Ariane 6 prepares for inaugural launch from Europe's Spaceport

Ariane 6 prepares for inaugural launch from Europe's Spaceport
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Apr 26, 2024

On April 24, automated guided vehicles moved the Ariane 6 central core, which includes the main and upper stages, at a speed of 3 km/h from the launcher assembly building to the launch pad 800 meters away.

The central core's placement on the launch pad involved coordinated actions using two AGVs and a crane equipped with a lifting beam. This allowed for the upright positioning of the central core onto the Ariane 6 launch table.

On April 25 and 26, the launcher's two boosters were transported to the launch pad using a specially designed truck. These boosters were then mounted on the launch table beside the central core, forming the Ariane 6 configuration with dual boosters set for the inaugural flight.

The entire transfer and installation process was overseen by ESA, ArianeGroup, and France's space agency CNES.

"It was with great pride and considerable emotion that the teams from ArianeGroup, ESA and CNES delivered and installed the first Ariane 6 flight model on its launch pad. Seeing the new European launcher standing on the launch zone marks the completion of years of work in the design offices and production plants of ArianeGroup and all our industrial partners in Europe," said Martin Sion, Chief Executive Officer of ArianeGroup. "This event also signals the beginning of a new step of the first flight campaign, with all the challenges and complexities that this entails. The members of our Space Team Europe are bringing all their know-how and expertise to bear to ensure that the first flight will be a total success."

"Here we are! The Ariane 6 programme is now entering its final stretch before the inaugural flight from the Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. European sovereignty of access to space is once again possible, thanks to the hard work of the ESA, ArianeGroup and CNES teams," said Philippe Baptiste, Chief Executive Officer of France's space agency CNES. "I'd like to thank them and send them my best wishes for the final steps. Go Ariane 6!"

"Getting Ariane 6 to launch and to re-establish Europe's access to space is of highest priority for ESA to resume regular rocket launches from Europe's Spaceport," said ESA's Director General, Josef Aschbacher. "Having the rocket stages together on the launch pad marks the start of a launch campaign and shows we are almost there: soon we will see this beauty soar to the skies."

In subsequent days, the central core will be elevated using the lifting beam, allowing the boosters to be positioned precisely into their final placements. The central core will then be supported by these boosters as the teams finalize the mechanical and electrical connections.

The final assembly phase will involve installing the upper portion, which includes the payloads and the fairing, directly on the launch pad, just weeks before the launch. This innovative step in the Ariane 6 assembly process is aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing assembly cycles, and shortening launch campaigns.

Ariane 6 is an ESA programme where the agency acts as the primary procuring entity and architect for the launch system. ArianeGroup, as the industrial lead contractor and design authority, handles the launcher's development, production, and marketing through its Arianespace subsidiary. CNES serves as the lead contractor for the Ariane 6 launch base, managing the launch range facilities at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.