Video: French Rafale Jets Escort Europe's Ariane 6 Rocket During July 9 Launch

A video capturing French Rafale jets escorting the Ariane 6 rocket during its July 9 launch has gone viral. The footage, filmed from the cockpit of one of the Rafale jets, showed the tight formation and manoeuvring of the fighter planes as they provided a protective shield for the rocket’s ascent.

The launch, which took place from the European spaceport in Kourou, was a significant step for Europe’s space program, despite an issue with the rocket’s final payload. To ensure the rocket’s safety, three Rafale jets were deployed to create a “bubble of protection” around the vehicle.

The operation also involved two Eurocopter Fennecs and a German Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle, securing both the airspace and the ground. The Ariane 6, equipped with a new-generation Vinci cryogenic engine, successfully launched, but its mission encountered a setback. The rocket failed to release its final payload due to a deviation from its planned trajectory.

Mardi 9 juillet 2024, à 16 heures, heure locale, la fusée #Ariane6 a été lancée depuis le Centre spatial guyanais, à Kourou. Avec six de ses aéronefs, l’AAE a contribué à la protection de cette « opération névralgique ».

The Ariane 6 was intended to place satellites into orbit, a critical step for Europe’s space sovereignty. It was expected to complete its mission with a precise orbital placement of payloads. However, the failure to execute the planned re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere and land in the Pacific has been a disappointment for European space officials.

Despite the mission’s partial failure, European space authorities view the launch as a positive step towards reclaiming their space capabilities. The Ariane 6 is designed to place satellites into various orbits and is seen as a critical asset for Europe’s future space missions.

(With AFP inputs)