With Ariane 6, ArianeGroup puts up with the jokes, prepares for summer flight, production ramp and European competition

BRUSSELS — The prime contractor of Europe’s future Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket reassured European governments that the much-delayed program remains on track and that the ramp-up of Ariane 6 production is accelerating even before the planned mid-year inaugural flight.

ArianeGroup Chief Executive Martin Sion said components of the first flight vehicle will be delivered to the Guiana Space Center spaceport in South America in February.

That will be followed by a qualification review in March and April.

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