ESA’s new Vega-C rocket is nearly ready for its inaugural flight. You can follow live on ESA Web TV. Flight VV21 will lift off as soon as 13 July at 13:13 CEST, pending suitable conditions for launch.
_ ** Broadcast begins 12:45 CEST/11:45 BST on ESA Web TV**_
_ ** 13:13 CEST/12:13 BST – liftoff**_
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
How can Europe exploit its technical, industrial and financial strengths to ensure it remains a leader in space transportation in the 2030s and beyond? How can ESA, Europe’s national space agencies and institutions, and both established and new industrial partners better co-ordinate their efforts to meet global competition that demands innovation and cost-reduction?
These were just a few of the questions discussed during an ESA-hosted roundtable conference held on 27-28 June in Palermo, Sicily. The event, called “Shared Vision for the Future of Space Transportation in Europe”, saw more than 100 representatives of Europe’s space sector discuss the technical and political challenges shaping the space transportation market.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
ESA, the French space agency CNES and a group of industrial and academic partners have set in motion an ambitious plan to slash CO2 emissions associated with orbital launches, by establishing infrastructure to underpin a hydrogen economy supporting Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
The central core of a test model of ESA’s new Ariane 6 heavy lift rocket has been assembled for the first time in the purpose-built Launcher Assembly Building at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
Download this media kit (English) to learn more about ESA’s new medium-lift launch system and its inaugural mission. Flight VV21 is scheduled for lift-off as soon as 7 July at 13:13 CEST, pending suitable conditions for launch.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
As the European Space Agency prepares to begin operations of its next-generation Vega-C and Ariane 6 launch systems complemented by the reusable Space Rider orbital transportation system, work is underway to define the future of European space transportation capabilities for the coming decade and beyond.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
Video: 00:00:39
ESA’s new Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket is a critical step closer to inaugural launch, following completion of tests to validate launch pad/launcher systems that will keep the vehicle topped up with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in the critical moments before liftoff.
While on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, Ariane 6 relies on a “cryogenic connection system” of umbilical cords carrying its hydrogen and oxygen fuel – liquified at -250C and -180C respectively – as well as helium and nitrogen used for flushing and purging. The tests seen in this video showed that retraction times and mechanical loads meet design expectations for the system which feeds the core stage. Similar tests of the upper stage system were completed earlier.
ESA Launch System Architect Engineer Franck Saingou says: “The great novelty of Ariane 6 is that those connections to the ground systems are released at liftoff. This close timing demands a very carefully synchronised movement of the connection systems, but there are great advantages.
“By remaining connected to the rocket until just a few seconds before liftoff, this system allows us to more easily drain the tanks in the event of an aborted launch.” Last-moment disconnection simplifies preparations for the next launch attempt, improving availability of Ariane 6.
And, adds Saingou, this system does away with some of the ‘purging lines’ needed by Ariane 5 – which reduces recurring costs and the dry mass of the rocket.
Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, emphasised the significance of these tests. “Ground systems are as important as the rocket itself, and it is critical that both work together as a precision system to deliver the game-changing performance we expect from Ariane 6.
“Ariane 6 marks a new era in reliable, competitive and autonomous European spaceflight, and I am delighted to see our teams in Europe and French Guiana making solid progress.”
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
Italy-based on-orbit transportation services provider D-Orbit is set to ramp-up industrialisation of its “last-mile” satellite delivery service with help from ESA’s Boost! programme.
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posted by pod_feeder_v2
Video: 00:01:21
Animated preview of flight VV21 illustrates gantry rollout and liftoff from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, stage and fairing separations, and deployment of the Italian Space Agency’s LARES-2 scientific payload and six research CubeSats. Vega-C represents a dramatic capability boost compared to its predecessor, Vega, which has flown since 2012. With new first and second stages and an uprated fourth stage, Vega-C increases performance from Vega’s 1.5 t to about 2.2 t in a reference 700 km polar orbit and handles larger payloads.
Access the related broadcast quality video material.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
Preparation for VV21, the inaugural flight of ESA’s new Vega-C rocket, continues at pace with integration of the Zefiro-9 solid-fuel third stage.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
An innovative new rocket engine that is key to ESA’s strategy for ensuring Europe’s independent access to space has successfully completed its first hot-firing test run. M10 is the first of a new generation of “green” rocket motors tested in Europe, at the new SPTF plant (Space Propulsion Test Facility) built by prime contractor Avio in Sardinia.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
ESA is inviting European space and non-space companies to get involved in the industrial service contracts of the French space agency, CNES, in its operational and maintenance activities at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
Launcher integration for the inaugural flight of Vega-C began with the P120C solid-fuel first stage being delivered to the Vega Launch Zone (Zone de Lancement Vega, or ZLV) at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana on 15 April 2022. P120C will also fly on Ariane 6, with two or four units serving as boosters depending on mission requirements.
