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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 14/10/2026

Flight number 10 on the horizon! 🚀 With four P160C-based boosters, Ariane 6 will launch another set of 36 Amazon Leo satellites from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. Liftoff is set for 23 November 2026. Stay tuned for more updates!

Ariane 6 lifts off with four P160C-based boosters.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 13/10/2026

The fifth edition of ESA's FLPP Autumn Session is happening tomorrow 🍂 Once again, this event will bring together ESA, industry, investor and Member State delegates to review progress across Europe’s space transportation activities. Livestream starts on 14 October 14:00 CEST at ESA Web TV 2.

Watch live - FLPP Autumn Session 2026. ESA Future Space Transportation, 14 October 2026, 14:00, Salons de l'Aveyron, Paris.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 07/10/2026

Today, our Director, Géraldine Naja, received the WIA-Europe the Outstanding Achievement Award 🧡 This award distinguishes women with exceptional accomplishments and leadership qualities. Awards like this serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.

Director of ESA's Space Transportation receiving an award.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 07/10/2026

Second fuelling rehearsal ✅ Themis, @esa.int's reusable rocket stage demonstrator, has complete its second 'wet dress rehearsal' at Esrange Space Center in Sweden on 29 September. The rocket prototype was filled with liquid nitrogen to test the complete system.

Themis standing on its legs during second wet dress rehearsal at Esrange Space Center in Sweden.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 06/10/2026

We teamed up with @dlr-en.bsky.social to record rocket emissions 🚀 On 1 October, DLR launched a sounding rocket called Mapheus-17. But, before liftoff, something else took off: an aircraft called Falcon 20E, which flew through the rocket plume and circled around, collecting as much data it could.

Infographic showing a rocket lifting-off and an aircraft going through the plume. Molecules appear inside a cloud.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 01/10/2026

#LaunchedIt on a Vega-C rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, great to see Smile delivering science after its delivery to orbit 🚀

Long-exposure view of Vega-C rocket piercing through orange-tinted clouds with the silhouettes of onlookers in the foreground. iftoff from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana was at 00:52 local time on 19 May 2026. Vega-C carried the Smile mission to space on flight VV29.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 29/09/2026

From the last glimpse of Flex and Copernicus Sentinel-3 on Earth to liftoff, this fast-paced timelapse shows moments of the VV30 launch campaign, such as: - the first Vespa+R adapter supporting the two satellites - team signatures on the rocket's nose cone - assembling the rocket on the launch pad

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 29/09/2026

#LaunchedIt in 2023, nice to see Juice return for a fly by and wave on its way to Jupiter 👋

Liftoff of ESA’s interplanetary mission, Juice, on an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French 09:14 local time/14:14CEST on 14 April 2023. With a large plume of orange exhaust and water vapour Juice began its eight-year journey to Jupiter, where it will study in detail the gas giant planet’s three large ocean-bearing moons: Ganymede, Callisto and Europa. In the foreground is Ariane 5's launch tower with the ESA and Ariane branding on it.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 28/09/2026

What did you do this weekend? We had a lot of fun at @esa.int's technical heart, ESTEC. Our open days brought many space enthusiasts and rocket-lovers to our stand, we are overjoyed! Thank you so much for coming over to see us and we hope to see you next year! 🤗

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 24/09/2026

From Andøya Spaceport to orbit 🚀 Relive the second launch of Isar Aerospace's Spectrum launcher. With ten engines, Spectrum launched commercial and educational CubeSats and an experiment that aims to prove new technologies in orbit.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 23/09/2026

Rocket Factory Augsburg is getting a contract extension worth €2.7 million under our ‘Boost!’ programme. The contract extension will support the preparations for the two first flights of the RFA One launch vehicle.

Rocket Factory Augsburg team in front of their rocket on the launch pad, July 2026.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 16/09/2026

It's like you were there! 🚀 Experience the latest Vega-C launch from all possible angles with this video ⬇️ Credits: ESA, CNES, AVIO

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

Breathtaking views of flight VV30 last night. Vega-C, Europe's light-launch vehicle, took not one but two Earth observation satellites. @esaearth.esa.int's FLEX will measure plants glow from space, while Copernicus Sentinel-3C will deliver near-real-time data on our oceans, land and ice.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

We’ve reached the end of the line, all passengers, please leave the vehicle! FLEX has now detached from the Vespa+R adapter and is on its way to its sun-synchronous orbit.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

The fourth boost begins for Vega-C's upper stage AVUM+. This boost will set FLEX up for release into its orbit.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

Flying 820 km above Earth, The Vespa+R adapter has just separated, revealing FLEX to space. The AVUM+ engine will ignite one last time to place FLEX in its precise orbit, from which it will work in tandem with Sentinel-3.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

Third boost complete, all going as planned.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

The third boost of Vega-C's upper stage for tonight's flight #VV30 is underway, a boost of thirty seconds will prepare for the separation of the secondary payload adapter Vespa+R.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

Flight overview for Vega-C flight VV30, next up for delivery: FLEX

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

Bye-bye, Sentinel-3C! Tonight's first payload has just left the Vega-C rocket. Have a safe trip. We can't wait to see all the data you'll collect.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

Second AVUM+ boost complete, three minutes of firing have put Sentinel-3C on target for release into orbit.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

Liftoff of Vega-C flight #VV30 at 03:21 CEST this morning. 50 minutes later, flying over the western coast of Australia the second boost of the Vega-C upper stage AVUM+ has started to circularise its orbit.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

The Vega-C upper stage completed its first boost of the night 17 minutes after liftoff, flying at just under 8 km/s around Earth.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

The AVUM+ engine will keep propelling our rocket forward. With multiple ignitions, AVUM+ allows for multiple payload injection in different orbits, as well as precise orbit placing. 🎥 Arianespace

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

Zefiro-9 has just separated, leaving the upper stage of Vega-C connected to the payloads. 🎥 Arianespace

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

And there you go: with the fairing separation, Sentinel-3C is now seeing space for the first time, while FLEX remains encased inside the Vespa+R adapter. 🎥 Arianespace

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

Third stage time, Zefiro-40's smaller sibling Zefiro-9 takes over. It may have only 1/4 of the propellant but that's just what is needed to reach orbit. 🎥 Arianespace

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15/09/2026

2 minutes of pure thrust, 142 tonnes of solid propellant. P120C has separated. Second stage takes over, Zefiro-40 will fire for 3 minutes. 🎥 Arianespace

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 14/09/2026

The mobile hangar has rolled out. For the first time, the fully stacked Vega-C rocket can see its destination: the sky! Join us live: www.esa.int/Applications...

