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International Space Flight (ESA, Russia, China and others) => ESA Launchers - Ariane, Soyuz at CSG, Vega => Topic started by: woods170 on 03/28/2013 11:48 am

Title: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 03/28/2013 11:48 am
NOTE: this thread is meant only for UPDATES regarding the development of Ariane 6.

As such, it is a companion to the ESA - Ariane 5 ME Updates (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=27843.0) -thread.

- Discussions about liquid- versus solids Ariane belong in the Ariane 6: solid vs. liquid -thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=30749.0)
- Discussions about manned vehicles or man-rated vehicles on Ariane 6 belong in the Ariane 6 and crewed ARV -thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=17309.0).
- Discussions about the long road that led to the decision to develop Ariane 6 belong in the ESA begins work on Ariane 6 -thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=20096.0).
- All personal opinions about this launcher do not belong on this thread. Best take them to one of the discussion threads linked above.

Thank you in advance for complying with the noted restrictions. All violations will be reported to the moderators.

End of note.

OK, to kick-off this thread, some recent eye-candy...

All images - credit: CNES/ill./DUCROS David, 2013
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 03/28/2013 01:29 pm
Some older news. Copied accros from the Ariane 5 ME Updates thread:

http://www.astrium.eads.net/en/press_centre/astrium-wins-contracts-to-design-ariane-6-and-continue-development-of-ariane-5.html

Quote
The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Astrium, Europe’s leading space technology company, €108 million worth of prime contractor agreements covering the development of the Ariane 6 and Ariane 5 ME launchers. The contracts follow on from the decisions reached at the ESA Ministerial Council meeting in Naples on 20-21 November 2012.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 03/28/2013 01:35 pm
Slightly less older development news.

http://www.cnes.fr/web/CNES-en/10705-gp-europe-sets-its-sights-on-ariane-6.php

Quote
Ariane 5 is hamstrung by the need to find 2 satellites ready to launch every 2 to 3 months and compatible with its lift performance,” notes Joseph Berenbach. “On the other hand, Ariane 6 will launch a single satellite at a time, so it will be much more flexible and responsive: customers will no longer have to wait to launch their spacecraft.

Images - credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 03/28/2013 01:53 pm
The Space Unconference 2013 (SpaceUp 2013), to be held at ESA headquarters in Paris, from May 24th - May 26th 2013, will host the Ariane 6 kick-off event.

http://www.spaceup.fr/spaceup-paris-2013/ariane-6-kick-off-event/

http://www.spacetweepsociety.org/2013/03/20/spaceup-paris-t-64-days/

Quote
CNES, the French space agency, invites the SpaceUp attendees to learn more about the future ESA launcher, Ariane 6. On Friday 24th May, engineers from the CNES Launchers Directorate and ESA’s Launchers Directorate will present their work, take part in interactive workshops and submit challenges to the participants.

Anyone from this forum attending?  :)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 03/28/2013 07:55 pm
Some more older news, from a French source, but it contains the first views of the proposed launch zone for Ariane 6:

http://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/ariane-6-implique-la-construction-d-un-nouveau-pas-de-tir-a-kourou.N188375

Translation mine:
Quote
On Wednesday, December 19, 2012, in the combined ESA/CNES facility, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, Michel Eymard, CNES Director of Launchers presented a model of the future Ariane 6. (Note: see image below)Performed in 3D-printing, it represents the"PPH" configuration of the rocket, with three solid boosters on the lower stage (first stage), a similar solid booster above the lower stage, and a cryogenic upper stage.

The favorite configuration of CNES for the future Ariane was already known before the Ministerial Conference in Naples. However, the future launch area of the launcher was never previously revealed. Christian Canart, CNES project manager for the Guyana ground facilities, presented the future site plan and an artist impression.

"It's included in the $ 4 billion?" the concerned ESA minister Geneviève Fioraso immediately asked. The answer from CNES President Yannick d'Escatha was immediate: 'Yes, it's included'.

Like Vega, the small European launcher, Ariane 6 final assembly is performed directly on the pad. In contrast, Ariane 5 was assembled in a building, then received it's payload and fairing in another building, before being transferred to the launchpad.

The map below shows the area of the Guiana Space Centre, which would be dedicated to Ariane 6. In the BICI (Lower Composite Integration Facility), the solid boosters for the lower two stages are integrated, before being stored in the BSE. ZL means launch area. The cryogenic upper stage and payload-composite are assembled directly on the pad. Two launch areas (ZL1 and ZL2) may be considered for parallel launch processing.

Everything will be located north of the Ariane 5 launch area.

Production units for the solid booster propellants are extensions of existing units which are also located inside the Guiana Space Center.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: baldusi on 03/29/2013 02:29 am
So, they'll have a mobile integration tower, that will also enclose a fixed service tower (for H2, auxiliary gases, etc.). They did stated that they would integrate the lower three solids on a separate building. So I'm assuming it will have some sort of mobile bed? Or will the service tower and bed be integrated like the Atlas V's MLP?
BTW, I still don't see how will they scale down performance. Unless they can do a PPH with a single solid at the base.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 03/29/2013 07:12 am
So, they'll have a mobile integration tower, that will also enclose a fixed service tower (for H2, auxiliary gases, etc.). They did stated that they would integrate the lower three solids on a separate building. So I'm assuming it will have some sort of mobile bed? Or will the service tower and bed be integrated like the Atlas V's MLP?
BTW, I still don't see how will they scale down performance. Unless they can do a PPH with a single solid at the base.

Remember, this is an update thread. Not a discussion thread. I suggest you take your questions/remarks regarding integration and performance to one of the existing discussion threads. Or, create a new appropriate discussion thread.

Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 on 03/29/2013 12:31 pm
So, they'll have a mobile integration tower, that will also enclose a fixed service tower (for H2, auxiliary gases, etc.). They did stated that they would integrate the lower three solids on a separate building. So I'm assuming it will have some sort of mobile bed? Or will the service tower and bed be integrated like the Atlas V's MLP?
BTW, I still don't see how will they scale down performance. Unless they can do a PPH with a single solid at the base.

Remember, this is an update thread. Not a discussion thread. I suggest you take your questions/remarks regarding integration and performance to one of the existing discussion threads. Or, create a new appropriate discussion thread.

Thank you.
I created Ariane 6 Discussion Thread for everyone.
LINK: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 04/23/2013 05:41 pm
New image from CNES showing a notional Ariane 6 launchpad.


Image - credit: CNES/ill./CHERFI Mourad, 2013
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: baldusi on 04/23/2013 09:03 pm
New image from CNES showing a notional Ariane 6 launchpad.


Image - credit: CNES/ill./CHERFI Mourad, 2013

Why the Russian style flame "trench"? Does it does away with most of pad refurbishment?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 04/24/2013 06:29 am
Warning: this is an update thread. Please post your questions in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0)

Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 04/26/2013 03:32 pm
Pic posted on ESA website.

I wonder why 2 strap-ons have little wings  ???
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: baldusi on 04/26/2013 04:40 pm
Normally, when little "wings" are added, is usually to keep aerodynamic stability at separation. For a famous example, the Saturn V needed them to keep the first stage from deviating enough to guarantee the safe escape of the Apollo in case of an abort. Without those wing, if the avionics section failed, the rocket could tumble more than the time needed to eject the capsule in a safe attitude. I.e. before the rocket would break down by aerodynamic forces. Thus, I would speculate that those are there to keep the expended rockets from contacting their neighbors during separation.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 04/26/2013 08:05 pm
The recent ESA update on Ariane 6 also includes a short term timeline of what is to happen in this year:

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Launch_vehicles/Ariane_6

Quote
Ariane 6 elements

The Ariane 6 is a three-stages configuration (called PPH) powered by solid propulsion for the lower composite (first two stages) and with a cryogenic liquid oxygen and hydrogen for the upper stage.

For the lower composite, several options are being considered in terms of number, loading and arrangement of motors.

For the upper stage, Ariane 6, similarly to Ariane 5 ME Adapted, will use cryogenic propulsion for the upper stage based on the Vinci engine. It will be restartable and have direct deorbiting features.

Ariane 6 work logic

The preparatory work has begun, with a first phase of trade-offs between different PPH concepts that will lead to the selection of one Ariane 6 concept by the second quarter of 2013. Analysis will begin on the selected concept during the feasibility stage, planned for completion in mid-2013.

Some of the Ariane 6 concepts under investigation

This will be followed by the preliminary definition phase which aims to show the overarching objective of the Ariane 6 launch system can be met: reduced exploitation costs.

The complete development of the Ariane 6 launch system will be proposed at the 2014 Council at ministerial level.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 05/27/2013 06:05 am
Little late update:

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/35469with-ariane-6-launch-site-selected-cnes-aims-to-freeze-design-of-the-new#.UaL3EpFrOHN (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/35469with-ariane-6-launch-site-selected-cnes-aims-to-freeze-design-of-the-new#.UaL3EpFrOHN)

Quote
PARIS — The French space agency, CNES, expects to freeze the final design of the new-generation Ariane 6 launcher by July, a milestone that will trigger work on a new launch pad in French Guiana whose location has already been decided, according to CNES officials.

The rocket and the launch installation are being designed to operate Ariane 6 at least eight times per year, with a mission goal of 12 flights annually to keep production and operations costs within the targeted 70 million euros ($91 million) per launch.

At somewhere between eight and 12 flights per year, including three or four European government missions, Ariane 6 would no longer need the annual price supports that the current heavy-lift Ariane 5 still requires despite a decade-long run without a failure.

The 20-nation European Space Agency (ESA) pays about 100 million euros per year to the Arianespace commercial launch consortium to permit the Evry, France-based company to avoid financial losses.

The 70 million euro target for Ariane 6 is viewed as an all-in cost that would include about 14 million euros per launch in ground operations and also would include the sales and marketing charges incurred by Arianespace.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 05/27/2013 06:34 am
Little late update:

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/35469with-ariane-6-launch-site-selected-cnes-aims-to-freeze-design-of-the-new#.UaL3EpFrOHN (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/35469with-ariane-6-launch-site-selected-cnes-aims-to-freeze-design-of-the-new#.UaL3EpFrOHN)

Quote
PARIS — The French space agency, CNES, expects to freeze the final design of the new-generation Ariane 6 launcher by July, a milestone that will trigger work on a new launch pad in French Guiana whose location has already been decided, according to CNES officials.

The rocket and the launch installation are being designed to operate Ariane 6 at least eight times per year, with a mission goal of 12 flights annually to keep production and operations costs within the targeted 70 million euros ($91 million) per launch.

At somewhere between eight and 12 flights per year, including three or four European government missions, Ariane 6 would no longer need the annual price supports that the current heavy-lift Ariane 5 still requires despite a decade-long run without a failure.

