First Ariane 6 commercial flight: a success for the European space project
- France - Aerospace - Products
After a successful inaugural flight in July 2024, the European Ariane 6 rocket reached a new milestone in the history of European space exploration on Thursday 6th March, with the successful completion of its first commercial flight from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou.
A new step towards a European space programme
This launch marks a new stage in Europe's access to space.
The objective of this mission: to place the CSO-3 satellite, weighing 3.6 tonnes, in orbit at an altitude of 800 km and with an inclination of 98°. The flight went smoothly, powered by the Vulcain 2.1® cryogenic engine with a thrust of 8,000 kN.
NTN Europe bearings in the rocket engine
We are proud to be part of this space adventure by supplying high-tech SNR bearings, which equip the hydrogen turbopumps and the cryogenic valves of the Vulcain 2.1® engine.
This ambitious project has very strict technical requirements, which our teams in Argonay have successfully met, demonstrating our cutting-edge expertise in the aeronautics and aerospace sectors.
A promising future for the Ariane programme
Congratulations to the ArianeGroup teams on this historic achievement. At NTN Europe, we are proud to contribute to this major breakthrough for the European space industry. The next launches of Ariane 6 are already planned for the second half of 2025, with new missions that promise to further strengthen Europe's competitiveness in its ability to access space.
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