A new European Space Agency rocket using Irish-designed technology is due to be launched into space today.
The Ariane 6 will use two technology systems designed and built by Irish space engineering company Réaltra.
Réaltra, meaning ‘galaxy’ in Irish, created a video recording and transmission system which will provide live HD images during the mission.
The planned launch is the inaugural flight and a demonstration of the Ariane 6.
It is hoped that the rocket will be used for a wide range of space missions over the next decade and be another step towards European independence in space research.
It aims to launch several satellites, deployers and experiments from space agencies, companies, research institutes and universities.
The ESA said that “as the world’s second-largest economy, Europe must ensure it has secure and autonomous access to space, so it does not depend on the capabilities and priorities of other nations”.
“In a world where everyday life – from connectivity to navigation, climate and weather – relies on space, the ability to launch independently is more important than ever before,” it added.
A total of 13 countries, including Ireland, were involved in the project.
Ariane 6 is scheduled to launch sometime between 7pm and 11pm this evening at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
Réaltra Chief Commerical Officer Danny Gleeson said Ariane 6 is a cheaper rocket to build.
“Ariane 5 came to the end of life a year or so ago, and this is Ariane 6, it is the next generation. It is a cheaper rocket to build, and to operate and to provide independent access to space for Europe,” he said.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said they will be celebrating once the rocket takes off.
“We are gathering in Dunsink Observatory with the French Ambassador and Enterprise Ireland, the Department of Enterprise Trade and a large number of people from the Irish space sector,” he said.
His “wonderful team” will be waiting with their “fingers crossed” for a successful launch, he added.
