(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/p>\n
During the time of the visit, the factory already featured the fully assembled first stage for flight one. The Vulcain 2.1 engine was already integrated into the bottom of the rocket, and the transport container for the Canop\u00e9e ship was prepared outside of the factory.<\/p>\n
The factory also featured a hydrogen tank for flight three in testing, as well as parts for flight four and beyond. ArianeGroup confirmed to NASASpaceflight that six rockets are currently in work on the factory floor.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bild_2024-02-06_195357338.png\")
<\/p>\n
Main stage of Ariane 6 Flight Model 1 in ArianeGroup\u2019s integration hall in Les Mureaux. (Credit: ArianeSpace)<\/p>\n
Down the line, the goal of the factory is to support twelve flights a year. This cadence is shared by the second stage facility and is dictated by the turnaround time of Canop\u00e9e, which needs roughly 28 days for a full trip to the Guyana Space Center and back.<\/p>\n
To date, Ariane 6 has roughly 30 launch contracts signed. These mostly consist of Amazon\u2019s Project Kuiper, but also feature missions such as Galileo and the PLATO exoplanet telescope.<\/p>\n
Ariane 6 features the Vulcain 2.1 hydrolox engine on its first stage, which produces 1,370 kN of thrust. It is the successor to the Vulcain 2.0, which was used on Ariane 5. Down the line, potential upgrades to Ariane 6, such as a change to the Prometheus methalox engine, are possible \u2014 although this is more likely on the future Ariane Next vehicle.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20230628-Prometheus_full_ignition_ArianeGroup_test_centre_Vernon_France_22_June_2023.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
A prototype Prometheus engine is fired in Vernon, France. (Credit: ArianeGroup)<\/p>\n
Prometheus is the \u201cPrecursor Reusable Oxygen Methane cost Effective propulsion System\u201d, which is developed by ArianeGroup and ESA for Ariane Next. This methalox engine is part of a future engine development plan for ESA. It is also used on their Themis vertical takeoff and vertical landing prototype, in which ESA explores the idea of developing reusable rocket technology.<\/p>\n
See Also<\/h4>\n\n- ESA Section<\/li>\n
- L2 International Vehicles<\/li>\n
- Click here to Join L2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In the future, the Prometheus engine might be on the upgrade path for Ariane 6. Frank Huiban, Director of Civil Programs at ArianeGroup, said, \u201c[When] working on space programs, you have to consider several things in parallel. You can not only work on your current development but also need to prepare the following one. This is what we do with Prometheus, Themis, and other projects we run together with ESA.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe purpose is to prepare the key bricks for the next generation of European space transportation. Prometheus is part of that. It is not featured on Ariane 6 today, but it will be featured on other launch systems, developed by either ArianeGroup or other players. We will offer the engine to whoever will be interested to use it in systems.\u201d <\/p>\n
Regarding the fact that the first launch is a rideshare and the implications from that for the future of Ariane 6, he added, \u201cFor the inaugural flight, Ariane 6 will fly with more than 10 experiments and missions. It was a choice made together with ESA to invite all innovators to propose payloads for Ariane 6. From the very beginning, we start with this collective flight. In the future, we will have the possibility to group a large number of small missions to take the opportunity of one heavy lift to space.\u201d <\/p>\n
The second stage<\/b><\/p>\n
For the second stage of Ariane 6, the company uses their facility in Bremen, Germany. The factory also features multiple stages in production, and the flight one stage already has its Vinci engine integrated. New for Ariane 6, compared to Ariane 5, is the ability to relight the engine for deep space missions. <\/p>\n
Previously, Ariane 5 could only ignite its upper stage once, which allowed for missions to be sent to a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). With this relight capability, Ariane 6 can now launch directly to geostationary orbit (GEO), using a relight a few hours into the mission. Overall, the current version of Ariane 6 can launch up to five metric tons to GEO.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bild_2024-02-06_194341885.png\")
<\/p>\n
The upper stage of Ariane 6 flight one model in ArianeGroup\u2019s integration hall in Bremen. (Credit: ArianeGroup)<\/p>\n
\u201cWe already had the experience from the cryogenic upper stage of Ariane 5, but that stage was just a one-shot upper stage. You ignite it, you empty the tanks, it finishes, and that\u2019s it. With Ariane 6, we wanted another feature. [\u2026] And this reignition of a cryogenic upper stage is the challenge we had to solve,\u201d ArianeGroup told NSF.<\/p>\n
The re-ignition of the stage is not done using chemicals but is instead driven by an electrical spark that ignites a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gas, which then creates a flame and ignites the main chamber.<\/p>\n
Aside from the addition of reignition, Arianespace also changed the material of the nozzle extension to a carbon ceramic.<\/p>\n
