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The European Space Agency (ESA) recently announced that the launch of the Ariane 6 rocket has been postponed until 2024. Previous updates from the ESA had suggested that the rocket would debut in 2023, but the new timeline allows for further development and testing.

The ESA conducted a series of tests on July 18, which achieved 90% of their objectives. However, the developers encountered issues with performing a short hot fire on the Vulcain 2.1 engine. To rectify this, a new test is scheduled for August 29 after the necessary reconfiguration of the ground system.

To provide further updates on the progress of the Ariane 6, the ESA has planned a press briefing on September 4. This briefing will include information on the upper stage hot firing test 3, set to take place on September 1 in Lampoldshausen, Germany. Following this, there will be a long firing test of the core stage and its engine, the Vulcain 2.1, tentatively scheduled for September 26 in Kourou.

The delay in the Ariane 6 rocket launch leaves a gap in heavy-lift launch capacity in Europe. The Ariane 5 rocket, which had its final mission in July, has been responsible for placing 197 satellites into Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and deploying 239 satellites in total over its lifespan.

Overall, the ESA’s update on the Ariane 6 development provides important information on the timeline adjustment and upcoming tests.

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