The 20-nation European Space Agency (ESA) pays about 100 million euros per year to the Arianespace commercial launch consortium to permit the Evry, France-based company to avoid financial losses.

The 70 million euro target for Ariane 6 is viewed as an all-in cost that would include about 14 million euros per launch in ground operations and also would include the sales and marketing charges incurred by Arianespace.

Quote
Taking advantage of work done years ago on what was then a quarry, CNES officials have selected a site to the north of the Ariane 5’s launch site for Ariane 6, an area called Roche Nicole. Quarry construction left a large pit, now filled with water, that will be used for the Ariane 6 flame trench.

CNES officials say that because of the quarry work, done to support launches of the now-retired Ariane 4 rocket, the flame trench is now the equivalent of 70 percent complete even though no work has begun on it.

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 05/31/2013 06:39 am
http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/35546europe-urged-to-halt-work-on-%E2%80%98dead-end-ariane-6-design#.UahCkJFrMrs (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/35546europe-urged-to-halt-work-on-%E2%80%98dead-end-ariane-6-design#.UahCkJFrMrs)

Quote
Europe Urged To Halt Work on ‘Dead End' Ariane 6 Design

Europe’s Air & Space Academy says the French and European space agencies are moving in the wrong direction on the future Ariane 6 rocket and should delay development in favor of a redesign that provides more growth potential.

The academy is urging the agencies to stop work on the Ariane 6 they approved in November with a view to beginning full development in 2014. The academy-favored rocket would use liquid propulsion instead of solid, and would face four more years of preparatory work before moving to full development in 2018.

In the meantime, the academy says, Europe should focus on an upgraded heavy-lift Ariane 5 that would fly for a decade before both it and the Europeanized version of Russia’s medium-lift Soyuz rocket are replaced by the all-liquid Ariane 6 in 2027. This rocket, called Ariane 5 ME, has been in design for several years. Continued work on it was approved, alongside Ariane 6, at the November meeting of European Space Agency (ESA) governments.

Discussing this news article should be done in the Ariane 6 DISCUSSION thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 06/10/2013 07:29 am
Here is the ESA response to the recent call for a pause in Ariane 6 development:

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/35678ignoring-call-for-strategic-pause-esa-intends-to-stay-the-course-on (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/35678ignoring-call-for-strategic-pause-esa-intends-to-stay-the-course-on)

Quote
Ignoring Call for Strategic Pause, ESA Intends To Stay the Course on Ariane 6

The European Space Agency (ESA) has no intention of changing course for its future Ariane 6 rocket despite pointed criticism of the selected design by former ESA and European industry launch-vehicle experts, ESA Launch Vehicle Director Antonio Fabrizi said June 7.

Fabrizi said the current design, using two solid-fueled stages topped by a cryogenic upper stage, received the specific endorsement of ESA’s governments last November and cannot simply be set aside. He said the vehicle’s final design — both a single-block first stage and a multiblock cluster are being discussed — will be settled by early July.

Discussing this news article should be done in the Ariane 6 DISCUSSION thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 06/14/2013 06:56 am
More artist impressions.

Credit: CNES/DUCROS David, 2013
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 06/28/2013 12:19 am
Found a new version. Now with 5 boosters in the first stage instead of 3. In total there will be 6.

From this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTai5KX1QWA
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: fregate on 06/28/2013 12:53 am
SPACEFLIGHT Magazine VOLUME 183 NUMBER 5396, 25 JUNE-1 JULY 2013
Critical Ariane design decision looms
Quote
ESA committee considers configuration options for successful launcher’s sixth incarnation, set to be revealed at end of June
The shape of Europe’s next launcher will be revealed as soon as end-June, with the selection of the configuration of the Ariane 6 rocket.
The European Space Agency’s industrial policy committee is choosing between a variety of solid-fuel stage arrangements, in a bid to replace the Ariane 5 heavy lifter with a less-expensive and more flexible – but equally reliable – alternative for flight from the early 2020s.
Speaking at the Paris air show, ESA director general Jean-Jacques Dordain said the move to solid fuel – rather than the liquid hydrogen and oxygen liquid motors that power Ariane 5 – represents a 10-year technology selection process.
Ariane 6, approved for development by ESA member state space and industry ministers in a five-year budget deal set in November 2012, is a bid to maintain Europe’s leading position in 
launches of big telecommunications satellites and other heavy payloads with a modular rocket system that allows components to be built in advance, stored and assembled as needed. Today,
each Ariane 5 must be tailormade for a specific payload.
Separately, Alain Charmeau, chief executive of Ariane 5 and 6 prime contractor Astrium Space Transportation, says his key challenge is to reorganise the European space industry to develop
and deliver Ariane 6 to a target launch price of about €75 million ($100 million) – that is, to be organised to work backwards from a market-competitive price rather than set a launch price
based largely on the cost of manufacturing and development.
NASA, said Charmeau, is the inspiration for this bold bid to reconfigure the European industry.
By setting objectives rather than specifications, NASA is starting to benefit from private sector innovation. SpaceX and its Falcon 9 rocket is the most visible example.                                     
Cutting costs, adds Charmeau, is going to mean delivering vehicles with fewer people working in the supply chain. “This is the challenge,” he says.
Meanwhile, Ariane 5 is being upgraded to add about a fifth to its payload capacity – to 12t. ESA’s industrial policy committee will next week sign contracts to see that work through to 2017, when the so-called Midlife Extension variant is due to fly, says Dordain.
He hopes ESA member states – particularly France and Switzerland, who lead development of Ariane 5 and its payload fairing – will approve “a fairly small amount of money”, about €30 million, to engineer a slightly enlarged fairing volume, to accommodate electric propulsion units for satellites inside. These represent a significant advance in satellite control, and reduce the mass of fuel that must be launched to orbit.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 06/28/2013 07:14 pm
Found a new version. Now with 5 boosters in the first stage instead of 3. In total there will be 6.

From this video:

<video snipped>

Not a new version but an older version. This is one of the notional versions that were presented shortly before the november 2012 ESA ministerial conference.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 06/28/2013 07:26 pm
^

Ok, but what size are the boosters? To my knowledge it has always been 3xP135 - 1xP135 - US. Or the version with strap-ons.

This however must be something different, maybe P100 which is planned for Vega evolution?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 07/09/2013 09:34 am
First!!  ;D

Baseline Configuration Of Ariane 6 Selected

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/The_baseline_configuration_of_Ariane_6_
selected_by_consensus_on_the_basis_of_decisions_taken_by_ESA_s_Ministerial_Council_of_November_2012

Apparently there will only be one version. 3 P135 in line as a first stage, 1 P135 as second stage.

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 07/09/2013 11:38 am
Further to Oli's post, the U/S is to be a Vinci.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 07/09/2013 11:50 am
CNES had apparently done away with the 'clustered' set of 3 P135's in the first stage. The P135's are now more conventionally positioned 'in a row'.

Images below: Credit: CNES/DUCROS David, 2013
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Lars_J on 07/09/2013 06:16 pm
Are the three boosters in the first stage "row" linked together, or does the middle one have a different fuel layout to burn longer?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Remes on 07/09/2013 06:40 pm
Are the three boosters in the first stage "row" linked together, or does the middle one have a different fuel layout to burn longer?
First stage has 3 Solids. Second stage 1 Solid. Third stage lox. (I hope they manage to keep all solids as equal as possible).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: spacejulien on 07/09/2013 08:28 pm
Are the three boosters in the first stage "row" linked together, or does the middle one have a different fuel layout to burn longer?
First stage has 3 Solids. Second stage 1 Solid. Third stage lox. (I hope they manage to keep all solids as equal as possible).
All three first stage motors burn out at the same time and are foreseen to be separated in one piece.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 07/13/2013 08:24 am
DLR still unconvinced by solid fueled Ariane 6:

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/36225dlr%E2%80%99s-woerner-remains-unconvinced-just-unveiled-ariane-6-design-is-right#.UeEMI6y3kZY (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/36225dlr%E2%80%99s-woerner-remains-unconvinced-just-unveiled-ariane-6-design-is-right#.UeEMI6y3kZY)

As always: discuss this article in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/24/2013 08:26 pm
Astrium awarded three new contracts by ESA for Ariane 6 and Ariane 5 ME launchers

http://www.astrium.eads.net/en/press_centre/astrium-awarded-three-new-contracts-by-esa-for-ariane-6-and-ariane-5-me.html

Quote
- €106 million contract for continued development of the Ariane 5 ME

- €278 million contract for continued development of elements common to the Ariane 5 ME and Ariane 6 launchers

- €30 million contract to kick off preliminary studies for Ariane 6 in 2013

Quote
The third contract is for the start of development studies for the Ariane 6 launcher, based on the concept selected in July.
Quote
Astrium will now press ahead with definition and feasibility studies on the future Ariane 6 European launcher. These studies aim to define the chosen concept and architecture of the Ariane 6 launcher and to specify its main characteristics prior to the start of its industrial development, in 2014.
Quote
The Ariane 6 and Ariane 5 ME launchers will both feature the same liquid-propulsion system in their upper stages, specifically the Vinci® engine, and largely the same fairing.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/15/2013 06:44 am
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Ariane_6_moves_to_next_stage_of_development (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Ariane_6_moves_to_next_stage_of_development)

Quote
In early July (2013), seven months after ESA’s Ministerial Council decision (2012), the concept for the Ariane 6 vehicle was selected.

On 1 October the Preliminary Requirements Review of the launch system began. The management plans and the preliminary specifications together with the technical and programmatic files of the concept were submitted for review.

The review was concluded by the board on 6 November. The review involved European experts from Arianespace, Italy’s ASI space agency, France’s CNES space agency, the DLR German Aerospace Center and ESA. European customers also participated and contributed to the consolidation of the Mission Requirement Document, which will drive the development.

The next step for the Ariane 6 project is the completion of a first Design Analysis Cycle, which is planned for the end of February, and which includes trade-offs for several subsystems. A second Design Analysis Cycle will start in March. The results of the second loop will feed the next ESA review: the System Requirements Review, planned for October–November 2014.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/15/2013 12:43 pm
Credit: CNES/ill./DUCROS David, 2013
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Jester on 12/04/2013 09:43 am
In french, video about Ariane 6 launch site (la roche Nicole) 4 km from Ariane 5 launch site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-GhInY7AYE
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: baldusi on 12/04/2013 05:15 pm
That's also at Sinnamary, as the ELS, right? Is it the site of the old digging?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 on 12/04/2013 07:37 pm
That's also at Sinnamary, as the ELS, right? Is it the site of the old digging?
AFAIK it is the later option that was mentioned.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 12/21/2013 08:27 pm
New pic.

