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November 14, 2025

Breaking News

[ November 13, 2025 ] Blue Origin launches twin Mars probes for NASA as New Glenn makes first landing New Glenn
[ November 13, 2025 ] ULA launches ViaSat-3 following valve replacement on Atlas 5 rocket Atlas 5
[ November 13, 2025 ] Launch preview: Blue Origin to launch NASA’s ESCAPADE following scrubs from clouds, space weather Mission Reports
[ November 11, 2025 ] NASA scrubs ESCAPADE launch due to ‘highly elevated solar activity’ Mission Reports
[ November 11, 2025 ] Rocket Lab delays debut of Neutron rocket to 2026 Neutron

Ending an era, Europe launches its final Ariane 5 rocket

July 6, 2023 William Harwood

Europe’s venerable Ariane 5 rocket blasted off on its 117th and final flight Wednesday, successfully boosting two communications satellites into orbit but leaving the European space program without a large satellite launcher of its own until a delayed successor comes on line.

Final Ariane 5 launch scheduled for July 4 after fixes to booster separation system

June 26, 2023 Spaceflight Now

Europe’s last Ariane 5 rocket is now scheduled to lift off July 4 after being grounded for more than two weeks due to a problem with the pyrotechnic systems required to jettison the launcher’s strap-on solid rocket boosters. Europe’s workhorse rocket is being retired after 27 years of service.