On the night of 16 to 17 December 2025, Ariane 6 carried out the last launch of the year from the Guiana Space Centre, successfully placing two satellites in the Galileo constellation in medium Earth orbit. This fourth commercial flight of Ariane 6 strengthens the European satellite navigation system and marks an important step for Europe in sovereign access to space.
The mission, called VA266, was the fifth flight of Ariane 6, Europe’s heavy-lift launcher. It was performed with an Ariane 6 with two boosters, the Ariane 62, which has been successful since its inaugural flight in 2024.
copyright by esa / CNES. Find more interesting here: Ariane 6 closes the year on a high note | Guiana Space Centre