Other info from the CNEStweetup. A6 could evolve into a 4t or 8t launcher, depending on the market. The 8t version would be doable with 5 solid motors in the first stage.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 01/08/2014 05:54 am
Europe To Consider Radically Streamlined Supplier Base for Next-generation Ariane 6 Launcher
http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/38968europe-to-consider-radically-streamlined-supplier-base-for-next-generation (http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/38968europe-to-consider-radically-streamlined-supplier-base-for-next-generation)

Quote
A radically simplified European rocket manufacturing organization that cuts the number of companies involved in Ariane rocket construction by two-thirds and permits a next-generation Ariane 6 rocket to meet its aggressive cost targets will be presented to European governments in March, officials from the French space agency, CNES, said Jan. 6.

As always: please discuss in the discussion thread. Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: spacediver on 03/19/2014 09:23 am
http://spacenews.com/article/launch-report/39905questions-swirl-around-future-of-europe%E2%80%99s-ariane-launcher-program

Fioraso’s remark, ... , may indicate that France is ready to consider alternative Ariane 6 configurations.

Spacediver

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 03/19/2014 10:40 am
http://spacenews.com/article/launch-report/39905questions-swirl-around-future-of-europe%E2%80%99s-ariane-launcher-program (http://spacenews.com/article/launch-report/39905questions-swirl-around-future-of-europe%E2%80%99s-ariane-launcher-program)

Fioraso’s remark, ... , may indicate that France is ready to consider alternative Ariane 6 configurations.

Spacediver

As always: please discuss in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 05/20/2014 06:18 pm
French Space Minister Open to Ariane 6 Design Changes

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/40626french-space-minister-open-to-ariane-6-design-changes (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/40626french-space-minister-open-to-ariane-6-design-changes)

As always: please discuss in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 05/22/2014 08:10 pm
Germany’s Budget Straitjacket Complicates Europe's Ariane Funding Outlook

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/40655germany%E2%80%99s-budget-straitjacket-complicates-europes-ariane-funding-outlook (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/40655germany%E2%80%99s-budget-straitjacket-complicates-europes-ariane-funding-outlook)

Quote
Germany has informed the European Space Agency that German spending on launch vehicles will remain flat for the next decade, a decision that complicates the agency’s already difficult attempt to secure funding and design consensus for a new-generation Ariane rocket. Because of Germany’s weight in any realistic rocket-funding scenario in Europe, the German decision means the 20-nation ESA will be limited to an annual launcher budget of around 850 million euros ($1.2 billion) per year between 2015 and 2024.

As always: discussion in the discussion thread please. Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 06/30/2014 07:09 pm
Airbus, Safran Surprise ESA with Last-minute Ariane 6 Design

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41093airbus-safran-surprise-esa-with-last-minute-ariane-6-design (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41093airbus-safran-surprise-esa-with-last-minute-ariane-6-design)

Quote
A European Space Agency bid-evaluation team is expected to deliver its judgment by July 5 on two different designs for a next-generation Ariane 6 rocket — one it has been examining for about a year, and another it only discovered June 18.

As always: discussion in the discussion thread please. Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: spacejulien on 07/02/2014 07:16 pm
I think we should also link this: http://www.safran-group.com/site-safran-en/press-media/media-section/article/safran-airbus-group-launcher?14008 (http://www.safran-group.com/site-safran-en/press-media/media-section/article/safran-airbus-group-launcher?14008)

Quote
What do Airbus Group and Safran recommend for Europe’s future Ariane 6 launcher?

We’re ready to propose to the European Space Agency (ESA) two versions of this launcher, called Ariane 6.1 and 6.2. Each of these versions will comprise a solid-propellant first stage, with two P145 boosters, and a new central stage derived from the current stage and using the Vulcain 2 cryogenic engine developed by Snecma, at optimized cost. The difference between the two versions is in the upper stage: Ariane 6.1 will be based on the Vinci engine (also developed by Snecma), as on the Ariane 5 ME (Midlife Evolution), while the Ariane 6.2 upper stage would be powered by an Aestus engine (developed by Airbus Defence and Space, formerly Astrium), as on the Ariane 5ES*.

Ariane 6.1 would be able to boost up to 8.5 metric tons into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), making it possible to launch two satellites that weigh up to four metric tons and use electric propulsion – reflecting a major market trend over the past two years. Ariane 6.2 would be intended mainly for smaller satellites, especially those launched by governments.
We believe that this configuration would reduce the development efforts needed for Ariane 6, while still meeting the cost and performance objectives stipulated by ESA. Furthermore, it would provide the modularity requested by customers, and would also offer synergies with the entire family of European launchers, including Vega.

As always: please discuss in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: spacejulien on 07/02/2014 08:31 pm
And this: http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41117airbus-defends-springing-last-minute-ariane-6-design-on-esa (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41117airbus-defends-springing-last-minute-ariane-6-design-on-esa)

Quote
Airbus Defends Springing Last-minute Ariane 6 Design on ESA

One industry official conceded that the new version’s commercial variant, to carry up to 8,500 kilograms into geostationary transfer orbit for telecommunications satellites, would cost around 100 million euros per launch instead of the 70 million euros that ESA and CNES had sought in their design.

As always: please discuss in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: spacejulien on 07/07/2014 07:21 am
This image is worth being recorded also in this update thread:
So I stumbled upon this neat little article:
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-28166626
It features concepts for the Safran/Airbus-proposed A6 versions (attached).
Discussion of the image (as already ongoing) in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 07/30/2014 10:36 pm
Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, said last night during the speeches after the VA219 flight, that a joint proposal for future launchers will be made by ESA, the space agencies and industry before the 15th September, 2014.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Star One on 07/30/2014 10:41 pm

Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, said last night during the speeches after the VA219 flight, that a joint proposal for future launchers will be made by ESA, the space agencies and industry before the 15th September, 2014.

I want see ESA show some further support for SKYLON.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 09/05/2014 06:10 pm
Latest proposal...

75m for 6.2 and 90m for 6.4.

http://www.lefigaro.fr/sciences/2014/09/05/01008-20140905ARTFIG00351-ariane-6-la-version-de-la-derniere-chance.php
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: gosnold on 09/05/2014 08:08 pm
Additional details from Spacenews
http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41770esa-ministerial-in-doubt-as-france-germany-remain-far-apart-on-future (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41770esa-ministerial-in-doubt-as-france-germany-remain-far-apart-on-future)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 09/25/2014 05:37 am
Latest Ariane 6 design proposal requires new launchpad


http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41978esa%E2%80%99s-ariane-6-cost-estimate-rises-with-addition-of-new-launch-pad


As always, discuss in the discussion thread. Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/16/2014 08:52 am
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Launch_vehicles/Ariane_6/

Ariane 6 (Updated article)

Quote
Ariane 6 objectives and main missions

The overarching aim of Ariane 6 is to provide guaranteed access to space for Europe at a competitive price without requiring public sector support for exploitation.

Different concepts have been examined for Ariane 6 such as single- and dual-payloads, solid or cryogenic propulsion for the main stage, and the number of stages (three or more), all to cover a wide range of missions:

- GEO, either directly or through intermediate orbits, in particular GTO and LEO,
- Polar/SSO,
- MEO or MTO,
- other.

The targeted payload performance of Ariane 6 is 4.5 t for polar/Sun-synchronous orbit missions at 800 km altitude and 3–10 t, with two main segments (3.5-5 t and 6–6.5 t) in GTO-equivalent.

The exploitation cost of the Ariane 6 launch system is its key driver. The first flight is targeted for 2020.
 
Ariane 6 concepts

Configurations that maximise commonalities between the rockets’ stages, and flexibility for adapting to an evolving commercial market, are considered more likely to lead to a competitive launch service price.

Ariane 6 is a modular three-stage launcher (solid–cryogenic–cryogenic) with two configurations using: four boosters (A64) or two boosters (A62).

This is based on:

- A main stage containing liquid oxygen and hydrogen based on the Vulcain engine of Ariane 5 ECA and ME;
- Two or four P120 solid rocket boosters, which will be common with Vega-C (an evolution of the current Vega launcher);
- A cryogenic upper stage (LOX/LH2) propelled by a Vinci engine, based on the A5ME upper stage, with limited adaptations.

Ariane 6 in its A62 or A64 configuration is deemed the best possible long-term solution to maintain competences in Europe and deliver launch services against competitive costs.

Ariane 6 will have reignition capability and will be capable of performing a direct deorbiting and controlled reentry of the upper stage.

Flexibility is a design characteristic for A64 and A62. In essence it is the same launcher, responding to different market needs by varying the number of boosters in the configuration.

The A62, with two P120 solid boosters, will be used mainly in single-launch configurations, while the A64 – with four P120 solids – will enable double launch of medium-class satellites up to 4.5–5 t, mainly for commercial market needs.

The main characteristics of the Ariane 6 concept are:

- The total length of the vehicle is around 63 m,
- The loading of the cryogenic main stage is about 149 tonnes of propellants,
- The external diameter of the cryogenic main stage is about 4.6 m.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/16/2014 08:55 am
Ariane 62 configuration

The Ariane 62, with two P120 solid boosters, will be used mainly in single-launch configurations.

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2014/10/Ariane_62_configuration

Image credit: ESA
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/07/2014 07:54 am
To Win Over Germany, ESA Maps out How Ariane 6 Would Save Everyone Money

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/42472to-win-over-germany-esa-maps-out-how-ariane-6-would-save-everyone-money

Quote from: Peter B. de Selding
The European Space Agency is proposing to inject 8 billion euros ($10 billion) into Europe’s launch sector over 10 years starting in 2015, including some 4.3 billion euros on a new Ariane 6 rocket, on the basis of a contract arrangement with industry in which ESA guarantees five government missions per year and, in return, industry fends for itself on the wider commercial market.

As always, please discuss in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hektor on 11/07/2014 12:02 pm
Nice link at the bottom of the article

Answers to Questions of Germany (http://www.spacenewsinc.com/pdf/dordain.pdf)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/07/2014 07:11 pm
Nice link at the bottom of the article

Answers to Questions of Germany (http://www.spacenewsinc.com/pdf/dordain.pdf)
And already removed. Did anyone save a copy? If yes, please post it here. Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: baldusi on 11/07/2014 07:25 pm
Nice link at the bottom of the article

Answers to Questions of Germany (http://www.spacenewsinc.com/pdf/dordain.pdf)
And already removed. Did anyone save a copy? If yes, please post it here. Thank you.
I had to print my cached copy. But here it is.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 11/07/2014 07:27 pm
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: simpl simon on 11/07/2014 07:40 pm
Nice link at the bottom of the article

Answers to Questions of Germany (http://www.spacenewsinc.com/pdf/dordain.pdf)
And already removed. Did anyone save a copy? If yes, please post it here. Thank you.