Regarding the testing process, ArianeGroup said to NSF, \u201cWe are usually starting with electrical testing at the stages here, checking that the harness and connections are properly done. If that one is clean, we are going to a fluid test. This is where we pressurize the stage, check for leaks, and check the valve switching. We are verifying all the functions it has to perform in space.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/AG_0092512_LR.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The aft end of the Ariane 6 second stage. (Credit: ArianeGroup)<\/p>\n
Another major change in the upper stage is the addition of the auxiliary power unit (APU). Its main role is to pressurize the tanks during flight and allow for longer coasting times. The device will also be used to deorbit or passivize the second stage after its primary mission. The system was tested at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen, Germany.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe take guidelines very seriously to deorbit our stages, together with ESA, and this is why Ariane 6 fulfills these deorbit requirements, while other nations ignore the regulations,\u201d Ariane told NSF.<\/p>\n
Regarding the production of the Ariane 6 second stage, ArianeGroup added, \u201cFor this year, we are probably expecting two more stages, since we are just starting the ramp-up. The whole logistics chain is just starting. The team itself would be ready for more\u2026 We are limited by the production of the parts. We could produce more stages\u2026 If another ramp-up in the future is needed, we can support even more.\u201d <\/p>\n
The boosters<\/b><\/p>\n
The P120 rocket boosters are made by Avio in Italy. They are not only used for Ariane 6 but also for the VEGA-C\/E. Ariane 6 comes with the ability to feature either two or four of the P120 boosters. The maiden flight will feature two, which is indicated by the \u201c2\u201d in \u201cAriane 62.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bild_2024-02-06_194943249.png\")
<\/p>\n
An Ariane 6 solid rocket booster. (Credit: ESA-CNES)<\/p>\n
Down the line, the plan is to upgrade the boosters to the P120C+. This will extend the length of the boosters, and feature 14 tonnes of additional propellant. The Amazon project Kuiper missions plan to utilize the upgraded booster after the second Kuiper flight.<\/p>\n
Transport and the path to launch<\/b><\/p>\n
With both stages now concluding their assembly and testing, the next step will be their shipment onboard Canop\u00e9e. The hybrid ship, powered by both wind and fuel, was developed to transport the rocket. This approach was chosen to reduce the carbon emissions of the Ariane 6 project.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the ramp-up, the boat is designed to be always on rotation to support twelve flights a year.\u201d <\/p>\n
The ship will load both the first and second stages, as well as the booster casings for flights. Once it arrives at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, the rocket will be fully assembled horizontally, before being moved to the launch pad.<\/p>\n
After integration, Ariane 6 will not perform any more integrated testing, such as a static fire on the pad, as the qualification test from the certification pathfinder was deemed sufficient. <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/AG_0083518_LR.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The Ariane 6 pathfinder upper stage being loaded into its transport container. (Credit: ArianeGroup)<\/p>\n
Regarding pre-flight tests, Tolker-Nielsen said, \u201cWe retired a huge amount of risks last year with the combined testing in Corou by performing tanking and firing tests. This went well. We also did important testing of the upper stage in Lampoldshausen, where we performed full flight simulations. We are very confident now, with shipping the flight hardware, and we are undertaking a qualification review. [\u2026] This will confirm that we can fly all of this safely.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
For the first flight, ESA will operate the launch as the primary contractor. For later flights, Arianespace will take over the operation of the vehicle. For flight one, Arianespace and CNES officials are still involved in the operation of the rocket.<\/p>\n
Regarding this, Tolker-Nielsen said, \u201cIt has always been like that. It is a flight under ESA responsibility, we have bought this as part of our development program, so we are responsible for this first flight.\u201d<\/p>\n
The future of launching at ESA<\/b><\/p>\n
Aside from Ariane 6, ESA\u2019s Acting Director of Space Transportation Toni Tolker-Nielsen also talked with NSF about the future of launch vehicles at ESA.<\/p>\n
NSF asked Tolker-Nielsen how his optimal European launch market looks in the future. \u201cTomorrow we will have Ariane 6 and Vega-C. That will ensure independent access to space from Europe. At the same time, we have all these micro launchers developed all over Europe. In France, in Germany, in Spain, in the UK. We would like to force them to grow and introduce more competition to Europe. We believe this is necessary for the competitiveness of the sector in the future. <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Toni_Tolker-Nielsen_speaking_at_Ph-week_2021_pillars.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Toni Tolker-Nielsen, Acting Director of Space Transportation for ESA. (Credit: ESA)<\/p>\n
Regarding the topic of reusability, he said, \u201cFor the launchers that will come after Ariane 6 and Vega-C, they will be reusable. That is because of two reasons: I believe the market, both institutional and commercial, will grow, which means we need an increased cadence. And with that, it becomes economically viable to have reusability. The other reason is sustainability. We can not throw away stages like that in the future. For these two reasons, I am convinced that the next generation will be reusable launchers.\u201d<\/p>\n
