Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket launches for first time

The European Space Agency (ESA) sent its Ariane 6 rocket into space for the first time on Tuesday, some four years after its initial planned launch. The powerful rocket lifted off from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 4 p.m. local time.

The successful launch paves the way for Europe to get satellites into space without having to rely on other organizations or companies such as SpaceX. ESA chief Josef Aschbacher said the successful launch marked a "historic day" for Europe.