It is still there. Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 11/14/2014 05:20 pm
http://m.lesechos.fr/redirect_article.php?id=0203931475953&fw=1

http://m.lesechos.fr/monde/ariane-6-paris-et-berlin-ont-trouve-un-compromis-0203935766702.htm

Compromise was found yesterday in Cologne:
Arian 5 ME is dead. Ariane 6 will be built with verfication points in the process every two years. OHB has been guaranteed an important role in the solids of Ariane 6.

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/14/2014 09:19 pm
http://m.lesechos.fr/redirect_article.php?id=0203931475953&fw=1 (http://m.lesechos.fr/redirect_article.php?id=0203931475953&fw=1)

http://m.lesechos.fr/monde/ariane-6-paris-et-berlin-ont-trouve-un-compromis-0203935766702.htm (http://m.lesechos.fr/monde/ariane-6-paris-et-berlin-ont-trouve-un-compromis-0203935766702.htm)

Compromise was found yesterday in Cologne:
Arian 5 ME is dead. Ariane 6 will be built with verfication points in the process every two years. OHB has been guaranteed an important role in the solids of Ariane 6.



As always: please discuss in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/17/2014 05:25 pm
Spacenews now confirms that Ariane 5 ME is no longer and all balls will be on Ariane 6.

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/42574germany-agrees-to-forgo-ariane-5-upgrade-in-favor-of-next-generation (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/42574germany-agrees-to-forgo-ariane-5-upgrade-in-favor-of-next-generation)

Quote from: Peter B. de Selding
The German government has agreed to drop its demand that Europe develop a long-planned upgrade of today’s Ariane 5 rocket and instead proceed with a new-generation Ariane 6 that borrows heavily on Ariane 5 technology, Germany’s space minister said.

As always, please discuss in het discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 06/25/2015 01:28 pm
Ariane 6 rockets to be assembled horizontally

http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/06/24/ariane-6-rockets-to-be-assembled-horizontally/ (http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/06/24/ariane-6-rockets-to-be-assembled-horizontally/)

Quote from: Stephen Clark
Astrid Emerit, a spokesperson for Ariane 6 contractor Airbus Safran Launchers, confirmed the horizontal rocket assembly plan.

As always, please discuss in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: MikeAtkinson on 06/25/2015 01:34 pm
OneWeb have options for 3 Ariane 6 launches

Quote
Arianespace ‏@Arianespace  1h1 hour ago
#OneWeb contract covers 21 #Soyuz launches, plus options for five more with the medium-lift workhorse and three using the next-gen #Ariane6
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Alpha_Centauri on 07/18/2015 11:28 am
ESA Approval Paves Way for Ariane 6, Vega-Contracts

http://spacenews.com/esa-approval-paves-way-for-ariane-6-vega-contracts/

Quote
The European Space Agency on July 16 approved nearly 4.2 billion euros ($4.6 billion) in contracts to design and build Europe’s next-generation Ariane 6 rocket, the associated launch base and a more-powerful version of the current Vega small-satellite launcher.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/12/2015 10:25 am
I'll write an article, but:

N° 30–2015: ARIANE 6 AND VEGA C BEGIN DEVELOPMENT

12 August 2015

Today, ESA signed contracts for the development of the Ariane 6 new‑generation launcher, its launch base and the Vega C evolution of the current ESA small launcher.

The contracts, signed at ESA’s Paris Head Office with Airbus Safran Launchers (ASL), France’s CNES space agency and ELV, respectively, cover all development work on Ariane 6 and its launch base for a maiden flight in 2020, and on Vega C for its 2018 debut.

“These contracts will allow the development of a family of European launchers, highly competitive in the world market and ensuring autonomous access to space at fully competitive prices for ESA’s Member States,” said Jan Woerner, Director General of ESA.

“They are an important change of governance in the European launcher sector, with industry being the design authority and taking full responsibility in the development and exploitation of the launchers, and committing to deliver them to ESA and the European institutional actors at specified competitive prices.”

ESA is overseeing procurement and the architecture of the overall launch systems, while industry is developing the rockets, with ASL as prime contractor and design authority for Ariane 6, and ELV for Vega C.

ASL and ELV are working closely together on the P120C solid-propellant motor that will form Vega C’s first stage and Ariane’s strap-on boosters.

Ariane’s modular approach will offer either two boosters (Ariane 62) or four boosters (Ariane 64), depending on the required performance.

The site of the launch pad for Ariane 6 at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana has been chosen, and prime contractor CNES is already excavating the site. The new complex will also include facilities for preparing the launcher.

The three contracts follow the decision taken at the ESA Council meeting at Ministerial level held in Luxemburg in December 2014 to maintain Europe’s leadership in the fast-changing commercial launch service market while responding to the needs of European institutional missions.

 “With the signing of these contracts we are on track on building a new family of launchers featuring common building blocks, in line with the decisions and schedule set at the Ministerial Meeting in 2014,” said Gaele Winters, ESA’s Director of Launchers

The contracts were signed by Gaele Winters, ESA’s Director of Launchers; Jean-Yves Le Gall, President of CNES; Alain Charmeau, CEO/President of ASL; and Pierluigi Pirrelli, CEO of ELV.

The contract amounts are: €2400 million for Ariane 6 (ASL), €600 million for the launch base (CNES) and €395 million for Vega C (ELV).

About the European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space.

ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

ESA has 20 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, of whom 18 are Member States of the EU. Two other Member States of the EU, Hungary and Estonia, have signed Accession Agreements to the ESA Convention and will soon become new ESA Member States.

ESA has established formal cooperation with seven Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement.

ESA is also working with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes.

By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country.

ESA develops the launchers, spacecraft and ground facilities needed to keep Europe at the forefront of global space activities.

Today, it develops and launches satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications and astronomy, sends probes to the far reaches of the Solar System and cooperates in the human exploration of space.

Learn more about ESA at www.esa.int
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 08/12/2015 02:10 pm

Picture of Vega C and Ariane 6 under the same link.

Looks like Vega C will get a new 2nd stage in addition to a new 1st stage. Plus a huge fairing.

Ariane 6's boosters look fatter than in earlier renderings. Probably larger diameter and shorter.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Alpha_Centauri on 08/12/2015 03:16 pm
Vega C is; P120, Z40, Z9, and an AVUM with more propellant.

Ariane 6 looks the same as before to me.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/12/2015 04:25 pm
Blooding a new writer, Peter Monier....who is going to be working at the space base over there, so that'll be cool. This is obviously just the release, but a milestone we need to cover.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/08/ariane-6-upgraded-into-development-phase/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Jester on 08/12/2015 04:30 pm
Good story, minor nit, Arianespace through Starsem has some experience integrating horizontally, but that's Baikonur, not Kourou ;-)
 
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/12/2015 04:48 pm
I'll do the honors ;D



As always, please discuss in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 08/12/2015 04:54 pm
Good story, minor nit, Arianespace through Starsem has some experience integrating horizontally, but that's Baikonur, not Kourou ;-)
 
Concur: good story.
Another minor nit: the first image of the article is of the older, all-solid, version of Ariane 6. This PPH configuration is now no longer applicable, so it might be a good idea to replace that image.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 08/13/2015 08:51 am
Good story, minor nit, Arianespace through Starsem has some experience integrating horizontally, but that's Baikonur, not Kourou ;-)
 
Concur: good story.
Another minor nit: the first image of the article is of the older, all-solid, version of Ariane 6. This PPH configuration is now no longer applicable, so it might be a good idea to replace that image.

Yeah at least NSF should get that right.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 08/13/2015 10:51 am
Ariane 6 and Vega C evolution developement contracts signatures
 
ESA signed contracts for the development of the Ariane 6 new‑generation launcher, its launch base and the Vega C evolution of the current ESA small launcher, on 12 August 2015.

From left to right: Alain Charmeau, CEO/President of ASL; Pierluigi Pirrelli, CEO of ELV; Jan Woerner, ESA Director General; Gaele Winters, ESA’s Director of Launchers; and Jean-Yves Le Gall, President of CNES.

The contracts, signed at ESA’s Paris Head Office with Airbus Safran Launchers (ASL), France’s CNES space agency and ELV, respectively, cover all development work on Ariane 6 and its launch base for a maiden flight in 2020, and on Vega C for its 2018 debut.

ESA is overseeing procurement and the architecture of the overall launch systems, while industry is developing the rockets, with ASL as prime contractor and design authority for Ariane 6, and ELV for Vega C.

ASL and ELV are working closely together on the P120C solid-propellant motor that will form Vega C’s first stage and Ariane’s strap-on boosters.

Ariane’s modular approach will offer either two boosters (Ariane 62) or four boosters (Ariane 64), depending on the required performance.

The site of the launch pad for Ariane 6 at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana has been chosen, and prime contractor CNES is already excavating the site. The new complex will also include facilities for preparing the launcher.

The three contracts follow the decision taken at the ESA Council meeting at Ministerial level held in Luxemburg in December 2014 to maintain Europe’s leadership in the fast-changing commercial launch service market while responding to the needs of European institutional missions.

The contract amounts are: €2400 million for Ariane 6 (ASL), €600 million for the launch base (CNES) and €395 million for Vega C (ELV).

Credit: ESA–N. Imbert-Vier, 2015
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 11/08/2015 05:24 am
Looks like there's a new version. No comment :)

Source: http://www.airbusafran-launchers.com/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/18/2015 08:39 pm
More pics.

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2015/11/Artist_s_view_of_the_Ariane_6_four_boosters_configuration_A643

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2015/11/Artist_s_view_of_the_Ariane_6_four_boosters_configuration_A642

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2015/11/Artist_s_view_of_the_Ariane_6_four_boosters_configuration_A64

Credits: ESA–David Ducros, 2015
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/18/2015 08:48 pm
http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2015/11/Artist_s_view_of_the_two_configurations_of_Ariane_6

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2015/11/Exploded_artist_s_view_of_the_two_configurations_of_Ariane_6

Credits: ESA–David Ducros, 2015
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/19/2015 07:38 am
Two more, via CNES.

Credits: CNES/ESA/David Ducros, 2015
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: WBY1984 on 11/19/2015 07:40 am
Looks positively Russian in these views  :)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 03/11/2016 08:04 am
Artist's view of the two configurations of Ariane 6

Artist's view of the two configurations of Ariane 6 using two boosters (A62) or four boosters (A64).

ESA and European industry are currently developing a new-generation launcher: Ariane 6. This follows the decision taken at the ESA Council meeting at Ministerial level in December 2014, to maintain Europe’s leadership in the fast-changing commercial launch service market while responding to the needs of European institutional missions.

