ESA's Ariane 6 rocket was successfully tested in French Guiana, demonstrating readiness for pre-launch procedures and system safety. Ariane 6 is Europe's next-generation heavy launch vehicle system, designed to succeed Ariane 5, with strong support from experts from ESA's 22 member states.
The European Cosmodrome in French Guiana witnessed the successful testing of ESA's new Ariane 6 launch vehicle, which underwent refueling and ignition procedures. Credit: ESA/Ariane Group/CNES - Optique vidéo du CSG
At the European cosmodrome in French Guiana, the new Ariane 6 launch vehicle of the European Space Agency, consisting of a final stage and a core stage, has been fully fueled, and the core stage engine has also been ignited. While the rocket stood on the launch pad, the "Vurkan" 2.1 engine was ignited, fired as planned for 4 seconds and turned off, after which liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuel were discharged into their respective underground tanks. These tests are a continuation of earlier tests on July 18.
Ariane 6 core stage hot test on the launch pad. Credit: ESA/Ariane Group/CNES - Optique vidéo du CSG
System security and coordination
The exercise, conducted by France's Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES) and Ariane Group under the leadership of ESA, examined pre-launch procedures and ignition, and once again demonstrated that the system can remain safe in the event of a launch abort, as demonstrated in a test on July 18. The refueling and ignition is the latest in an ongoing series of tests designed to verify that the rocket, launch pad, protective gantry, and all associated fluid and electrical connections are working properly as a combined system.
Specifications and preparations for the first flight
Interestingly, the Ariane 6 rocket now mounted on the launch pad is not intended for flight - the solid rocket booster is inert - but it is almost identical to the flight model used for testing. The flight model, including the rocket that will make the first flight of Ariane 6, was manufactured and assembled by Les Mureaux of France and Ariane Group, the main contractor of Bremen, Germany, and the solid rocket booster for the first flight is being assembled in Kourou, French Guiana.
Toni Tolker-Nielsen, ESA's Director of Space Transport, said: "We have a fantastic team working on this project. We can all feel it – we are taking the final step into the era of Ariane 6. "
Vulkan 2.1 engine ignition. Credit: ESA/Ariane Group/CNES - Optique vidéo du CSG
Features and future of Ariane 6
The Ariane 6 is a completely new design designed to succeed the Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy launch vehicle launch system. With the final stage of the Ariane 6 and the re-ignitable Vinci engine, Europe's launch capabilities will be able to meet the needs of multiple payloads, such as orbital launches of satellite constellations. This autonomous ability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports European navigation, Earth observation, science and security programs. The continuous development of European space transport capabilities has benefited from the tireless efforts of thousands of talented people in the 22 member States of ESA.