariane 6 fairing before being placed on top of the awaiting rocket at the launch pad.

This launch will be the first to fly with four boosters, doubling liftoff thrust for the launcher, and see Ariane 6 take satellites for Amazon’s Leo constellation to orbit.

Ariane 6 is Europe’s newest heavy-lift rocket, designed to provide great power and flexibility at a lower cost than its predecessors. The rocket provides Europe with greater efficiency and an ensures access to space for the benefits of humankind, allowing for all types of missions from exploration to navigation, science and communications.