This move is associated with a change in the governance of the European launcher sector, based on a sharing of responsibility, cost and risk by ESA and industry.

The participating states are: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2016/03/Artist_s_view_of_the_two_configurations_of_Ariane_6
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Bynaus on 04/06/2016 04:08 pm
PBDeS: "Airbus Safran Launchers Ariane 6 chief Patrick Bonguet: Ariane 6 will lift 2X the mass & 2X the volume of SpaceX Falcon 9 at < 2X the price."

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/717705991714902016

Also: http://spacenews.com/ariane-6-rocket-designers-say-theyll-match-or-beat-todays-spacex-prices-on-per-kilogram-basis/

Seems like a tall order, or how do they get these numbers? Payload to GTO for Ariane 6 is 5 or 11 tons (62 and 64, respectively). I get double the mass (11 vs 6) and volume, but <2 the price? Even if it's on a per kg basis, 90 M$/11 tons is 8000 $/kg, whereas 60 M$/6 tons is 10000 $/kg.

(Edit: sorry if that is not news enough for the update thread, feel free to move)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: TrevorMonty on 04/06/2016 04:32 pm
Patrick said twice payload for less than twice price (per launch) which is cheaper per kg which your calculations confirm for F9 V1.1.

The F9 FT is likely to match or better the $8000/kg. More importantly it can do it on single payload with wider payload mass range as F9R can fly lighter satellites for same $/kg.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Alpha_Centauri on 04/06/2016 06:01 pm
10.5 tonnes is ~twice Falcons 9's 5.3 (don't know where you are getting 6 from).  The 10.5 tonne Ariane 6 is supposed to cost ~€90m or on current prices just over $100m, which is less than twice the current ~$60m of Falcon 9.  So the claim is perfectly correct, the question is the delivery.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: edkyle99 on 04/06/2016 06:16 pm
Keep in mind that the advertised Falcon 9 GTO payload is not a direct comparison to the Ariane 6 GTO payload, since Ariane 6 specifies GEO -1,500 m/s ish versus Falcon 9's GEO - 1,800 m/s ish.  Subtract a tonne or so from Falcon 9 payload to directly compare.  There's even a chance that Airbus Safran is talking about the advertised Falcon Heavy GTO payload, which is 6.4 tonnes.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 04/06/2016 08:01 pm
Remember, this is the UPDATES thread. There is a dedicated DISCUSSION thread. (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0) Please take your discussions over there. Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: RonM on 04/08/2016 03:35 am
BBC article "Ariane 6 project 'in good shape'"

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35983735

Quote
The dream is moving to reality. That was the message from European Space Agency boss, Jan Woerner, on Wednesday as he discussed the Ariane 6 rocket.

The director general was touring the Airbus Safran Launchers facilities at Les Mureaux, France, where much of the future vehicle will be integrated.

Reporters were shown the progress being made towards a 2020 maiden flight.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 04/13/2016 09:51 pm
Esa updated there Ariane 6 (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Launch_vehicles/Ariane_6) page with new images and data.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: _INTER_ on 05/03/2016 04:07 pm
SpaceX recently estimated pricing (http://spacenews.com/spacexs-new-price-chart-illustrates-performance-cost-of-reusability/) and if both estimates turn out to be correct:

FalconArian 62Falcon HeavyAriane 64
Prize| $62M| $86.2M| $90M| $103.5M
GTO| 8'300kg| 5'000kg| 22'200kg| 10'500kg

... what's the advantage of this new rocket, except when SpaceX is fully booked? As someone with no deeper understanding, it looks ridiculous.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: chapi on 05/03/2016 05:12 pm
Actually the Falcon Heavy price tag is related to a 8000kg GTO launch and the Falcon 9 one for a 5500 kg one.

GTO orbit are also slightly better from Kourou than from KSC.

But still, your question remains.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mike Jones on 05/03/2016 07:35 pm
2 satellites will be launched on Ariane 64, so with this pricing Ariane 6 would be much cheaper than today's Falcon 9 spaceX with twice more performance. The big question mark is to anticipate prices from SpaceX in 2020. Ariane 62 Will only replace Euro Soyuz for institutional missions from ESA/EU at a similar price tag
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 05/04/2016 10:22 am
None of the above three posts are updates. We have a discussion thread for those. (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0) This thread is for updates only.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 05/05/2016 09:15 am
I found  this (http://www.newsr.in/video/20160503/4386674/European-new-space-launcher-Vega-already-operative.htm) video, filmed when Jan Wörner visited the AVIO (Italy) factory.
You can see the production proces taking place of  P120C test casing.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 05/13/2016 09:51 am
Two new press releases on ASL's page (http://www.airbusafran-launchers.com/):
- 2-May: Agreement signed for ASL joint venture (http://www.airbusafran-launchers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PR-Airbus-Safran-signing-Joint-Venture-va-def.pdf).
- 12-May: Vince is going to be tested at DLR Lampoldshausen (http://www.airbusafran-launchers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/VINCI-Test-LAM_EN.pdf).

edit: I just noticed new images an a video of Vince at the Media libary. (bottom of the ASL page).

Edit2: Video from ELA-4.
video ELA-4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbG3uHtzZcA)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 05/17/2016 10:56 pm
Three new articles were published about Arianespace launchers.
Spaceflight Insider: Ariane 6 and Vega C boosters to secure Europe’s autonomous access to space (http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/esa/ariane-6-vega-c-boosters-secure-europe-access-space/)

Space News: ESA assures Italy, Avio that Vega won’t be short-changed by Airbus Safran Launchers (http://spacenews.com/esa-assures-italy-and-avio-that-vega-wont-be-short-changed-by-airbus-safran-launchers/)

ESA: ANALYSING THE IMPACTS OF BOTH THE ARIANE 5 AND VEGA PROGRAMME (http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Space_economy/Analysing_the_impacts_of_both_the_Ariane_5_and_Vega_programme)
With the study report here  (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/business_with_esa/EUROPEAN_LAUNCHERS_-50%_cost_reduction_target_and_2.2_GDP_impact.pdf)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 05/18/2016 07:50 pm
Ariane 6 is taking shape

18 May 2016

The engine that will power the upper stage of Europe’s next-generation launcher completed its first test last week, demonstrating that Ariane 6 is forging ahead for a 2020 debut.

The DLR German Aerospace Center test facility in Lampoldshausen, Germany allows firings under near-realistic space conditions. The Vinci engine ran for 500 seconds, powered by super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen and generating 18 tonnes of vacuum thrust.

Running until September, this test campaign is establishing Vinci’s characteristics and allowing engineers to build an accurate computer model.

As a restartable engine, Vinci will offer a wide range of payload combinations and pairing of different types of missions. Direct deorbiting or injection into graveyard orbits once its work is done will help to keep the space environment free of debris.

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Ariane_6_is_taking_shape

Image credit: DLR
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 05/19/2016 06:30 pm
Tweet from @DutchSpace 15th of May.
https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/731903088634810372 (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/731903088634810372)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: npuentes on 05/20/2016 11:49 am
Tweet from @DutchSpace 15th of May.
https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/731903088634810372 (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/731903088634810372)

What are the reasons for not resurrecting ELA-2?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 05/20/2016 09:25 pm
Tweet from @DutchSpace 15th of May.
https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/731903088634810372 (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/731903088634810372)

What are the reasons for not resurrecting ELA-2?
This is the updates thread. We have a separate discussion thread for Ariane 6. (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0) I suggest you take your question over there. Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 05/22/2016 12:12 pm
Two new press releases on ASL's page (http://www.airbusafran-launchers.com/):
- 2-May: Agreement signed for ASL joint venture (http://www.airbusafran-launchers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PR-Airbus-Safran-signing-Joint-Venture-va-def.pdf).
- 12-May: Vince is going to be tested at DLR Lampoldshausen (http://www.airbusafran-launchers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/VINCI-Test-LAM_EN.pdf).

edit: I just noticed new images an a video of Vince at the Media libary. (bottom of the ASL page).



Just a few additonal info:
In the test mentioned above Vinci made a three-ignition test, i.e. it was re-ignited twice. The campaign in Lampoldshausen will also see the first tests with the new fixed nozzle for the Ariane 6 version of Vinci.

And this test was, of course, only the first one in the Ariane 6 program. Vinci has been tested already since 2005 at the ESA test stand P4.1 here in Lampoldshausen in the course of several programs (ESC-B upper stage, FLPP, Ariane 5ME upper stage).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 06/03/2016 10:22 am
Press release, 3 June 2016

New rocket test rig for safe Ariane 6 launches

The future European launcher Ariane 6 will debut in 2020. In order for it to bring all its payloads safely to their orbits, the engines for the new launcher must first be extensively tested. To test the upper stage of the new launcher, a new test rig
will be built at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) site in Lampoldshausen. The Chair of the DLR Executive Board, Pascale Ehrenfreund, and the Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), Johann-Dietrich
Wörner, signed the contract for the development and construction of the P5.2 test rig for the Ariane launcher programme on 2 June at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin. All upper stages can be tested in this test rig – a capability
unique in Europe.

"The Ariane 6 is the future of European space transportation – and DLR is an indispensable partner. Before the first flight of Ariane 6, the upper stage of the new launcher will be put through its paces in Lampoldshausen. With this, DLR assumes responsibility
for the central task of making Ariane 6 as safe as its predecessors," said Ehrenfreund in Berlin. The upper stage of the Ariane 6 will be tested extensively on this new P5.2 test rig at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen. These include fuelling and defuelling
tests and hot running tests for the upper stage. The commissioning is scheduled to begin in 2018.

Commitment to Germany as an aerospace location 

The DLR Space Administration in Bonn lobbied for the new test bench to be built in Lampoldshausen. The German participation in the Ariane 6 programme will be controlled from this location. "Germany will have a 23 percent contribution in the new launcher,
making it the second largest partner after France. We want to participate effectively and contribute our expertise profitably within the European arena. The construction of this test facility in Germany is a clear sign and confirmation of the great
success of our commitment," explains Denis Regenbrecht, responsible for the Ariane 6 programme at the DLR Space Administration.

Extension of the test portfolio at the DLR Lampoldshausen site

The DLR Institute of Space Propulsion is technically responsible for the construction and subsequent operation of the test rig. At the Lampoldshausen site, DLR tests liquid rocket engines of different power classes on behalf of ESA and the European
space industry. "The P5.2 is a major expansion of our test portfolio," explains Stefan Schlechtriem, Head of the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion. "In addition to engines and their components, we will be able to use it to test complete upper stages
in future. This capability is unique in Europe."

