Europe’s space sector is set to end an “unprecedented crisis” on July 9 when the Ariane 6 satellite launcher flies for the first time. The journey would finally restore the continent’s independent access to space, which ended last July with the retirement of Ariane 5. Ariane 6 is the launcher’s chosen successor. The European Space Agency (ESA) commissioned the vehicle to increase launch capacity, but constant delays beset the plans have been beset by painful delays. The first flight is now four years behind schedule. Problems with the Vega launch system compounded the setbacks. Europe also lost access to Russia’s…
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