The European Space Agency has reiterated the importance of the progress of its latest rocket model, stating that all parties are working hard for an Ariane 6 rocket launch to happen in 2022. ESA’s director general Josef Aschbacher reiterated his commitment to the project at the Paris Air Forum, describing Ariane 6 as their “most important launcher.” Aschbacher said that representatives from ESA, the French space agency, CNES, and Ariane Group, have put together a small taskforce to evaluate the project’s schedule. Their aim is to ensure that the project receives all the necessary resources to make an Ariane 6 launch in 2022 a reality.

ESA in Need of Replacement Rocket

The Ariane 6 model rocket is a heavy-lift craft designed to replace the Ariane 5 as the flagship rocket of the European Space Agency. Unlike many other commercial rocket designs, an Ariane 6 rocket will not comprise reusable components. However, supporters claim that there is still a possibility of lowering rocket launch costs, making it competitive with other leading rocket models like the Falcon 9 designed by SpaceX. Despite this, critics still argue that the design isn’t as sustainable as those of other leading firms.

Related: Honda Joins Space Race, Makes a Suborbital Leap with First Prototype Rocket Flight

Ariane 6 Rocket Launch Faces Delays

The Ariane 6 rocket has been in development since 2014. It had an initial launch projection for 2020, but last year officials conceded that they were moving the Ariane 6 launch window between April and June 2022. Reasons cited for the delay include technical challenges and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Aschbacher’s most recent comments now suggest that a summer 2022 launch has been abandoned, creating yet another delay. While the Ariane 6 rocket launch has no shortage of supporters in and out of ESA, further delays may continue to bring the project’s sustainability into question.