Ariane 6 prepares for inaugural launch

On 24 April 2024, Europe's new rocket, Ariane 6, was vertically positioned on the launch pad for its first space journey.

The rocket's central core, comprising the main and upper stages, was moved from the launcher assembly building to the launch pad, located approximately 800 meters away, using four automated vehicles.

At the launch site, a coordinated effort involving two automated vehicles and a crane with a lifting beam vertically lifted the central core. It was then placed on the launch table and rotated to align the stages' fluid connections with the launch pad umbilicals, which will supply the necessary liquid hydrogen and oxygen for the launch.

Ariane 6 is housed within a 90-meter-tall metallic mobile building that rolls away on rails after assembly completion, providing the rocket with an unobstructed view of the sky. This structure also includes platforms for technicians to perform final assembly tasks and safeguard the rocket until it is launch-ready.

As Europe's latest heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6 aims to offer enhanced power and flexibility at reduced costs compared to previous models. It features an upgraded main stage, a choice between configurations with two or four powerful boosters, and a new restartable upper stage. This design allows for multiple missions to be launched into various orbits in a single flight, while also ensuring the upper stage deorbits at the end of its mission.

Related Links

Ariane 6

Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com

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