This week the European Space Agency (ESA) and ArianeGroup conducted the first static firing tests of the Vulcain 2.1 engine on the promising Ariane 6 rocket, eventually firing the first stage engine for four seconds before shutting down.

“The successful test of the first stage complements the tests carried out on July 18 and is an important step towards the qualification of Ariane 6, as we have completed a significant part of the operations necessary to conduct a full-fledged launch operation”, said Martin Sion, CEO of the Ariane Group (Martin Sion). said..

It should be noted that the rocket used during the tests did not intend to take to the sky, this information was confirmed by ESA. “The Ariane 6 rocket currently installed on the launch pad is not designed for flight – the rocket’s solid boosters are inert – but is almost identical to the flight model and is intended for testing purposes,” ESA said in a statement..

It was initially assumed that the Ariane 6 heavy rocket would fly in 2020. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic and numerous technological challenges, ESA had to revise the plans. It looks like the new European rocket is destined not to take off this year either. In August this year, the CEO of space launch operator Arianespace, Stephane Israel, announced that the first launch of Ariane 6 was postponed to 2024. The exact date of the upcoming launch may be announced next month.