The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced that the new Ariane 6 rocket, built by the Group of the same name, will make its first maiden flight in a period between 15 June and 31 July 2024. The notice was given immediately after a test model of the carrier passed a very important test, last week in French Guiana, concerning the engines.

"This announcement today shows that we are on track to give Europe aerial access to space. The inaugural flight will carry some small satellites, including two from NASA, but as it is still considered a test flight, it will not carry an important payload", said Josef Aschbacher in a press conference, director general of ESA.