The European rocket Ariane 6 has now been launched into space for the first time.
"The rocket will not only support research, but also increase our ability to handle heavy payloads to space", says Anna Rathsman, Director-General of the Space Agency in a press release.
On Tuesday evening – Swedish time – the European carrier rocket Ariane 6 was launched into space from the Kourou rocket base in French Guiana. The new carrier rocket has the capability to transport large or tens of smaller satellites and place them in separate orbits.
Ariane 6 is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), which Sweden is co-financing. The European effort is expected to improve competitiveness on the global market for carrier rockets.
There are Swedish parts in the rocket. Several turbines and a nozzle have been developed and manufactured at GKN Aerospace's factory in Trollhättan.
"We are proud that Swedish expertise continues to be an important part of Europe's space program, and that our investments in ESA are reinvested in Swedish companies to drive innovation and growth", says Anna Rathsman.
