05/06/2026
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- Next Ariane 6 launch scheduled for June 17
- This flight will feature an advanced booster based on the P160C solid-propellant rocket motor
- Flight VA269 will launch 36 satellites for the Amazon LEO constellation
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View of Ariane 6 for flight VA269 with P160C based booster on the launch pad
The next Ariane 6 rocket launch is scheduled for 17 June 2026 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana with a launch window of 08:53–09:22 local time (12:53–13:22 BST, 13:53–14:22 CEST) and will be even more powerful than before due to the rocket being equipped with a booster based on the advanced P160C motor.
The Ariane 6 is the latest generation of Europe’s largest and most powerful rocket. Its next flight, VA269, will fly with four boosters based on the P160C motor, providing 14 tons more solid propellant per booster than the P120C motors used so far. Ariane 6 will launch 36 satellites for Amazon LEO in what is the communications constellation’s third flight.
development of strength
Europe’s largest solid propellant rocket motors
The Ariane 6 is a versatile rocket that can be configured and adapted to the needs of each mission it launches, and it was designed from the ground up for continuous upgrades. The heavy-lift rocket debuted in 2024 with two boosters based on the P120C motor. Its sixth launch in February 2026 saw the Ariane 6 fly for the first time with four boosters.
Now, this month’s launch will debut four new boosters based on the P160C rocket motor with more propellant. Although this will be the most powerful Ariane 6 yet, more upgrades are in the works so there are more upgrades to come.
The most powerful is becoming more powerful
P120C and P160C on Ariane 6
The P120C is already the most powerful solid-propellant rocket motor built in one piece, and the P160C adds more than 9% propellant. Despite being one meter taller, the extra height does not affect Ariane 6’s connection to its central core.
The P160C was developed by Europropulsion under contract to Arianegroup and Avio. Its structure is made in Italy, the rocket engine nozzle in France and the igniter in Norway. The booster is loaded with fuel and decommissioned in French Guiana.
Made in Europe
The development of Ariane 6 is another excellent example of European cooperation. The European Space Agency works with an industrial network in 13 European countries, led by prime contractor and design authority ArianeGroup. The French space agency CNES Europe manages range operations at the spaceport in French Guiana. Arianespace is the launch service provider for this flight for Amazon.
