Ariane 6 liftoff — Block 3 upgrade cancelled

The photo captures the liftoff of the Ariane 6 heavy launch vehicle from the Kourou spaceport, with bright flames erupting from its stages and thick smoke billowing around the pad. This is the configuration that will remain the baseline, as ESA and Arianespace have cancelled plans for a Block 3 version featuring the reusable ICARUS stage. The image illustrates the current state of Europe's heavy space programme following the decision to abandon its upgrade.