Ariane 6 flight VA267 convoy

Aerial view of two trucks transporting the upper and main stage for Ariane 6 flight VA267, 3 January 2026, at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Ariane 6 launcher elements are manufactured in mainland Europe and then transported by ship and then trucks to Europe’s Spaceport. 

The two main elements, the core stage (also called the lower stage or main stage) and upper stage arrive by ship from France and Germany, and are connected at the launcher assembly building shown in this picture. They are then rolled to the launch pad and moved upright. The four boosters used on this flight – VA267 – are connected next on the launch pad. Meanwhile the passengers 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.