Ariane 64's Maiden Flight to Secure European Space Access
Deploys 32 Amazon Leo satellites in four-booster configuration.
Mission aims to compete with SpaceX and secure Europe's space independence.
Vulcain 2.1 engine ignites first, followed by four solid boosters.
Boosters use 142,000 kg propellant in two minutes.
Mission lasts about one hour and 50 minutes.
Successful launch adds to ArianeGroup's 30-launch backlog.
Ariane 64 reduces operating costs compared to Ariane 5.
Caroline Arnoux plans seven to eight launches this year.
2 weeks ago