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: 12 April 2024: Upper stage firing test, Lampoldshausen, GermanyThe last hot firing test (HFT-5) of the Ariane 6 upper stage was completed successfully on April 12 at the German Aerospace Center DLR P5.2 test stand in Lampoldshausen. The aim of this test was to gather further data for future Ariane 6 missions after its inaugural flight. The test focused on demonstrating operation of the upper stage under non-nominal conditions (deviations from the normal operating conditions expected during flight), notably of the APU (Auxiliary Propulsion Unit) which is unique hardware that allows Ariane 6 to be a versatile launcher and launch a diverse roster of missions. DLR and ArianeGroup teams carried out a test sequence profile that included loading the stage tanks and preparing it for flight. The test included three long APU boosts that lasted for a total duration of 66 minutes.This test follows from a test in December 2023. The success of this last test concludes the hot-firing test campaign on the upper stage. 24 April 2024: Transfer and verticalisation of central core, Kourou, French GuianaThe Ariane 6 flight model-1 central core was transferred from the launcher assembly building to the launch pad where it was lifted to its vertical launch position for further assembly.  25-26 April 2024: Transfer of the boosters to the launch pad, Kourou, French GuianaThe two boosters for the Ariane 6 flight model-1 were transported on 25 and 26 April to the launch zone, where operations have started to connect them to the central core.  Next milestones: Inaugural launch campaign  End april: Ariane 6 qualification review, Les Mureaux, FranceThe conclusion of final all-encompassing review of the Ariane 6 launcher and launch system is to be delivered after a four-week intensive work.. This is the final qualification review of the complete launcher system and launch system. The results are to be announced at the beginning of May.  May 2024: Payloads arrive in Kourou, French GuianaThe passengers for the first Ariane 6 are set to arrive, ready for integration in May.  First flight periodESA, 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.

  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.