Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket successfully deployed a French spy satellite in its first fully operational launch on Thursday, completing a return to space for a continent facing questions over its role amid a security rift with the United States.

The high-profile mission comes as Europe seeks to strengthen its defences amid doubts about the US as a security partner under Trump Europe's new heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6 blasted off on its first commercial mission Thursday,

After several false starts, Europe's new rocket Ariane 6 is aiming to finally blast off on its first commercial mission Thursday, carrying with it the continent's hopes of bolstering its security and independent access to space.