Raising Ariane 6 flight VA267 onto the launch pad

Raising the central core for Ariane 6 flight VA267 on its launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, 21 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. 

Once at the launch pad, choreographed movements by two automated vehicles and a crane equipped with a lifting beam, raise the central core to its vertical launch position and place it on the launch table. It is then rotated so that the stages’ fluid connections are positioned opposite the launch pad umbilicals that will supply the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuel for launch.

The mobile building surrounding Ariane 6 is a 90-metre-high metallic structure that rolls away on rails once assembly is complete to allow Ariane 6 a clear view of the sky and space. The building has platforms for technicians to further assemble Ariane 6 while also protecting the rocket until it is ready for launch.

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.