Ariane 6 Rocket Aces Hotfire Test, Nears Inaugural Flight

The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully conducted a seven-minute hotfire test of the Ariane 6 rocket's core-stage engine in French Guiana, bringing the rocket closer to its first test flight scheduled for next year. The Ariane 6's inaugural launch has been delayed multiple times since its approval in 2014. The recent test was a significant milestone, although the rocket still needs to ignite its strap-on boosters for an actual liftoff. The Ariane 6 is designed as an expendable rocket and is expected to cost more per launch than initially anticipated, raising concerns about its competitiveness with SpaceX. ESA plans to shift to a more commercial model for developing new rockets to enhance European companies' eligibility for launch contracts.