The first launch of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) new Ariane 6 heavy launch vehicle will be no earlier than 2024. This was announced by the managing director of Arianespace space launch operator Stéphane Israël on his page on the X social network (formerly Twitter).

Ariane 6, which will replace the obsolete Ariane 5 launch vehicle, was scheduled to be operational in 2020, but this has been delayed several times due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties in rocket development. But the last 117th launch of Ariane 5 was in July this year.

Space.com writes that on the backdrop of the Vega-C rocket’s failure last December, Europe currently does not have independent access to Earth orbit. Earlier this year, the European Commission prepared a draft request for a special permit in which the launch of some European cargo into Earth orbit with the participation of rockets from the American private company SpaceX can be carried out.

There is no information yet about the exact launch date of the Ariane 6 launch vehicle. Israel announced on its social media page a new ESA program outlining the next steps for the Ariane 6 test before its maiden flight in 2024. He especially emphasizes the detailed briefing.”It will be held on September 26, following the long-fire tests of the Ariane 6 launch vehicle. “, after which initial launch dates will be indicated.

Ariane 6 customers include not only government agencies but also private organizations. For example, in the framework of 18 launches of the carrier rocket, it is planned to launch the Project Kuiper satellite group of the Amazon company into Earth orbit.