Europe's new heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6 blasted off on its first commercial mission Thursday, carrying with it the continent's hopes of bolstering its security and independent access to space.
After several delays including a last-minute postponement on Monday, the rocket carrying a French military satellite launched from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana just before 1:30 pm local time (1630 GMT).
The high-profile mission comes as Europe seeks to strengthen its defences amid doubts it can still rely on the United States as a security partner under new US President Donald Trump.
A successful mission would mean that Europe can independently put large satellites into orbit for the first time since Russia pulled its heavy Soyuz rockets after invading Ukraine in 2022.
The launch was progressing normally, with the main stage separating from the rocket, according to an online broadcast from its operator, French firm Arianespace.
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