Key milestones towards inaugural flight: On the way towards the first flight of Ariane 6, these milestones have been conducted since the last joint update: 28 February 2024: Main and upper stage at the launcher assembly building, Kourou, French Guiana The main and upper stage for the inaugural flight for Ariane 6 were unloaded at the launcher assembly building and integration started. 11 March 2024: First booster for inaugural flight ready, Kourou, French Guiana The first booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight was integrated at the booster finishing facility  and moved to the launcher integration building for storage. 13 March 2024: Test model disassembled, Kourou French Guiana The Ariane 6 test model that stood on the launch pad for over a year and was used for qualification of the new rocket has been completely dismantled and the launch pad is now clear and ready to prepare it for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight. 14 March 2024: Start of integration of second solid booster at the booster finishing facility, Kourou, French Guiana The second booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight has started to be integrated at the booster finishing facility in French Guiana. 15 March 2024: Integration of central core, Kourou, French Guiana The upper and main stage are being connected to form the central core. The Upper Liquid Propulsion Module (ULPM) and Lower Liquid Propulsion Module (LLPM) were mated horizontally at the Bâtiment d’Assemblage Lanceur (BAL) to form the central core of Ariane 6. Next milestones: Inaugural launch campaign Early April 2024: second booster for inaugural flight ready, Kourou, French Guiana. The second booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight will be integrated at the booster finishing facility in French Guiana. April 2024: Verticalisation of central core, Kourou, French Guiana Transfer of the central core from the launcher assembly building to the launch pad where it will be lifted to its vertical launch position for further assembly. May 2024: Payloads arrive in Kourou, French Guiana The passengers for the first Ariane 6 are set to arrive, ready for integration in May. First flight period ESA, CNES and ArianeGroup are targeting the first launch of Ariane 6 between 15 June and 31 July 2024. Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.  

Julie Lenoir appointed Chief Brand and Communications Officer Maëla Guyomarc’h promoted as new Human Resources Director They will both join the Arianespace Executive Committee headed by CEO Stéphane Israël Julie Lenoir new Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Arianespace, begins her duties March 18, 2024. Having initially worked in communications and marketing in consultancy and industry-related sectors, for companies such as Saint-Gobain and Dassault Aviation, Julie Lenoir joined Safran in 2017. In charge of Space communications in the communications department of Safran Electronics & Defense since 2022, she played a key role in promoting Safran’s value as a leading independent manufacturer within the space industry. She also handled managerial events for the CEO, as well as communications strategy for major acquisitions. Julie Lenoir, 34 years old, obtained a degree from Montpellier Business School. She is a contributor to the “Elles Bougent” (women on the move) association which encourages young women to take up careers in engineering. As of March 4, 2024, Maëla Guyomarc’h (51) will be the new Human Resources Director at Arianespace. Her 20 years of experience managing HR projects entailed collaboration with a wide range of multi-business companies in France and abroad, such as EDF, Loto-Québec, IFP Energies Nouvelles, and recently Arianespace as Head of HR development, and later deputy Director of Human Resources. Maëla Guyomarc’h, who is French Canadian, holds a management degree from Université Paris-Dauphine and a doctorate in human resource management from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Arianespace CEO Stéphane Israël declared: “Julie and Maëla are joining the Arianespace Executive Committee at a crucial time for the company and its customers, which includes the inaugural flight of Ariane 6 and preparing for a new system of governance with ArianeGroup. Their expertise and energy will be of great value for these changes ahead.”