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#launchers

esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

Group photo in front of the Ariane 6 core with French President

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Teams from ESA, CNES, ArianeGroup and Arianespace working diligently to get the new European rocket Ariane 6 ready for launch pose for a photo with French President Emmanuel Macron who visited Europe's Spaceport on 26 March 2024. The President addressed the teams working on Ariane 6 in the launcher assembly building, with the rocket's upper stage and core stage that will soar into space soon in the background. Also present was Toni Tolker-Nielsen, ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, Philippe Baptiste CEO of France’s space agency CNES, Martin Sion CEO of ArianeGroup, Stéphane Israël CEO of Arianespace and François Ringuet, the mayor of Kourou, French Guiana.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

Group photo in front of the Ariane 6 core with French President

esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

Unboxing Ariane 6 ballast and adapter

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Video: 00:01:24

Scenes from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana during the unloading of the launch vehicle adapter and ballast at the final assembly building for the first Ariane 6 flight on 19 January 2024.

Placed on the top of Europe’s new rocket the launch vehicle adapter connects the launcher to the ballast and passengers for its first flight. The payloads will arrive later this year and prepared at the payload preparation facilities to prepare the cargo for launch and connecting everything to this payload adapter.

Once complete the payload is put under the protective nose cone. This fairing will ensure the cargo is kept at a nice ambient temperature and humidity while also protecting it from the elements. It also provides a sleek aerodynamic shape to help Ariane 6 overcome the atmosphere as it thunders upwards to space.

Teams from ArianeGroup, France’s space agency CNES and ESA are working hard to get the first Ariane 6 to fly ready to be moved to the all-new launch pad, where the central core will be raised to its vertical launch position. This is also where the two boosters for the first Ariane 6 flight will be connected. Lastly the payloads will be placed on top of the central core and covered by the fairing – Ariane 6’s nose cone that splits vertically in two.

Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.

Access the related broadcast quality video material.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

Unboxing Ariane 6 ballast and adapter

esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

Ariane 6 Fairing Separation

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Artist's view of the Ariane 6 rocket on it’s first flight as its fairing – a nose cone that splits into two vertically – showing its passengers at the top of the launcher. The view shows Ariane 6 already three minutes into launch after Ariane 6 will have jettisoned its two boosters after liftoff from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The passengers Ariane 6 will launch into space on its inaugural flight include several satellites, deployers and experiments from space agencies, companies, research institutes, universities and young professionals on its first flight.

From established players like NASA to students designing their first ever satellite, these missions will measure gamma rays, track wildlife, test self-healing solar cells, confirm the theory of black body radiation and more. There's a smart-farming satellite, a radio beacon demonstrator, experiments that will remain attached to the rocket's payload ‘adaptor’ and even capsules destined to reenter Earth’s atmosphere to test new materials – Ariane 6’s first flight will be packed with technology as its first payloads are sent on their way into space.

This plethora of missions is being supplied by three types of organisations: commercial companies, space agencies and universities. Together they have been building hardware to test and prove their technology works in space; satellites to measure weather on Earth or in the Solar System; study the Sun and perform other science experiments.

The new heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6 has been designed for all possible futures, and at its core is maximum versatility. Ariane 6 can put any satellite or payload into any orbital path. This is made possible with the new restartable Vinci engine that will power up the Ariane 6 upper stage again and again, stopping and starting to insert spacecraft into any orbit they need to be. The launcher stores enough fuel for a final burn, once its passengers are deployed, to deorbit and reenter safely back through Earth’s atmosphere.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

Ariane 6 Fairing Separation

esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

Ariane 6 stages having a BAL

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Video: 00:01:44

The two central stages for Ariane 6’s first flight are being assembled in the launcher assembly building (BAL) at Europe’s Spaceport. The core stage and the upper stage for Europe’s new rocket Ariane 6 are set to fly in the Summer of 2024. Once assembled, the stages will be transferred to the launch pad.

On the launch pad, the two stages will be raised into their vertical launch position inside the mobile assembly building. Here the two boosters for Ariane 6’s first flight will be added and then the payloads will be placed on top and be covered by the fairing – Ariane 6’s nose cone that splits vertically in two.