Ariane 6 – Europe's future space transportation

The Ariane 6 development programme was approved at the ESA Council at Ministerial Level in December 2014 and signed by 12 member states. With its first launch set for 2020, this European launcher system currently in development is globally competitive
and will guarantee European access to space for ESA Member States. The total launch costs will be reduced by almost 50 percent compared to the Ariane 5. The major contractor for developing the Ariane 6 is the Franco-German company Airbus Safran Launchers
(ASL). Another significant German player in this development is the Augsburg-based company MT Aerospace.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 06/06/2016 07:53 am
Just as additional information to the press release above:
The bottom image shows the test stand P4.1 where the further above-mentioned Vinci campaign is currently ongoing.
Once the Vinci design is frozen the upper stage can be tested (together with Vinci) on the new test stand P5.2.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/21/2016 06:38 pm
Esa posted a video on it's websit (http://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Videos/2016/06/Ariane_6)e and YouTube about Ariane6 with footage of the ELC-4  ELA-4 launch zone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ul30dN8NOk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ul30dN8NOk)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 07/12/2016 09:32 pm
CNES awarded the contracts to construct the ELC-4 structures. It was worth 200mln Euro.
200mln Euro contract ELC-4 construction (http://www.eiffage.com/files/live/sites/eiffage/files/pdf/CP%20ELA4%20-%20Ariane%20GB.pdf)

Multiple sources show new renderings of ELC-4:
Aerospatium (https://www.aerospatium.info/contrat-segment-sol-ariane6/)
twitter (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ela4?f=tweets&vertical=default&src=hash) (search ELC-4)

The France forum conquete-spatiale also has an environmental assesment report with details about ELA-4.
Link to site (http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/t17315p350-les-nouvelles-du-lanceur-ariane-6) (posted 8 Juil 2016 - 22:45); link to report (http://www.guyane.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Annexe_11-2_BIOTOPE_derogation_ELA4_V4.pdf)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 07/28/2016 09:14 pm
The new Airbus Safran launches (http://www.airbusafran-launchers.com/en) website has a segment with details about Ariane 6 (http://www.airbusafran-launchers.com/en/universe/ariane-6-en/).
A64 will have a takeoff weight of 860mT and can deliver at least 10,5mT to GTO {-12.
A62 will have a takeoff weight of 530mT; it can deliver 5mT to GTO and 7mT to SSO {?800km}
The Solid Rocket Motors are still named P120C.
The core stage is named Lower Liquid Propulsion Module, it will contain 150mT of LOx and LH2, it will be powered by the 1370kN Vulcan 2.1. It will have a burn time of 460 seconds.
The upper stage Upper Liquid Propulsion Module, will contain 30mT of LOx-LH2, powered by the 180kN Vince2 that is re-ignitable and will burn for 900 seconds.

(So the GLOW of both A64 and A62 have increased 30mT)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 09/08/2016 03:13 pm
Found this nice picture.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: MATTBLAK on 09/08/2016 03:40 pm
They haven't released any Low Earth Orbit payload figures yet? Both for I.S.S. 51 degree orbit and lower inclinations?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 09/08/2016 07:07 pm
Nice find Oli that's the most detailed image of Ariane 64 I've seen so far.

Sorry for not paying attention and posting a massage that belongs in the discussion topic.
I've reposted the massage there. Please keep this a update only topic, continue discussions in the other topic.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: MATTBLAK on 09/09/2016 05:45 am
Comparing the different liftoff masses and thrusts of both Ariane 5 and 6 and their similar specific impulses implies to me that Ariane 6 should have a better payload to LEO ratio, unless I'm very much mistaken. Perhaps as much as 25 metric tons for Ariane 6 versus 21 for Ariane 5. It's going to be interesting to see how eventually far off the mark I am ;)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 09/09/2016 09:23 am
Two more.

Note that getting rid of (expensive) common bulkheads has significantly increased the overall height of A6.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: MATTBLAK on 09/09/2016 11:07 am
I like that Ariane family side-by-side. The 'rocket Lego' guy in me imagines a stretched A6 corestage and longer strap-on solids for an Ariane 6 derivative that can assemble basic manned lunar missions in pairs of launches...

...Or 8x stretched solids ;) But that is another story for another time... :)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Svetoslav on 09/09/2016 11:26 am
This rocket reminds me of Proton. If only I could forget the non-detachable boosters and hypergolics :)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: pippin on 09/09/2016 11:30 am
Comparing the different liftoff masses and thrusts of both Ariane 5 and 6 and their similar specific impulses implies to me that Ariane 6 should have a better payload to LEO ratio, unless I'm very much mistaken. Perhaps as much as 25 metric tons for Ariane 6 versus 21 for Ariane 5. It's going to be interesting to see how eventually far off the mark I am ;)

We're not going to see that because there are no LEO payloads in that size class for Ariane 6 to launch.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: MATTBLAK on 09/09/2016 11:46 am
Yes - pity they're not doing anymore ATVs for the I.S.S. :(

But a manned Lunar program could probably get their juices flowing - we've already seen mission architecture designs elsewhere for 35+plus ton LEO launchers being able to send up a spacecraft on one launcher and an Earth Departure Stage on another to do rendezvous and docking in LEO, then TLI. It's been speculated for Angara 5 and uprated Long March 5's. But that's worthy of a splinter thread to itself! We already know that Europe is interested in a 'Lunar Village' or more accurately, an Outpost.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Hobbes-22 on 09/09/2016 01:14 pm
The discussion thread is over here (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0)  ;D
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Oli on 09/09/2016 08:14 pm
Found this nice picture.

I think there's a mistake in this picture. It looks like there's a tank underneath the intertank structure of the second stage.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/05/2016 08:12 am
Ariane 6 industrial organisation

In 2014, the decision of ESA Council at Ministerial level on the development of Ariane 6 was accompanied by a change in the governance of the European launcher sector, which is now based on a more balanced sharing of responsibility, cost and risk from design to exploitation by ESA and industry.

This gives industry considerably more responsibility in designing the new launcher, managing the industrial organisation, determining the needs of commercial customers and exploiting the product commercially. In turn, industry is required to contribute to the development costs and to increase its accountability in the commercial exploitation.   

The new governance approach will significantly contribute to delivering an Ariane 6 to the launch pad with the same launch capability but at 50% of the cost of the current Ariane 5.

The ESA Member States that contribute to ESA’s Launchers Programme are also involved in the manufacture of Ariane and Vega launchers. They benefit from their investment in the programme through contracts awarded to their space industry.

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2016/11/Ariane_6_industrial_organisation

Image credit: ESA
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mike Jones on 11/05/2016 11:07 am
How can European stakeholders (ESA, Arianespace, ASL, CNES, MT-A and Avio) seriously claim that Ariane 6 will be cost competitive  with such fragmented industrial organization ?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: kato on 11/05/2016 02:04 pm
Most of those companies belong to each other. Background companies for 90% of that mix are only OHB, Airbus, Safran and Avio - read: the stakeholders you mention.

The only major outside subcontractors are Air Liquide (cryogenics - no surprise, they also deliver all cryogenic propellant for Arianespace launchers), RUAG (fairing - who else do you expect?) and GKN (turbines and Vulcain nozzle - has been on every single Ariane rocket for four decades).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mike Jones on 11/05/2016 05:06 pm
It remains far too fragmented among many sites all over Europe each of them which can't be closed for local political reasons. By the way Indirect shareholding links among most of these companies do exist but it does not guarrantee competitve prices from subcontractors in e.g spain or Norway, as each company is in a kind of Monopoly for its specific component and protected by ESA Geographic return rules.

If you draw the same graph for Falcon or Proton, the picture would be much simpler... hence the lower prices ...
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/05/2016 05:43 pm
Excuse me folks. This is the UPDATES thread.

There is a separate thread for discussing any news and/or developments regarding Ariane 6. (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0)

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/11/2016 02:01 pm
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Ariane_6_on_track

Ariane 6 on track

Quote
After a programme review completed in September, ESA is now in a position to proceed with the full development of its Ariane 6 and Vega C launch vehicles.

Today, the riders to the contracts awarded in August 2015 were signed at ESA headquarters in Paris, France. This confirms the timely continuation of the preparation of Europe’s Ariane 6 and its launch complex.

Quote
The overall value of the contracts is €3 billion. The contract amounts are: €2.4 billion for ASL and €600 million for CNES.

They cover the final full-scale development of Ariane 6 and its launch complex.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/11/2016 02:03 pm
http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2016/11/Artist_s_view_of_Vega_Vega-C_Ariane_5_ECA_and_the_two_configurations_of_Ariane_6

Artist's view of Vega, Vega-C, Ariane 5 ECA and the two configurations of Ariane 6 using two boosters (A62) or four boosters (A64).

Image credit: ESA–David Ducros, Jacky Huart, 2016
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/26/2016 02:29 pm
Ariane 6 launch pad

The Ariane 6 launch pad with two symmetric exhaust ducts, four lightning protection masts, and a water tower for deluge systems.

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2016/11/Ariane_6_launch_pad

Image credit: CNES 2016
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/26/2016 02:33 pm
Launcher Assembly Building for Ariane 6

Artist's impression of the Ariane 6 Launcher Assembly Building (BAL), a structure 20 m tall, 112 m long and 41 m wide, located 1 km away from the launch zone. It is used for launch vehicle horizontal integration/preparation before rollout to the launch zone.

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2016/11/Launcher_Assembly_Building_for_Ariane_6

Image credit: CNES 2016
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/26/2016 02:38 pm
Mobile gantry for Ariane 6

The mobile gantry is a 90 metre-high mobile metallic structure weighing 6000 tonnes when fully equipped, that rolls on rails equipped with platforms to access the appropriate launcher levels for integration on the launch pad. The gantry is moved away just before launch.

