In a significant step towards the first-ever flight of the Ariane 6 rocket, the European Space Agency (ESA) has conducted a trial run to remove and return the mobile gantry that protects the rocket on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The operation, which took about half an hour, was carried out to prepare for a series of test firings of the Vulcain 2.1 engine.
The removal and subsequent return of the gantry also served to validate the ground infrastructure for the Ariane 6 rocket. It is important to note that the rocket visible in the image accompanying this article is not intended for flight. Instead, it is being used to check assembly procedures, electrical and fuel connections, telemetry, and other essential components.
The actual flight models of the Ariane 6 rocket are being built in Europe and integrated by prime contractor Ariane Group. Once completed, they will be shipped to French Guiana, where the core and upper stages will be assembled horizontally. The assembled rocket will then be transferred to the launch pad and lifted upright inside the gantry, where the solid-fuel boosters and payload will be attached.
This horizontal assembly method is a first for an Ariane rocket and significantly reduces both the time and cost of a launch campaign. The Ariane 6 rocket is an all-new design that will replace the Ariane 5 as Europe’s heavy-lift vehicle. Its autonomous capability to reach space is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the thousands of talented individuals involved in what is known as ‘Space Team Europe’.
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