The interstage segment to join the P120C first stage with the Z40 second stage followed on the 22nd.
For flight VV21, the principal payload will be LARES-2, a scientific mission of the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Also onboard will be six European research CubeSats.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
Video: 00:01:24
Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana is preparing for the arrival of Ariane 6, ESA’s new heavy-lift rocket. The latest round of testing aims to validate the system of fuel lines and mechanical supporting arms that will keep Ariane 6 topped up with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in the critical moments before liftoff. This work is part of the final preparations of the new Ariane 6 launch complex and all the systems necessary for a launch.
With the mobile gantry fully retracted – as for a launch – two articulated arms attached to the upper part of the Ariane 6 mast on the launch pad were separated and retracted while filled with hydrogen that is cooled to its liquid state at cryogenic temperatures. This manoeuvre mimics the seconds before liftoff.
The ‘cryo-arms’ are part of the fluidic connection system which connects to Ariane 6 in the final countdown to launch. They support the upper umbilicals which supply cryogenic top-up fuel, maintain the correct pressurisation of the tanks, cool the engines before ignition and generally keep the upper stage in an optimal condition right up to the point of liftoff. The same umbilicals allow the fuel to be drained safely if a launch is aborted.
Each arm is 13 m long and weighs 20 tonnes. One arm supplies liquid hydrogen at -250°C, the other supplies liquid oxygen at -180°C. When Ariane 6 lifts off, these arms will disconnect from the rocket and then pivot away quickly, in just 2.6 seconds, to avoid interfering with the rocket's ascent.
This manoeuvre requires great precision. Almost simultaneously it is necessary to disconnect the arms, protect the supply hoses from gas ejections from the boosters and allow the launch vehicle to pass while avoiding any contact with it.
A 50-tonne counterweight inside the mast speeds up the retraction of the arms. A smart damping system allows the arms to brake before the end of their swing backwards in order to protect the mechanical links with the mast.
Keeping the fluid supplies connected with the rocket until the moment of liftoff guarantees the best availability and simplification of the interface with the launch vehicle.
The disconnection of the cryo-arms from Ariane 6 is much faster than it is from Ariane 5, where the manoeuvre comes six seconds before liftoff. This means the sequence for Ariane 6 can be triggered at the latest possible moment in the countdown, reducing the chance of unnecessary disconnects in the event of an aborted launch.
Technical qualification tests are continuing. The objective now is to complete the qualification process of the hydrogen and oxygen filling lines and launcher interfaces for the lower, core stage.
Further information:
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posted by pod_feeder_v2
R&D Days on Propulsion and Flight Vehicles
Register for a 22–24 March 2022 ESA webex on current and future propulsion technologies with Q&A
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posted by pod_feeder_v2
Video: 00:03:10 Timelapse of the James Webb Space Telescope from preparation to liftoff on Ariane 5 at Europe’s Spaceport on 25 December 2021.
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posted by pod_feeder_v2
The James Webb Space Telescope lifted off on an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, at 13:20 CET on 25 December on its exciting mission to unlock the secrets of the Universe.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
The James Webb Space Telescope lifted off on an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, at 13:20 CET on 25 December on its exciting mission to unlock the secrets of the Universe.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
Image:
The James Webb Space Telescope is safely stowed inside the fairing of ESA’s Ariane 5 launch vehicle, which is now on the launch pad undergoing final checks and fuelling for a targeted liftoff at 12:20 GMT / 13:20 CET on 25 December from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
Webb will be the largest, most powerful telescope ever launched into space. As part of an international collaboration agreement, ESA is providing the telescope’s launch service using the Ariane 5 launch vehicle. Working with partners, ESA was responsible for the development and qualification of Ariane 5 adaptations for the Webb mission and for the procurement of the launch service by Arianespace.
Webb is an international partnership between NASA, ESA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Find out more about Webb in ESA’s launch kit and interactive brochure.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
On Thursday 23 December, the James Webb Space Telescope, safely stowed inside the fairing of ESA’s Ariane 5 launch vehicle, left the final assembly building for roll-out to the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2
