Ariane 62 | PLATO

### Ariane 62 Set to Launch ESA's PLATO Mission: Advancing Exoplanet Discovery

On December 31, 2026, Europe's space ambitions will take a significant leap forward with the launch of the Ariane 62 rocket carrying the PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars) payload. This mission, spearheaded by the European Space Agency (ESA), represents a pivotal step in the ongoing quest to understand worlds beyond our solar system, focusing on terrestrial exoplanets orbiting Sun-like stars.

At the heart of PLATO's objectives is the detection and characterization of exoplanets, particularly those in the habitable zones where conditions might support liquid water and, potentially, life. Equipped with an array of 26 high-precision cameras, the spacecraft will monitor thousands of stars over several years, capturing minute variations in starlight caused by transiting planets. This photometric approach allows scientists to measure planetary sizes with unprecedented accuracy, down to Earth-like dimensions. Beyond basic detection, PLATO aims to uncover elusive features such as exomoons and planetary rings, which could reveal more about planetary formation and dynamics. Additionally, by analyzing stellar oscillations—subtle vibrations in starlight—the mission will provide detailed insights into the host stars' ages, masses, and compositions, enabling precise determinations of planetary properties. This dual focus on planets and their stars sets PLATO apart from predecessors like NASA's Kepler and TESS, which prioritized broader surveys over in-depth characterization.

The Ariane 62, a variant of the Ariane 6 family, serves as the launch vehicle for this ambitious endeavor. Designed by ArianeGroup, it features a core stage powered by the Vulcain 2.1 engine, augmented by two P120 solid rocket boosters for enhanced lift capacity. Standing approximately 63 meters tall with a diameter of 5.4 meters, the rocket can deliver up to 10.3 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) or 21.6 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) in its full configuration. The Ariane 62's modular design allows for flexibility, with the option to add up to four boosters, but the two-booster setup is optimized for missions like PLATO, which requires a sun-synchronous orbit at around 700 kilometers altitude. Key technical advancements include reusable elements in the boosters and upper stage, reducing costs, and improved cryogenic propulsion for greater efficiency compared to the Ariane 5.

Ariane 6's