The stages arrived at Europe’s Spaceport on novel hybrid sail ship Canopée on 21 February after a two-week transatlantic crossing from mainland Europe.

Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.

Access the related broadcast quality video material.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

Ariane 6 stages having a BAL

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esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

Ariane 6 transport ship docking

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Video: 00:00:53

The upper stage and main stage for the first Ariane 6 launch arrived at the port of Pariacabo in Kourou, French Guiana on the novel ship, Canopée (canopy in French) on 22 February 2024. It is the first custom-built transporter to use sails, reducing emissions and saving on fuel by up to 30%, and on this trip, it has travelled for 10 days covering over 7000 km.

The hybrid-propulsion vessel is 121 m long and has 37 m tall sails. Canopée rotates continuously between stop-offs to load each Ariane 6 stage and other parts and ship them across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe’s spaceport.

On this trip, Canopée brought the central core for Ariane 6’s first flight. Having collected the upper stage from Bremen, Germany, Canopée moved on to Le Havre, France, to load the main stage of Ariane 6.

The next-generation cargo ship has been designed for ArianeGroup to meet the complex requirements of Ariane 6 transport – the stages and engines of Ariane 6 are high-tech equipment that require delicate care during transport.

Canopée’s structure is tailored to carry large, fragile loads as well as navigate the shallow Kourou river to Pariacabo harbour. From here the various Ariane 6 components are offloaded and transported by road to the new Ariane 6 launch vehicle assembly building just a few kilometres away.

Here, the launcher stages are unpacked and installed on the assembly line for integration, and finally, liftoff.

Access the related broadcast quality video material.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

Ariane 6 transport ship docking

One person like that
esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

Ariane 6 transport ship docking

image

Video: 00:00:53

The upper stage and main stage for the first Ariane 6 launch arrived at the port of Pariacabo in Kourou, French Guiana on the novel ship, Canopée (canopy in French) on 22 February 2024. It is the first custom-built transporter to use sails, reducing emissions and saving on fuel by up to 30%, and on this trip, it has travelled for 10 days covering over 7000 km.

The hybrid-propulsion vessel is 121 m long and has 37 m tall sails. Canopée rotates continuously between stop-offs to load each Ariane 6 stage and other parts and ship them across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe’s spaceport.

On this trip, Canopée brought the central core for Ariane 6’s first flight. Having collected the upper stage from Bremen, Germany, Canopée moved on to Le Havre, France, to load the main stage of Ariane 6.

The next-generation cargo ship has been designed for ArianeGroup to meet the complex requirements of Ariane 6 transport – the stages and engines of Ariane 6 are high-tech equipment that require delicate care during transport.

Canopée’s structure is tailored to carry large, fragile loads as well as navigate the shallow Kourou river to Pariacabo harbour. From here the various Ariane 6 components are offloaded and transported by road to the new Ariane 6 launch vehicle assembly building just a few kilometres away.

Here, the launcher stages are unpacked and installed on the assembly line for integration, and finally, liftoff.

Access the related broadcast quality video material.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

Ariane 6 transport ship docking

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esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

Rocket on the move – Ariane 6 main stage transport timelapse

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Video: 00:01:27

A timelapse of the main stage for the first Ariane 6 rocket as it left the ArianeGroup assembly hall in Les Mureaux, France, on 6 February 2024.

The main stage was constructed in Les Mureaux, France, at ArianeGroup’s assembly hall. After liftoff the main stage for Ariane 6 will fire its Vulcain 2.1 engine and provide steering for eight minutes on the rocket’s ascent into space.

The upper and main stage form the central core of Ariane 6 and are transported to Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana by ship. The two stages are connected horizontally at before being transport the final few kilometres to the launch area and lifted upright.

Once upright, two boosters will be added for Ariane 6’s first flight; they are already in French Guiana. Lastly, the upper composite fairing – a nosecone that splits vertically in two – and the payloads will be attached on the launch pad.

Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.

