Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana is preparing for Europe’s newest launcher, Ariane 6.

A new launch pad is under construction and the mobile gantry protecting the launcher will soon be visible. The outer shell of the new assembly building is almost complete. ESA's Didier Coulon, Ariane 6 Launch base programme manager, is overseeing developments.

Ariane 6 will guarantee Europe’s independent access to space and should consolidate Arianespace’s leading role in the launcher market.

The first Ariane 6 launch is scheduled for July 2020.