Ariane 6 Successfully Launches Two Galileo Satellites from Kourou
December 17, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1765962248258-1461
Ariane 6 successfully launched two Galileo satellites from Kourou on December 17, 2025, marking another step in the gradual buildup of Europe’s next-generation launch system. Manufactured by OHB System AG, each satellite weighs approximately 700 kg at launch and is designed for an operational lifetime of 12 years. The mission was Arianespace’s seventh launch of 2025 and carried a total payload mass of around 1.6 tons. With the VA266 mission completed, attention now turns to sustaining Ariane 6’s launch cadence in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The Ariane 6 successfully launched two Galileo satellites into Medium Earth Orbit.
- The mission marked another step in the gradual buildup of Europe’s next-generation launch system.
- The deployment brings the total number of Galileo satellites launched to 34.
Strategic Implications
This successful launch may indicate a renewed focus on European space capabilities, particularly as the EU seeks to stabilize its access to space amid growing geopolitical and commercial competition. The Ariane 6’s modular design suggests it could be adapted for a range of institutional and commercial missions, potentially strengthening Europe’s position in the global launch market.