Ariane 6 Launches Before Vulcan; China Debuts Drone Ship
▼ Summary
– Arianespace’s Ariane 6 and ULA’s Vulcan rockets achieved successful launches this week, marking milestones for Western rockets developed in recent years.
– Ariane 6 completed its third orbital flight 13 months after its debut, while Vulcan took over 19 months and Blue Origin’s New Glenn has flown only once.
– SpaceX’s Super Heavy/Starship has flown nine times but has not yet reached orbit.
– China’s Jielong 3 rocket successfully launched 11 satellites for Geespace’s IoT constellation, marking its sixth flight from an ocean platform.
– The Jielong 3’s fourth stage reentered over Spain, creating a fireball mistaken for a meteor, with debris likely falling into the Mediterranean Sea.
The global space industry witnessed significant milestones this week as major launch vehicles achieved key missions, demonstrating the accelerating pace of orbital access. Arianespace’s Ariane 6 successfully completed its third flight from French Guiana, deploying a European weather satellite, while United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket launched a U.S. military payload from Florida shortly afterward. These achievements highlight the competitive landscape among Western launch providers, with Ariane 6 reaching its third flight in just 13 months, faster than Vulcan’s 19-month timeline. Meanwhile, Blue Origin’s New Glenn has only flown once, and SpaceX’s Super Heavy/Starship, despite nine test flights, has yet to achieve orbit.
In another notable development, China’s private space sector marked its sixth successful sea-based launch with the Jielong 3 rocket. The mission, conducted from a platform in the Yellow Sea, delivered 11 satellites for Geespace’s IoT constellation, targeting connectivity solutions in emerging markets. Developed by a commercial arm of the state-owned China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the Jielong 3 has now proven its reliability with multiple flights.
An unexpected spectacle unfolded when the rocket’s fourth stage reentered Earth’s atmosphere, creating a brilliant fireball over Spain. Initially mistaken for a Perseid meteor, the event was later confirmed as debris from the Jielong 3 mission. Most fragments likely disintegrated or fell harmlessly into the Mediterranean, though the incident underscores the growing visibility of space activities, both intentional and unintended.
For those tracking launch schedules, upcoming missions include a mix of small, medium, and heavy-lift rockets, reflecting the diverse needs of commercial, scientific, and defense payloads. Stay tuned for further updates as the industry continues to push boundaries in accessibility and innovation.
(Source: Ars Technica)
