Europe's new large Ariane-6 launch vehicle made its maiden flight, which was visible even over Kyiv. Find out what kind of rocket it is and why it is needed

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On Monday, 9 July, people noticed a strange bright blue glow in the sky above Ukraine. It was already dubbed as a UFO, but it turned out to be a new European Ariane 6 launch vehicle.

Space experts reported that the second stage of Ariane 6, which the European Union produced for 4 billion euros, could be seen over Ukraine. It set off from the launch pad in French Guiana on Monday, 9 July at 16.00 local time (21.00 Kiev time) for a demonstration mission to put a group of satellites into orbit.

What is known about the new European rocket?

Ariane-6 is designed to be a reliable means for European governments and companies to provide access to space independently of other countries. The rocket already has many launch contracts, but there are concerns that its design may limit the scope for future improvements.

Like its predecessor, the Ariane-5, the new model is disposable: each mission requires a new rocket. At the same time, modern US vehicles are designed with full or partial reusability in mind.

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Ariane-6 will operate in two configurations:

- "62" will have two solid-fueled side boosters to lift a medium-sized payload;

- "64" will have four strap-on boosters to lift the heaviest satellites on the market.

As experts point out the rocket's first flight did not go perfectly. After entering space, the second stage successfully rounded the orbit and released the cubesats. Then it was to activate the engine again and enter the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean, but the plan did not work out perfectly.

Before entering the atmosphere, the degree was supposed to jettison two capsules involved in an experiment to test the technology of returning cargo from space. But due to a malfunction, the manoeuvre never took place and the degree remained in space. ESA confirmed that they can not bring it down from orbit.

We remind you! In the European Union held elections to the European Parliament. Voting ended with sensations and political crisis for some politicians. What are the preliminary results of the elections and what to expect now, we tell you here.

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