(Lead Image: The first stage for Ariane 6 flight model one in ArianeGroup\u2019s integration hall in Les Mureaux. Credit: ArianeGroup)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The combined Ariane 6 launcher task force, consisting of ESA, CNES, and ArianeGroup, has reported on the progress of Ariane 6, the steps to launch, and the beginning of stage shipments to the launch site. The Canop\u00e9e ship, which Ariane and ESA use to transport the massive rocket, will collect the first and second stages […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[260,1634,498,242,455,341],"class_list":["post-24094","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","tag-ariane-6","tag-arianegroup","tag-arianespace","tag-france","tag-germany","tag-kourou"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24094"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24094"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24094\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24094"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24094"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24094"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
In the future, the Prometheus engine might be on the upgrade path for Ariane 6. Frank Huiban, Director of Civil Programs at ArianeGroup, said, \u201c[When] working on space programs, you have to consider several things in parallel. You can not only work on your current development but also need to prepare the following one. This is what we do with Prometheus, Themis, and other projects we run together with ESA.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe purpose is to prepare the key bricks for the next generation of European space transportation. Prometheus is part of that. It is not featured on Ariane 6 today, but it will be featured on other launch systems, developed by either ArianeGroup or other players. We will offer the engine to whoever will be interested to use it in systems.\u201d <\/p>\n
Regarding the fact that the first launch is a rideshare and the implications from that for the future of Ariane 6, he added, \u201cFor the inaugural flight, Ariane 6 will fly with more than 10 experiments and missions. It was a choice made together with ESA to invite all innovators to propose payloads for Ariane 6. From the very beginning, we start with this collective flight. In the future, we will have the possibility to group a large number of small missions to take the opportunity of one heavy lift to space.\u201d <\/p>\n
The second stage<\/b><\/p>\n
For the second stage of Ariane 6, the company uses their facility in Bremen, Germany. The factory also features multiple stages in production, and the flight one stage already has its Vinci engine integrated. New for Ariane 6, compared to Ariane 5, is the ability to relight the engine for deep space missions. <\/p>\n
Previously, Ariane 5 could only ignite its upper stage once, which allowed for missions to be sent to a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). With this relight capability, Ariane 6 can now launch directly to geostationary orbit (GEO), using a relight a few hours into the mission. Overall, the current version of Ariane 6 can launch up to five metric tons to GEO.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The upper stage of Ariane 6 flight one model in ArianeGroup\u2019s integration hall in Bremen. (Credit: ArianeGroup)<\/p>\n
\u201cWe already had the experience from the cryogenic upper stage of Ariane 5, but that stage was just a one-shot upper stage. You ignite it, you empty the tanks, it finishes, and that\u2019s it. With Ariane 6, we wanted another feature. [\u2026] And this reignition of a cryogenic upper stage is the challenge we had to solve,\u201d ArianeGroup told NSF.<\/p>\n
The re-ignition of the stage is not done using chemicals but is instead driven by an electrical spark that ignites a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gas, which then creates a flame and ignites the main chamber.<\/p>\n
Aside from the addition of reignition, Arianespace also changed the material of the nozzle extension to a carbon ceramic.<\/p>\n
Regarding the testing process, ArianeGroup said to NSF, \u201cWe are usually starting with electrical testing at the stages here, checking that the harness and connections are properly done. If that one is clean, we are going to a fluid test. This is where we pressurize the stage, check for leaks, and check the valve switching. We are verifying all the functions it has to perform in space.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The aft end of the Ariane 6 second stage. (Credit: ArianeGroup)<\/p>\n
Another major change in the upper stage is the addition of the auxiliary power unit (APU). Its main role is to pressurize the tanks during flight and allow for longer coasting times. The device will also be used to deorbit or passivize the second stage after its primary mission. The system was tested at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen, Germany.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe take guidelines very seriously to deorbit our stages, together with ESA, and this is why Ariane 6 fulfills these deorbit requirements, while other nations ignore the regulations,\u201d Ariane told NSF.<\/p>\n
