Video: Ariane 6 passes tests in preparation for first flight

Europe’s subsequent rocket, Ariane 6, handed all its qualification exams in preparation for its first flight, and the full-scale check mannequin has been faraway from the launch pad to make method for the actual rocket that may ascend to space.

The check mannequin at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, stood 62 m excessive. It’s precisely the identical because the “manufacturing mannequin” Ariane 6 rockets that may quickly be launched, besides that its boosters don’t should be examined as a part of the entire rocket, so the boosters will not be fueled.

Groups getting ready Ariane 6 for its inaugural flight efficiently accomplished for the primary time a launcher preparation and countdown sequence, on 18 July. Representatives of ESA, Ariane 6 prime contractor ArianeGroup and launch base prime contractor and check conductor CNES accomplished necessary targets for system qualification and carried out a sequence of actions absolutely consultant of a launch chronology.

The launch simulation included the elimination of the cell gantry, the chill-down of floor and launcher fluidic programs, the filling of the higher and core stage tanks with liquid hydrogen (–253°C) and liquid oxygen (–183°C), and on the finish of the check, the profitable completion of a launch chronology as much as the ignition of the Vulcain 2.1 engine thrust chamber by the bottom system.

On 5 September 2023 the Vulcain 2.1 engine was ignited, fired for 4 seconds as deliberate and switched off earlier than its liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuels have been drained to their separate underground tanks. The train confirmed once more that the system might be stored secure within the occasion of a launch abort, as already demonstrated throughout the 18 July check.

A nighttime full-scale moist rehearsal for Ariane 6 was accomplished on 24 October 2023, the rocket was fueled after which drained of its gas. The check lasted over 30 hours with three groups working in shifts of 10 hours every.

A significant full-scale rehearsal was carried out on 23 November 2023 in preparation for its first flight, when groups on the bottom went by means of an entire launch countdown adopted by a seven-minute full firing of the core stage’s engine, as it will fireplace on a launch into space.

A 3rd mixed check loading occurred on 15 December 2024 that included a launch countdown to qualify the launch system in degraded circumstances and guarantee its robustness in preparation for operations. This check sequence included qualification exams of a number of launch system features in case of aborted launch and included one ignition of the Vulcain 2.1 engine thrust chamber. It was the fifth countdown run to incorporate loading Ariane 6 with cryo-propellants since July.

On 30 January 2024, the cryogenic connection system handed a final system check of the liftoff disconnection operations traces—the yellow arms supporting the gas traces to the higher stage to energy the Vinci orbital engine. Concurrently on the backside of the central core the connection system for the primary stage additionally disconnected.

On 5 February, it was the flip of {the electrical} umbilical traces to be disconnected. These traces provide the launcher and the satellites inside Ariane 6 with electrical energy but in addition host the digital signals for communications with the informatics system in addition to carrying sensor data to make sure the flight system is in fine condition for liftoff.

The most important elements for the primary flight mannequin of Europe’s new rocket Ariane 6 arrived on the port of Pariacabo in Kourou, French Guiana on 21 February 2024 through the novel ship, Canopée (cover in French). The Ariane 6 levels and elements are all manufactured throughout Europe.

The 2 central levels for Ariane 6’s first flight have been then assembled within the launcher meeting constructing (BAL) at Europe’s Spaceport. The core stage and the upper stage for Europe’s new rocket Ariane 6 are set to fly within the Summer time of 2024. As soon as assembled, the levels shall be transferred to the launch pad.