Access the related broadcast quality video material.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

Rocket on the move – Ariane 6 main stage transport timelapse

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esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

Rocket on the move – Ariane 6 upper stage transport timelapse

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Video: 00:02:47

A timelapse of the upper stage for the first Ariane 6 rocket as it left the ArianeGroup assembly hall in Bremen, Germany on 31 January 2024.

The upper stages for Ariane 6 are assembled in Bremen where the fuel tanks, Vinci engine and unique Auxiliary Power Unit are assembled to provide fuel, pressure, electricity and propulsion to put satellites into their required orbit.

The upper and main stage form the central core of Ariane 6 and are transported to Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana by ship. The two stages are connected horizontally at before being transport the final few kilometres to the launch area and lifted upright.

Once upright, two boosters will be added for Ariane 6’s first flight; they are already in French Guiana. Lastly, the upper composite fairing – a nosecone that splits vertically in two – and the payloads will be attached on the launch pad.

Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.

Access the related broadcast quality video material.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

Rocket on the move – Ariane 6 upper stage transport timelapse

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esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

Ariane 6 test model cryogenic system disconnection

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Video: 00:01:18

Teams from ESA, France’s space agency CNES and ArianeGroup successfully completed the disconnection and retraction of the Ariane 6 cryogenic systems on 30 January 2024.

These operations mark the start of dismantling the Ariane 6 test model to make way for its first launch. The combined test phase for Ariane 6 using propellants is now over and the European rocket is on track for its inaugural launch.

The test model that is on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, stands 62 m high. It is exactly the same as the ‘production model’ Ariane 6 rockets that will soon be launched, except that its boosters are not tested as part of the complete rocket.

For this test, the fuel lines for the upper stage and main stage were disconnected. The yellow arms support the fuel lines that deliver liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the upper stage that is powered by the Vinci orbital engine.

Instead of simply disconnecting the lines, the Ariane 6 teams approached the operations as more tests, or rehearsals, allowing the teams another chance to practice ahead of launch. Seconds before a liftoff, the cryogenic fuelling arms retract from the upper part of the rocket, removing the fuelling lines. The main stage is fuelled from the bottom of the rocket and these lines were also disconnected in the test.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

Ariane 6 test model cryogenic system disconnection

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esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

ESA’s future of space travel

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Video: 00:02:26

For 40 years, ESA has been shaping the future in space, while delivering crucial access to space for Europe. That work continues, as brand-new rockets are set to take flight: some reusable, some carbon-neutral, with hybrid propulsion, two and three stages, small, large, crewed and uncrewed, to Earth orbit and deep space, the journey continues.

All of these missions are currently in development in Europe and will ensure our continued ability to explore beyond our own home, while looking back to learn more about it.

This, is the future of space exploration.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

ESA’s future of space travel

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esa@social.gibberfish.org
European Space (unofficial)

Hot fire – Space Team Europe

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Video: 00:13:16

Join the people working on Ariane 6 – preparing for the combined hot-fire test that saw Europe’s next heavy-lift rocket fire its main engine for over seven minutes. Space Team Europe invites you behind the scenes at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to learn about one of the last tests before launch.

ESA’s new Ariane 6 rocket passed a major full-scale rehearsal today in preparation for its first flight, when teams on the ground went through a complete launch countdown followed by a seven-minute full firing of the core stage’s engine, as it would fire on a launch into space.

It took just over two hours and required teams of people and delicate operations to load the rocket’s central core with fuel. The filling operations were performed during a long countdown that included other qualification tests. For fidelity and to guarantee launcher stability, the upper stage tanks were also fuelled – even though the upper stage engine only kicks in once in orbit after separation from the main stage and so was not fired during this ground test.

The launch pad – operated by France’s space agency CNES – used its water deluge system to temper the heat from the engine.

The engine-fire trial reenacted how the Ariane 6 core stage will fire during a normal flight into space. Once complete the main engine would shut down and the core stage would separate from the upper stage, which would then take over propulsion and complete its mission.

#launchers #space #science #esa #europeanspaceagency
posted by pod_feeder_v2

Hot fire – Space Team Europe

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