YPSat captures Ariane 6 inaugural launch
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Jul 22, 2024

If there had been an astronaut aboard the historic first launch of Europe's Ariane 6, this is what they would have seen: images and videos from key phases of the flight, captured by the YPSat payload, a project led by ESA Young Professionals during their own time.

Attached to the launcher's upper stage, YPSat served as a crucial observer throughout the test flight. The payload transmitted its stored images and data back to Earth, providing invaluable insights into Ariane 6's performance.

Key flight phases imaged include Ariane 6's fairing separation, the deployment of its CubeSats, and in-orbit views of Earth and space.

The compact payload combined optical cameras with an innovative quantum-based sensor to record variations in Earth's magnetic field along the direction of flight. An amateur radio experiment allowed ham radio enthusiasts to connect with YPSat.

YPSat also included systems to wake it up before launch and transmit its data to ground stations. Most satellites only need to wake up once in orbit, but as YPSat recorded the separation of the fairing, it needed to be switched on before. The novel vibration-sensing system worked perfectly and activated the device moments after liftoff.

From dream to reality
The YPSat project represents the culmination of about two and a half years of dedication and hard work by a core team of about 30 Young Professionals from various ESA Establishments, Directorates, and disciplines. Sacrificing their spare time, they took on the entire responsibility of designing, building, and testing the payload before witnessing its successful launch.

Dietmar Pilz, ESA Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality, commented: "The success of YPSat is a testament to the immense potential and talents we have within ESA. It paves the way for future generations to play a leading role in shaping Europe's space endeavours."

Rocket into history
Europe's new heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6, made its inaugural flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana at 16:00 local time on 9 July (20:00 BST, 21:00 CEST).

Ariane 6 is the latest in Europe's Ariane rocket series, taking over from Ariane 5, and features a modular and versatile design that can launch missions from low-Earth orbit to deep space.

Related Links
ESA Young Professionals Satellites
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com