With the successful launch of two telecom satellites, the Ariane-5 rocket, Europe’s trusted workhorse for nearly three decades, concluded its career. Despite experiencing only two outright failures, the Ariane-5 is widely recognized as a highly successful launcher, with a track record of 117 missions. The retirement, however, of the Ariane-5 leaves Europe in a challenging position, as there is currently no ready replacement available. The Ariane-6, Europe’s next-generation rocket, is still in the development and testing phases and may not be ready for its debut until next year. Along with the grounding of the Vega, a clue to a previous … Continue reading Europe’s Trusted Ariane-5 Rocket Retires, Leaving a Void in Space: Ariane-6 Will Take the Stage