Ariane 6 Rocket Fails to Deliver Promised Launch Savings for Europe

The development of the European Space Agency's Ariane 6 rocket is running years behind schedule and is unlikely to fly before mid-2024. In addition to the delays, there are concerns that the rocket will not meet its price targets, with projected costs per launch higher than initially predicted. ArianeGroup, the company responsible for manufacturing the rocket, is reportedly seeking a substantial increase in subsidies from the European Space Agency to support the operation of the Ariane 6. This could potentially eliminate any cost savings compared to its predecessor, the Ariane 5.