Ariane 6 Core Stage fires up for long-duration test

Ariane 6 Core Stage fires up for long-duration test
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Nov 24, 2023

In a significant step towards the maiden flight of Ariane 6, the collaborative efforts of ArianeGroup, the French Space Agency (CNES), and the European Space Agency (ESA) culminated in the successful execution of a long-duration hot-fire test of the Ariane 6 core stage. This test, conducted on November 23, 2023, at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, marks a pivotal advancement in the launch vehicle's development.

The recent hot-fire test is a continuation of Ariane 6's intensive testing regimen, building upon earlier milestones. These include the initial integration of the Ariane 6 launcher on its launch pad, comprehensive electrical and fluids functional qualification tests, and the first launch sequence tests. These earlier assessments, conducted on July 18, September 5, and October 23 of 2023, encompassed a range of critical procedures, from countdown sequence rehearsals to a 30-hour-long launch sequence and various qualification tests on several launch system functions.

The November 23 test sequence replicated a realistic launch scenario, featuring a final countdown, the removal of the mobile gantry, and the fueling of the launcher's tanks with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen at extremely low temperatures. The culmination of the test was marked by the ignition of the core stage Vulcain 2.1 engine, followed by over seven minutes of stabilized operation, simulating the entire core stage flight phase.

This test was crucial in evaluating all functional aspects of Ariane 6's core stage during its flight phase. Its success has significantly contributed to the qualification of the launch sequence operations and the Ariane 6 launcher, especially the core stage. Notably, the Ariane 6 upper stage has already been hot-fire tested on its inaugural flight mission profile at the test bench in Lampoldshausen, Germany, on September 1, in a joint effort by ArianeGroup, the German Space Agency (DLR), and ESA.

Martin Sion, CEO of ArianeGroup, commented on the achievement, stating, "Successfully completing such complex stage tests is a real industrial feat and I would like to congratulate the teams from ArianeGroup and all our partners, particularly ESA, CNES, and DLR, on the high quality of their work. On this final stretch towards the first flight, we still have to carry out a few additional tests to demonstrate fault tolerance, deliver the first launcher to Kourou, and perform the launch system qualification review."

Philippe Baptiste, Chairman and CEO of CNES, also expressed his views on this significant milestone: "The success of this long-duration hot-fire test of the Vulcain engine enabling us to validate operation of the core stage is very good news, taking us closer to Ariane 6's inaugural flight. We have accomplished this key milestone thanks to the unrelenting efforts of the teams at CNES, ArianeGroup, and ESA. The ever-growing body of data collected and analyzed accumulated through weeks of testing enables our teams to understand and master this new launch system. Ariane 6 is above all a great team effort."

ESA's Director General, Josef Aschbacher, also praised the collaborative effort, stating, "The teams at ArianeGroup, CNES, and ESA have now completed every step of the launcher's flight without it ever leaving Earth. This test is a key milestone that comes after years of design, planning, preparation, construction and hard work by some of Europe's very best space engineers. We are back on track to re-establish Europe's autonomous access to space. Well done everyone!"

The completion of this test represents a critical step towards the final qualification of the entire launch system, encompassing both the launcher and the launch site. The Ariane 6 program, managed and funded by ESA, sees ArianeGroup as the industrial lead contractor and design authority for the launcher. This responsibility extends to the development, production, and marketing of the launcher, conducted through its subsidiary, Arianespace. Meanwhile, CNES, in partnership with ArianeGroup, oversees the construction of the dedicated launch pad for Ariane 6 in Kourou and conducts the combined tests under ESA's supervision.

This collaborative and rigorous testing process underscores Europe's commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the global space industry and ensuring independent access to space. The successful completion of these tests brings Ariane 6 one step closer to its much-anticipated inaugural flight, marking a significant milestone in European space endeavors.