What To Know
- Despite these obstacles, the European Space Agency (ESA) and its industrial partners have persevered in the development of this new generation of space launchers, whose maiden flight is now set for July 9This flight will also be an opportunity to give back to Europe.
- Since the final flight of the Ariane 5 heavy launcher in July 2023 and the failure of the first commercial flight of the new Italian Vega-C rocket in 2022, European players are indeed dependent on competition, including SpaceXto launch satellites.
- The launch campaign began in April at the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in Kourou, French Guiana, where the central body of the first rocket was installed on the ELA4 launch pad.
The European Space Agency (ESA) announced today that the European Ariane 6 rocket makes maiden flight will take place on July 9 from Guyana. This important date should allow Europe to regain its sovereignty with regard to access to space.
A more efficient launcher
The development of Ariane 6 was motivated by the need to reduce launch costs to remain competitive in the space launcher market. Unlike its predecessor Ariane 5 which was a heavy launcher, Ariane 6 is designed to offer greater flexibility in terms of payload capacity and launch costs. Ariane 6 will indeed be available in two main versions: Ariane 62 and Ariane 64. The 62 version has two solid rocket boosters while the 64 version has four. This modularity will allow this rocket to adapt to a wide range of missions and payloads, from commercial satellites to scientific and institutional missions. Its upper stage capable of relighting its engines will also make it possible to launching multiple satellites into different orbits during the same flight. One of the key features of Ariane 6 is also its increased use of standardized technologies and reusable components, which helps reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs. In addition, Ariane 6 is designed to be easier to produce and assemble, which should contribute to greater operational efficiency.
Artist’s impression of the Ariane 6 rocket in space. Credits: ESA
The end of the tunnel for Ariane 6
The development of Ariane 6 has been plagued by delays, particularly due to various technical and logistical challenges. These delays have led to cost overruns and an extended time before the first operational flight. However, despite these obstacles, the European Space Agency (ESA) and its industrial partners have persevered in the development of this new generation of space launchers, whose maiden flight is now set for July 9This flight will also be an opportunity to give back to Europe. its independent access to space. Since the final flight of the Ariane 5 heavy launcher in July 2023 and the failure of the first commercial flight of the new Italian Vega-C rocket in 2022, European players are indeed dependent on competition, including SpaceXto launch satellites. Note that Ariane 6 has already 30 missions in its order book. The launch campaign began in April at the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in Kourou, French Guiana, where the central body of the first rocket was installed on the ELA4 launch pad. The last major step before launch will be the wet dress rehearsal. During this simulation, all systems of the launcher are tested under conditions as close as possible to a real launch, with the exception that the engines are not ignited. These maneuvers will allow engineers to ensure that all systems are operational and that the launch team is ready before the actual launch of the rocket.
