A turbopump anomaly found in ground tests in August means only one or two more Ariane 6 launches this year instead of three or four, ESA confirmed on 21 September; ArianeGroup is checking the production line. The goal of 9 to 10 flights a year from 2027 stands. Our take: Europe’s heavy rocket works, but cadence is now its weak spot, just as customers look for alternatives to SpaceX.
3–4more launches once planned for 2026
1–2now expected
9–10a year, target from 2027