Vega-C stands tall on the launch pad ahead of VV30.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 09/09/2026

With just a few days to go for VV30, the Vega-C rocket is now complete on the launch pad. The rocket now stands inside the mobile gantry, which will be rolled away hours before liftoff. Don't miss the livestream on 15 September at 02:50 CEST. www.esa.int/Applications... 📸 ESA - M. Pédoussaut

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 08/09/2026

Bored before school starts? 🖍️ We've got you! Turn your creativity on with these ESA Transport-themed colouring pages. Designs available: Ariane 6, Vega-C and Space Rider.

Digital illustration of Ariane 6, coloured.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 07/09/2026

Counting down for VV30 🏗️ Next week, we will launch two satellites, @esaearth.esa.int FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C, to orbit, on a Vega-C rocket. The fairing has been transported to the launchpad and hoisted on top of the rocket, inside the mobile gantry. 📸 @esa.int - M. Pédoussaut

Vega-C's fairing for VV30 being transported to the launchpad.

Vega-C's fairing for VV30 being transported to the launchpad with ESA's FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C inside.

Vega-C's fairing for VV30 being hoisted onto the top of the rocket with ESA's FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C inside.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 05/09/2026

Should be a cache issue and fixed now. As a bonus here's the liftoff again 😁 Credits Isar Aerospace

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 05/09/2026

Tonight, Isar Aerospace successfully reached orbit with their Spectrum launcher, lifting off from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. Congratulations to all the teams involved 👏🚀 📸 Isar Aerospace www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 05/09/2026

Liftoff: German company Isar Aerospace launched their Spectrum launcher, lifting off from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. 👏🚀

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 05/09/2026

Initially supported by @esa.int’s Business Incubation Centre, Isar Aerospace has received co-funding as part of ESA’s Boost! programme that is also supporting this second Spectrum flight.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 03/09/2026

Maybe we're coming late to the trend, but some stories are told better on a bigger frame 🤷‍♀️ Can you identify these three moments just by looking at the pictures?

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 02/09/2026

If only @esa.int was making a open-for-all easy refilling station in space... Wait, it is! If ESA existed back in those days, not only would Odysseus have Galileo navigation but ALSO a one-stop one-size-fits-all station to get supplies.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 02/09/2026

Do you feel like VA270 went by too fast? So do we. Relive the launch in slow motion ⬇️ 🎥 edited by @esa.int 🎞️ footage credits: ESA / ArianeGroup / Arianespace / @cnes.fr

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 31/08/2026

🎙️ Media representatives are invited to join online media briefings ahead of the launch of the FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellites on a Vega-C rocket (flight VV30). Available languages: English, German, Italian and French 🇬🇧🇩🇪🇮🇹🇫🇷 Register for attending: www.esa.int/Newsroom/Pre...

FLEX getting ready inside a cleanroom at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Copernicus Sentinel-3C getting ready inside a cleanroom at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 28/08/2026

A few more views of yesterday's launch, flight VA270. Liftoff was at 22:11 CEST (17:11 local time) from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. This was the ninth launch of Ariane 6 and the first to take a satellite to geostationary transfer orbit. 📸 @esa.int - S. Corvaja

Ariane 6 liftoff from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, flight VA270.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 27/08/2026

First views of Ariane 6 liftoff, flight VA270 🫰 @esa.int @esaearth.esa.int @eumetsat.int @cnes.fr credits: ESA - S. Corvaja

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 27/08/2026

Thank you, Vulcain 2.1! 🔥 The core stage of Ariane 6 has now separated from the upper stage. Vinci will now take over to continue the rocket's ascent to the skies. credits: Arianespace

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 27/08/2026

The fairing just opened up to reveal MTG-I2 to space for the first time. The upper and core stages of the rocket remain connected to the satellites as the rocket keeps moving forward. credits: Arianespace

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 27/08/2026

The two P120C boosters just detached from the rocket, being left behind. The Vulcain 2.1 engine is now powering Ariane 6 through space.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 27/08/2026

Once again, Ariane 6 stands tall on the launch pad 👑 Teams at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana are doing the final checks before liftoff, set for today at 22:10 CEST (17:10 local time). 📸 ESA - S. Corvaja Follow live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzyt...

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 27/08/2026

It's launch day! 🚀 Tonight, Ariane 6 will liftoff from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, taking MTG-I2 for a ride. Livestream starts at 21:42 CEST. Liftoff is planned for 22:10 CEST. Take a stroll down memory lane: www.esa.int/Applications... @eumetsat.int @esaearth.esa.int @esa.int

Ariane 6 standing tall on its launchpad ahead of flight VA270.

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ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 27/08/2026

Isar Aerospace, based in Germany, is developing their Spectrum launcher that first flew in 2025 for 30 seconds from its dedicated launch pad at Andøya Spaceport in Norway. The Isar Aerospace contract amounts to €197.8 million and is mainly funded by Germany with contributions by Austria and Norway.

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