The ArianeGroup-developed Ariane 6 rocket of the European Space Agency (ESA) will take out from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The long-awaited rocket launch date was revealed on June 5 during the ILA Berlin air show; a precise launch window or time has not yet been disclosed.

“Ariane 6 marks a new era of autonomous, versatile European space travel,” Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s director general, said in a statement from the space agency. “This powerful rocket is the culmination of many years of dedication and ingenuity from thousands across Europe and, as it launches, it will re-establish Europe’s independent access to space.”

The next generation heavy-lift launch vehicle from Europe is called Ariane 6, and it consists of two or four solid rocket boosters in addition to a main and upper stage. It will be able to launch several missions on various orbits in a single flight thanks to its relightable upper stage.

The venerable Ariane 5, which was retired last July after 27 years of service and more than 100 successful launches, will be replaced by the new rocket. By 2020, Europe intended to have the Ariane 6 operational so that a seamless switch between the two launchers could occur. Nevertheless, COVID-19, design modifications, and technical problems resulted in a string of delays for Ariane 6.

“I would like to thank the teams on the ground for their tireless hard work, teamwork and dedication in this last stretch of the inaugural launch campaign,” Aschbacher said in the statement. “Ariane 6 is Europe’s rocket for the needs of today, adaptable to our future ambitions.”

ESA and its partners are finishing the last preparations for liftoff now that a launch date has been confirmed. This includes a wet dress rehearsal, or practice countdown and fuelling test, scheduled for June 18.

The teams at ArianeGroup and its partners around Europe have been developing and testing this flight for years. It will open the door for business activities and a large-scale expansion in the ensuing two years. The robust, adaptable, and scalable Ariane 6 rocket will guarantee Europe’s independent access to space.

Although the primary purpose of the first Ariane 6 launch is demonstration, it will also carry a number of payloads that have already been installed on the rocket’s payload carrier. By the end of the year, if all goes well, Ariane 6 might make its second mission, with the ultimate objective being roughly ten launches annually.