Regarding the production of the Ariane 6 second stage, ArianeGroup added, \u201cFor this year, we are probably expecting two more stages, since we are just starting the ramp-up. The whole logistics chain is just starting. The team itself would be ready for more\u2026 We are limited by the production of the parts. We could produce more stages\u2026 If another ramp-up in the future is needed, we can support even more.\u201d <\/p>\n
The boosters<\/b><\/p>\n
The P120 rocket boosters are made by Avio in Italy. They are not only used for Ariane 6 but also for the VEGA-C\/E. Ariane 6 comes with the ability to feature either two or four of the P120 boosters. The maiden flight will feature two, which is indicated by the \u201c2\u201d in \u201cAriane 62.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
An Ariane 6 solid rocket booster. (Credit: ESA-CNES)<\/p>\n
Down the line, the plan is to upgrade the boosters to the P120C+. This will extend the length of the boosters, and feature 14 tonnes of additional propellant. The Amazon project Kuiper missions plan to utilize the upgraded booster after the second Kuiper flight.<\/p>\n
Transport and the path to launch<\/b><\/p>\n
With both stages now concluding their assembly and testing, the next step will be their shipment onboard Canop\u00e9e. The hybrid ship, powered by both wind and fuel, was developed to transport the rocket. This approach was chosen to reduce the carbon emissions of the Ariane 6 project.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the ramp-up, the boat is designed to be always on rotation to support twelve flights a year.\u201d <\/p>\n
The ship will load both the first and second stages, as well as the booster casings for flights. Once it arrives at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, the rocket will be fully assembled horizontally, before being moved to the launch pad.<\/p>\n
After integration, Ariane 6 will not perform any more integrated testing, such as a static fire on the pad, as the qualification test from the certification pathfinder was deemed sufficient. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Ariane 6 pathfinder upper stage being loaded into its transport container. (Credit: ArianeGroup)<\/p>\n
Regarding pre-flight tests, Tolker-Nielsen said, \u201cWe retired a huge amount of risks last year with the combined testing in Corou by performing tanking and firing tests. This went well. We also did important testing of the upper stage in Lampoldshausen, where we performed full flight simulations. We are very confident now, with shipping the flight hardware, and we are undertaking a qualification review. [\u2026] This will confirm that we can fly all of this safely.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
For the first flight, ESA will operate the launch as the primary contractor. For later flights, Arianespace will take over the operation of the vehicle. For flight one, Arianespace and CNES officials are still involved in the operation of the rocket.<\/p>\n
Regarding this, Tolker-Nielsen said, \u201cIt has always been like that. It is a flight under ESA responsibility, we have bought this as part of our development program, so we are responsible for this first flight.\u201d<\/p>\n
The future of launching at ESA<\/b><\/p>\n
Aside from Ariane 6, ESA\u2019s Acting Director of Space Transportation Toni Tolker-Nielsen also talked with NSF about the future of launch vehicles at ESA.<\/p>\n
NSF asked Tolker-Nielsen how his optimal European launch market looks in the future. \u201cTomorrow we will have Ariane 6 and Vega-C. That will ensure independent access to space from Europe. At the same time, we have all these micro launchers developed all over Europe. In France, in Germany, in Spain, in the UK. We would like to force them to grow and introduce more competition to Europe. We believe this is necessary for the competitiveness of the sector in the future. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Toni Tolker-Nielsen, Acting Director of Space Transportation for ESA. (Credit: ESA)<\/p>\n
Regarding the topic of reusability, he said, \u201cFor the launchers that will come after Ariane 6 and Vega-C, they will be reusable. That is because of two reasons: I believe the market, both institutional and commercial, will grow, which means we need an increased cadence. And with that, it becomes economically viable to have reusability. The other reason is sustainability. We can not throw away stages like that in the future. For these two reasons, I am convinced that the next generation will be reusable launchers.\u201d<\/p>\n
(Lead Image: The first stage for Ariane 6 flight model one in ArianeGroup\u2019s integration hall in Les Mureaux. Credit: ArianeGroup)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The combined Ariane 6 launcher task force, consisting of ESA, CNES, and ArianeGroup, has reported on the progress of Ariane 6, the steps to launch, and the beginning of stage shipments to the launch site. The Canop\u00e9e ship, which Ariane and ESA use to transport the massive rocket, will collect the first and second stages […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[260,1634,498,242,455,341],"class_list":["post-24094","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","tag-ariane-6","tag-arianegroup","tag-arianespace","tag-france","tag-germany","tag-kourou"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24094"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24094"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24094\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24094"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24094"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24094"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}