# Ariane flight VA260

> space launch

**Wikidata**: [Q132444570](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132444570)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariane_flight_VA260)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ariane-flight-va260

## Summary
Ariane flight VA260 was a space launch conducted by Arianespace using the Ariane 5 rocket, which took place on April 13, 2023, at 12:15 UTC from the ELA-3 launch site. It was part of the retired Ariane 5 rocket series and marked one of the final missions in the program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 13, 2023, at 12:15 UTC.
- **Operator**: Arianespace.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 rocket.
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3.
- **Preceded By**: Ariane flight VA259.
- **Followed By**: Ariane flight VA261.
- **Classification**: Space launch, uncrewed spaceflight, part of the Ariane 5 series.
- **Wikidata Description**: Space launch.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Ariane flight VA260 (available in English).

## FAQs
### Q: When did Ariane flight VA260 take place?
A: Ariane flight VA260 launched on April 13, 2023, at 12:15 UTC.

### Q: What rocket was used for Ariane flight VA260?
A: The launch used the Ariane 5 rocket, part of the retired Ariane 5 series.

### Q: Who operated Ariane flight VA260?
A: The launch was operated by Arianespace.

### Q: Where was Ariane flight VA260 launched from?
A: The launch took place from the ELA-3 launch site.

### Q: What was the significance of Ariane flight VA260?
A: It was one of the final missions in the Ariane 5 rocket series, marking the end of an era for this retired launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Ariane flight VA260 represents a key moment in the history of European spaceflight, as it was one of the last launches of the Ariane 5 rocket, a workhorse of the Ariane family. The Ariane 5 series played a crucial role in deploying satellites, scientific missions, and other payloads into orbit, contributing significantly to global space infrastructure. The retirement of the Ariane 5 marks a transition to newer launch vehicles, such as the Ariane 6, which aims to continue Europe's presence in the competitive space launch market. This flight underscores the legacy of the Ariane 5 and its impact on space exploration and commercial satellite deployment.

## Notable For
- **Final Era of Ariane 5**: One of the last launches in the Ariane 5 series before its retirement.
- **Precision Launch**: Conducted at a specific time (12:15 UTC) from the ELA-3 launch site.
- **Arianespace Operation**: Managed by Arianespace, a leading European launch service provider.
- **Uncrewed Mission**: Part of the uncrewed spaceflight category, focusing on payload delivery.
- **Historical Significance**: Marks the transition from Ariane 5 to newer launch vehicles like Ariane 6.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date and Time**: April 13, 2023, at 12:15 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, a dedicated launch complex for Ariane rockets.
- **Operator**: Arianespace, the European company responsible for the launch.

### Rocket and Mission
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5, a retired heavy-lift rocket known for its reliability and payload capacity.
- **Mission Type**: Uncrewed spaceflight, focusing on deploying payloads into orbit.
- **Predecessor and Successor**: Followed Ariane flight VA259 and preceded Ariane flight VA261.

### Context and Legacy
- **Ariane 5 Series**: Part of the Ariane family, which has been a cornerstone of European space launch capabilities.
- **Retirement**: The Ariane 5 series was retired, making VA260 one of its final missions.
- **Transition**: The end of the Ariane 5 era paves the way for the next-generation Ariane 6 rocket.

## Schema Markup
```json
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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ariane flight VA260",
  "description": "A space launch conducted by Arianespace using the Ariane 5 rocket on April 13, 2023.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q118055500", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariane_flight_VA260"],
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