(Artist's impression)

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2016/11/Mobile_gantry_for_Ariane_6

Image credit: CNES 2016
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/28/2016 01:42 pm
Quote
Peter B. de Selding ‏@pbdes 6m6 minutes ago

Sweden(1): Liberal Party asks govt to quit Ariane 6 program unless it's made reusable, saying rocket cant compete w/ SpaceX otherwise.
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/803245890806882304 (https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/803245890806882304)

Quote
Peter B. de Selding ‏@pbdes 3m3 minutes ago

Sweden(2): Space minister Helene Hellmark Knutsson rejects Ariane 6 reusability-now demand, says wont propose it at Dec 1-2 ESA ministerial.
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/803246667747229696 (https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/803246667747229696)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 11/28/2016 08:53 pm
Spacenews article: Q&A Avio CEO Ranzo ... (http://spacenews.com/qa-avio-ceo-ranzo-on-sharing-the-pie-with-germany-and-keeping-spacex-from-an-italian-contract/)
About Avio and MT Aerospace sharing the A6 ESR (booster) casing production.
In short All casings produced in Germany are going to be completed at Avio (Italy).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/29/2016 09:44 am
Spacenews article: Q&A Avio CEO Ranzo ... (http://spacenews.com/qa-avio-ceo-ranzo-on-sharing-the-pie-with-germany-and-keeping-spacex-from-an-italian-contract/)
About Avio and MT Aerospace sharing the A6 ESR (booster) casing production.
In short All casings produced in Germany are going to be completed at Avio (Italy).
More particularly: the work duplicated in Germany is the "simple" portion of the casing production process. The more difficult stuff remains exclusively in Italy.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 12/05/2016 09:14 pm
News about testing Vinci for Ariane 6 in the current DLR magazine
http://www.dlr.de/dlr/en/Portaldata/1/Resources/documents/dlr_magazin_152/DLR_Magazine_151-152_GB.pdf


LAUNCH INTO SPACE WITH A
DOWN-TO-EARTH ATTITUDE

Report on engine test for future space launch vehicle Ariane 6
By Manuela Braun

The first barriers will be set up at 10:45. The Talstrasse, which passes directly below the test
facilities at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen, is now closed to traffic at a distance of about
300 metres. And the traffic light is red at approximately 50 metres from the P4.1 test stand,
built and operated by DLR on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). A warning sign
dangling on the chain that stretches across the access road to the test stand reads ‘Danger
zone’ in bright red uppercase letters. “When the chain is locked: Life-threatening danger!
Major DLR test underway!” Today, liquid oxygen at a temperature of minus 183 degrees
Celsius and liquid hydrogen at minus 253 degrees Celsius will flow through feed lines, a Vinci
engine will be ignited twice in a vacuum, followed by a two-hour simulated propulsion-free
flight. In doing so, the vibrations that occur in the feed line filled with liquid oxygen will be
dampened as effectively as possible with a newly developed system. All this happens under
the space conditions that the Ariane 6 launch vehicle would endure during a flight – yet it
takes place close to the ground. The P4.1 test stand is the only one in Europe that can maintain
a stable vacuum during a test in which the engine and nozzle can operate as if at an
altitude above 70 kilometres.

Choreography of a test

“The test stand has been cleared.” Bernhard Linseisen puts down the telephone receiver. He is
responsible for ensuring that the strict safety barriers around the test stand are met during the
engine test, and ensures contact between the test director and the safety centre. Only those
who have permission from the test director and express clearance from the safety centre can
remain in the restricted area. Manuel Müller nods and reaches for his ballpoint pen. One more
item checked off the long list of around 1500 that must be completed during today’s test.
Müller is responsible for this chronology today and will therefore be test director Stefan Grunwald’s
right hand. This evening, at approximately 19:00, the last note will be added to the thick
pile of paper and the last item checked off. An engine test follows an elaborate choreography
with many participants who are each responsible for their respective fields. The chronology
ensures that no detail is forgotten and everything falls into place.

Waiting for clearance

The atmosphere in the control room is still relaxed. Since 10:00 this
morning, the engine has been covered with a special protective heat
shield, all equipment and tools from the vacuum chamber in the test
stand have been dismantled, and the heavy door of the vacuum
chamber has been closed. One of the screens in the control room
seems to show nothing – the camera is pointed at a black nozzle in a
pitch-black chamber. Only during the hot run will this screen show
something – the orange-coloured glow of the engine nozzle. While
the last preparations are underway, Grunwald is sitting next door in
the meeting room. Together with his team, he is discussing the last
measured values and the deviations from these values during the final
rehearsal with the client, the company Airbus Safran Launchers (ASL).
Green light for the planned test run will only be given if both parties
– DLR as the test stand operator and ASL as the contracting entity –
agree on the framework conditions for today’s test.

Increase from test run to test run

At 11:30, the time has come: Grunwald attaches the clearance document
to the white board in the control room. “Green light for test
M5R-12” and the signatures of the test director and client are on the
paper. The twelfth test run since April 2016 – and number 108 in
total with a Vinci engine – can begin. After the decision made at the
ESA Council meeting at ministerial level in December 2014 to develop
the Ariane 6 launcher, the previously tested Vinci engines and nozzles
were also changed. Instead of an extendable nozzle, for example, a
shorter, more compact one is now being developed and thoroughly
tested. At the DLR site in Lampoldshausen, the tried and tested P4.1
high-altitude test stand was therefore modified and adapted to the
new development targets. While a hot run without a nozzle was
carried out in the first test in order to keep the risk low, the final
configuration has meanwhile edged a bit closer with each test. Today,
several newly developed components are in the test stand, such as
the engine, the nozzle, liquid-oxygen feed line and valve, as well as a
vibration damping system.
The ‘Go’ is given. Oxygen and hydrogen are now flowing through the
test stand feed lines – it will take between two-and-a-half and three
hours until the test stand and engine have cooled down enough for
the test conditions to be reached. “LH2?” – “Tank pressure control is
running.” “What is the gas composition in the vacuum chamber?”
There is less and less background noise in the control room. Only brief
questions and answers are exchanged. Everyone is now sitting in
position as a specialist for their area and looking at the graphics and
measured values displayed on the screen. At the beginning of the
test, many things are still set manually – important in this case are the
boundary values, and the experience and instinct of the scientist.
Later, the computer will increasingly take over. Approximately 150
sequences with countless lines of code will then ensure that the
processes in the test stand are automatically and precisely executed
– and that the test is stopped if the measured values require it.

Ignite, cool, fly

The engine will run for 600 seconds after the first ignition. Shortly
before that, four steam generators will be ignited that – after a large,
three-metre-diameter flap has connected the vacuum chamber and
high-altitude system – will produce an air pressure of only a few millibars,
almost like a vacuum, in the facility for the duration of the test.
A short 120-second period follows in which the engine is purged and
cooled again before re-igniting for 60 seconds. Then, there is a twohour
‘free flight’, a so-called coast phase in which the upper stage of
the Ariane 6 rocket ‘flies’ without propulsion. The test on P4.1 should
then end with a final cooling of the engine. Approximately 900
sensors installed in the engine and test stand record pressure, temperature
and acceleration levels throughout the test. On this test day,
however, not everything will go as planned.
13:00. “Now it’s getting cold.” Today, Ralf Hupertz is the Supervisor
of the test team. He looks at two screens crammed with data, measured
values and graphics. “Now there is liquid in the lines.” “13:30,
then the next safety barrier,” Grunwald says. Linseisen informs his
colleagues in the safety centre. From this moment, the radius of the
secured zone is drawn even wider than before. The control room is
now cut off from the outside world – only voice communications with
the safety centre and fire brigade remain. It gets even quieter in the
control room. Hardly any words are exchanged across the room.
Rather, everyone is wearing headphones with radio communication.
Separated only by a thin wall, in the control room next door, sits the
team responsible for the steam generator system, which will develop
the necessary vacuum conditions just before engine ignition. The
telephone between test director Stefan Grunwald and ‘chronicler’
Manuel Müller is off the hook. During the hot phase of the test, no
telephone ringing should disturb people’s concentration or the
procedure.

System against damaging vibrations

Before the test run is initiated, the system that is used to induce a
simulated vibration onto the oxygen column within the feed line is
checked once more. In the worst case, such so-called Pogo oscillations
could occur in the resonant frequency range of the rocket. “This
could destroy the entire rocket,” says supervisor Hupertz. Even the
great Saturn V rocket, which later flew the Apollo astronauts to the
Moon, had engine failures due to these vibrations during an
unmanned test flight. The Pogo Suppression Device (PSD), which
should dampen the artificially induced vibrations in the engine above
the LOX turbopump, could later ensure that the Ariane 6 will not
have problems with this.

Delayed start-up

It is just minutes after 14:00. The 20-minute warning is heard from
loudspeakers across the entire site. But it will not be 20 minutes – the
hot run will not start for 25 minutes. The cooling criteria are only
reached after a few additional minutes. On the following day, in the
team session with the client, these deviations will be discussed in
order to set different, optimised conditions for the next test, if necessary.
The cameras now only send images from an abandoned test
stand to the screens. The only people in the immediate vicinity of the
test stand, with the engine ready for ignition, are sitting in the
protected control room. The exchange of questions and answers
starts once again. “Pressure in the vacuum chamber?” “32 millibars”
“Mass spectrometer, close valves for the hot run!” “Closed.”
The steam generators are started. On the screen, the test stand is
cloaked in more and more clouds. A muffled rumbling sound can be
heard from outside. Just a few seconds until the large vacuum control
valve is opened – and the engine can ignite. The countdown clock
over the screens jumps to zero, the engine is running in the vacuum
chamber, and the camera image changes colour – from black to
bright red. “No alarms so far.” The nozzle glows in the hot run for 10
minutes. “OK, engine cut-off,” Grunwald calls. On the screen, the
nozzle slowly darkens again.

Dealing with the unexpected

Just two minutes pass between the first and second ignitions. The
atmosphere in the control room remains tense. “Now the second
ignition ...” Grunwald’s voice is hesitant. If it takes place at all.
The planned second ignition does not happen. All eyes turn to
the measured values. No one can intervene now. Two minutes
pass – the hissing of the steam generators from outside fades and
the white cloud around the test stand slowly dissipates. Even
though the second ignition has failed, the test continues with the
planned free-flight phase and a re-cooling of the engine. It will
take about one and a half hours before the next phase starts
again at the consoles. Meanwhile, in the next room a discussion
about why the planned ignition did not take place is going on. “It
could be, for example, that the parameters for the test sequence
could not be realised for technical reasons,” Grunwald says. “The
analysis of the measured values will show this.”
At 16:35, the next 20-minute warning echoes from the loudspeakers.
Again, the test stand and engine will be cooled and the
steam generators will generate a vacuum. Today’s test will end as
soon as the Vinci engine is ready for a third ignition. Shortly
before the steam generators are supposed to start, a message
from the neighbouring control room comes through the headphones:
“We have a problem with the tank pressurisation.” The
options are clear: The steam generator team could leave the
control room once again and fix the problem on site. But that
would prolong the current coast phase. And it is not certain that
the steam generators will run. The test director nods briefly and
decides with the client: The free-flight phase will be simulated as
planned – should the steam generator not run, this would not be
decisive for the desired measurement data. Finally, the last warning
– the one-minute warning – inundates the site. And the hissing of the
steam generators starts again. “Well, it is working as planned after
all,” murmurs Ralf Hupertz.

