Europe's space agency boss sees progress on Ariane 6 launcher
Europe's top space official said on Tuesday there was "light at the end of tunnel" in efforts to bring the delayed Ariane 6 to the launchpad and restore Europe's independent access to space. Europe's new heavyweight launch vehicle has been delayed by technical glitches, leaving the continent relying on Elon Musk's SpaceX for some launches until some time in 2024. Josef Aschbacher, director general of the European Space Agency (ESA), said a more precise 2024 launch period would be defined following a delayed long-duration firing test due on Nov. 23.