ESA's Silence on Ariane 6 Rocket Testing Raises Concerns

The European Space Agency (ESA) has been slow in sharing updates on the testing of its Ariane 6 rocket, which is being funded with 3.8 billion euros. During a recent 26-hour test campaign, the launch team successfully loaded cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the rocket but failed to ignite the main engine for a brief four-second ignition. ESA described the test as "very satisfactory" despite this setback. The agency is considering whether to conduct another countdown rehearsal or proceed directly to a longer engine firing in September. However, ESA has decided not to provide live video coverage of the tests, in contrast to other publicly funded ventures like NASA's Space Launch System and SpaceX's Super Heavy booster.