End of an era

 This week, the very last Ariane 5 rocket will launch. 116 total launch attempts, including the precise launch of the JWST, saving fuel and doubling the telescope's estimated life.

The retirement of the Ariane 5, which was first launched (and blown up, because that's rocket science) in June 1996 does indeed mark the end of the era. It will be replaced by the more efficient and modern Ariane 6.

(The reason for the retirement is that the older design simply uses more fuel than, say, the Falcon, and thus can no longer compete on launch costs).

It's weird to think that something that has been a staple of space exploitation for so long is now obsolete.