APU does some work on Arian 6 flights. This involves maintaining pressure within the cryogenic propellant tanks of the upper stage, sedimenting the propellant before each main engine launches, and finely adjusting the position of the rocket in space. The APU appeared to work as designed on Thursday, but the launch flew a more stringent profile than last year’s test flight.
Is Arian 6 the solution?
The Ariane 6 is prohibitively expensive and has been delayed by years, but its first operational success is a convenient time for Europe.
Philip Baptist, French Minister of Research and Higher Education, says Arian 6 is “evidence of our universe’s sovereignty.” Baptist, an engineer and former head of the French space agency, has repeatedly mentioned “sovereignty” and has crossed my mind by turning his statement into a drinking game.
“Donald Trump’s return to the White House is Elon Musk on his side, but it already has great results for our research partnership, our commercial partnership,” Baptist said. “When iconic programs like the ISS (International Space Station) are being unilaterally questioned by Elon Musk, should we mention today’s emphasis on uncertainty regarding NASA’s collaboration with NOAA?
“If you want to maintain independence, be safe and remain sovereign, you have to acquire the means of strategic autonomy. Space is an important part of this,” he continued.
Philip Baptist arrives at a government questioning session in the Senate of Paris on March 5, 2025.
Credit: Magali Cohen/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
Baptiste’s comments reflect statements from the scope of European leaders in recent weeks.
French President Emmanuel Macron He said in a speech aired on Wednesday night After Trump overturned US policies on Ukraine, the French were “legally concerned” about Europe’s security. While US NATO allies are largely united in their desire to continue supporting Ukraine in their defense against Russian aggression, the Trump administration is calling for a ceasefire that requires Ukraine’s important concessions.
