Connecting upper and main stage for Ariane 6 flight VA267 in the launcher assembly building

The main stage (left) for Ariane 6 flight VA267 ready to connect to the upper stage (right) into the launcher assembly building at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, 14 January 2026. 

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

The main stage is connected to the upper stage horizontally in the launch vehicle assembly building that is 20 m tall, 112 m long, and 41 m wide, slotting into position, connecting the two to form the central core of Ariane 6. 

Ariane 6's central core, the main stage and upper stage are assembled in France and Germany, and are connected at the launcher assembly building which is about a kilometre from the launch pad. The two stages form the central core of Ariane 6 and are transported 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.