Measurement data for the future

Felix Löhr, who is responsible for running of the automatic sequences,
looks at his screen. “LH2 is already cold.” In the chronology, Manuel
Müller is almost on the last page, checking off items, one by one.
“LOX has met two of three cooling criteria.” When the liquid oxygen
has also reached the prescribed temperature, Stefan Grunwald looks
up. “OK, then the test ends here.” The noise of the steam generators
subsides. At 17:18, the main test run is complete. All that remains is
the decommissioning of the individual test stand systems as well as
the reconditioning of the engine, which will take another 1.5 hours.
Thousands of measurement values will be analysed and evaluated on
the following day. ‘After the test’ is immediately ‘before the test’
because each result flows into the next test run. A new Vinci engine
is expected to be installed in the test stand in December 2016 – one
that will be very similar to the engine that the Ariane 6 will launch
with in 2020. The changes that come from the tested development
engine will be based mainly on one thing: today’s results from the
DLR P4.1 test stand.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 12/05/2016 09:21 pm
News about testing Vinci for Ariane 6 in the current DLR magazine
http://www.dlr.de/dlr/en/Portaldata/1/Resources/documents/dlr_magazin_152/DLR_Magazine_151-152_GB.pdf


LAUNCH INTO SPACE WITH A
DOWN-TO-EARTH ATTITUDE

Report on engine test for future space launch vehicle Ariane 6
By Manuela Braun



Images from the article
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 12/29/2016 11:19 am
Expander-cycle Technology Integrated Demonstrator

Development of the Expander-cycle Technology Integrated Demonstrator (ETID) began mid-2013. It is a major constituent of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) and prepares competitive evolutions of upper stage propulsion for Ariane 6 and Vega by assembling technologies that pave the way for the next generation of cryogenic upper stage engines in Europe.

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2016/11/Expander-cycle_Technology_Integrated_Demonstrator

Image credit: Airbus Defence & Space
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 01/20/2017 03:40 pm
http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2017/01/Artist_s_view_of_the_two_configurations_of_Ariane_6

Artist's view of the two configurations of Ariane 6 using two boosters (A62) or four boosters (A64).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2017 04:27 pm
Airbus Safan send out some quotes. Wrote it up as we don't do enough on Ariane 6, etc:

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/01/airbus-safran-ariane-5s-record-ariane-6-production/


--

This was the release today:
http://www.airbusafran-launchers.com/en/airbus-safran-launchers-in-2016-we-keep-our-promises/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 01/23/2017 08:16 pm
Ariane 6

European Space Agency, ESA

Published on Jan 23, 2017
Decided in Luxemburg by the European Space Agency council meeting at Ministerial level, Ariane 6 is a modular three-stage launcher (solid–cryogenic–cryogenic) with two configurations using: four boosters (A64) or two boosters (A62).

https://youtu.be/kcKL_qR1dXM?t=001

https://youtu.be/kcKL_qR1dXM
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 01/24/2017 10:39 am
Wow that is so awesome stuff to see. What a good looking 🚀 😊

Remember, this is the UPDATES thread. Please move any comments, remarks, etc. to the DISCUSSION thread (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/27/2017 02:07 pm
Quote
Peter B. de Selding ‏@pbdes  14m14 minutes ago

 MT Aerospace completes Ariane 6 launch pad mechanical structures PDR, part of Oct 2016 EUR 23M contract w/ CNES, Ariane 6 launch pad prime.

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/824993010949701632 (https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/824993010949701632)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Lsquirrel on 02/14/2017 02:57 am
http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Ariane6_Users-Manual_February2017.pdf

ariane 6 users manual
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 on 02/14/2017 06:37 pm
http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Ariane6_Users-Manual_February2017.pdf

ariane 6 users manual
This is May 2016 version
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 03/06/2017 04:03 pm
Avio started production of the first P120C (P142/ESR)
Twitter image (https://twitter.com/astronauticaus/status/836960201475559424)

And @19:30 - 21:15 in the Arianespace Flight VV09 / Sentinel-2B (https://youtube.com/watch?v=yxidc1-N1Ew) launch video
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/08/2017 09:49 pm
Oops, not great news:

Quote
@Arianespace CEO Israel says Ariane 6 will cost 'approx 40% less than Ariane 5.' Used to be a 50% reduction.#SATShow

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/839593074066141185 (https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/839593074066141185)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: gosnold on 04/01/2017 10:52 am
Airbus Safran Launchers and French aerospace lab Onera sign an agreement to work jointly on Lox-Methane propulsion and reusable launchers:
http://www.air-cosmos.com/airbus-safran-launchers-et-l-onera-renforcent-leur-cooperation-92523?utm_source=Sociallymap&utm_medium=Sociallymap&utm_campaign=Sociallymap
 (http://www.air-cosmos.com/airbus-safran-launchers-et-l-onera-renforcent-leur-cooperation-92523?utm_source=Sociallymap&utm_medium=Sociallymap&utm_campaign=Sociallymap)

With the recent relaunch of a falcon 9, I'd say it's better late than never. However Ariane 6 might now be obsolete before it has even flown.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/06/2017 01:52 pm
Quote
COLORADO SPRINGS — The European Commission will commit to buying at least five Ariane 6 and two Vega C launches per year when both rockets are in operation, Elzbieta Bienkowska, the European Commission’s lead space commissioner, said Wednesday.

http://spacenews.com/european-commission-commits-to-annual-minimums-for-ariane-6-vega-c/ (http://spacenews.com/european-commission-commits-to-annual-minimums-for-ariane-6-vega-c/)

Article also includes:

Quote
“We observe very closely the ongoing revolution in the launcher market, especially here in the United States, around the principle of reusability,” she said. “Europe’s answer is the development of the next-generation of cost effective, reliable and competitive European launchers: Ariane 6 and Vega C.”
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/16/2017 06:34 am
Quote
Ariane 6's first flight is planned for 2020! But we're already building the plant where we'll assemble the launcher's main stage!

https://twitter.com/aslaunchers/status/853251788593664001 (https://twitter.com/aslaunchers/status/853251788593664001)

There's a time lapse video with the tweet but seems to be just groundworks at this point.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/15/2017 07:42 am
Quote
AirbusSafranLaunchers #ArianeGroup signs EUR 170M Ariane 6 tank/structures contract w/ #OHB's MT Aerospace. 12/yr production capacity.

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/875224644399374336 (https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/875224644399374336)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/20/2017 05:57 pm
Quote
Both #Ariane6 Vulcain (VUAB) and Vinci (VITF) engine thrust frames will be made by @AirbusDS_NL in Oegstgeest, NL contract signed at #PAS17

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/877219383466237952 (https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/877219383466237952)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 06/21/2017 06:29 am
Quote
Both #Ariane6 Vulcain (VUAB) and Vinci (VITF) engine thrust frames will be made by @AirbusDS_NL in Oegstgeest, NL contract signed at #PAS17

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/877219383466237952 (https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/877219383466237952)

Note: this is the same Airbus subsidiary that also constructs the engine frame for stage 1 of Ariane 5, the 1/2 interstage for Vega and has constructed the 1/2 and 2/3 interstages for Ariane 1 thru 4.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 06/21/2017 08:32 am
This is a SpaceX fairing, not an Ariane 6 item.

(http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=31484.0;attach=1434279;image)

Que? You got your threads mixed-up Hobbes?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Hobbes-22 on 06/21/2017 11:28 am
my apologies, there was a cache issue on my browser, so the 3rd image in FutureSpaceTourist's post showed up as a photo of a recovered F9 fairing for me.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 06/21/2017 08:48 pm
ArianeGroup silently upgraded the Ariane 6  ;)

On the their website the payload performanc is now listed as "up to 12 tons to GTO"

https://www.ariane.group/en/commercial-launch-services/ariane-6/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 06/21/2017 11:10 pm
The Materials Testing Institute University of Stuttgart received a tech demonstrator of the P120C booster for Ariane 6.

Diameter 3.5 meters, height 6 meters. It will be filled with 56,000 liters water and then pressure tested to destruction.

Quote
The Technology Demonstrator

The European Space Agency (ESA) is developing a new-generation launcher, Ariane 6, and the Materials Testing Institute University of Stuttgart will contribute its part. The key verification test of the future solid-rocket booster – based on fiber composite for the first time – will be performed in our 32 meters deep inspection shaft.

Verification test Ariane 6

The verification test is supposed to reassure that the new-generation booster will meet the requirements of a rocket launch. It is devided in two parts. After the booster has been filled with water, two different pressure levels are generated in the first part and the measured values are recorded. In the second part, the water pressure is gradually increased until the test specimen fails.
Before the actual verification test can take place, some preparations have to be made. To analyze the material and component behavior in detail a lot of measurement instrumentation is needed.

More at: http://www.mpa.uni-stuttgart.de/ariane/index.en.html

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/22/2017 07:56 pm
Quote
Full thrust on Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket
Jonathan Amos
Science correspondent

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40366736 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40366736)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/23/2017 12:05 am
As written crosspost from the discussion topic.
Today at the ESA pavilion at the Paris Airshow, there was a live roundtable discussion about the fixed institutional procurement of launches from Arianespace. Link to video (http://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Videos/2017/06/Round_table_on_the_role_of_European_institutions_in_the_exploitation_of_Ariane_6_and_Vega-C)
The participents were representatives of: the EU, ESA, France, Germany & Italy, EUMETSAT and Arianespace.

Discussions belong in the discussion threat.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/23/2017 08:48 am
Quote
20 06 2017 AEROSPACE
GKN DELIVERS REVOLUTIONARY ARIANE 6 NOZZLE TO AIRBUS SAFRAN LAUNCHERS

- First nozzle in flight configuration with laser-welded technology and additively manufactured structures
- 90% reduction of component parts, 40% reduction of costs and 30% reduction of production time
- Dedicated manufacturing center of excellence to be opened  in Trollhättan, Sweden in 2018

GKN Aerospace has delivered the first advanced Ariane 6 nozzle (SWAN) to Airbus Safran Launchers in France for the Vulcain 2.1 engine. The new state of the art nozzle, which measures 2.5m in diameter incorporates innovative technologies with higher performance, lower lead times and substantial cost reduction. Large scale use of laser welding and laser metal deposition (additive manufacturing) for key structural features resulted in 90% reduction of component parts, taking it down from approximately 1000 parts to 100 parts. A demonstrator nozzle has already been successfully trialled in a full-scale engine nozzle test as part of the European Space Agency’s Ariane  Research and Technology Accompaniment (ARTA) Program. Now the flight configuration nozzle will be mounted in France to the Vulcain 2.1 engine for a test in Germany. The Ariane 6 is scheduled to enter service in 2020. Airbus Safran Launchers is the prime contractor and GKN’s customer in this development program funded by the European Space Agency.

GKN Aerospace will manufacture the nozzle in a new highly automated manufacturing centre in its facility in Trollhättan, Sweden, which is scheduled to open in 2018.

In total GKN Aerospace will provide five complex sub-systems for each Ariane 6 rocket, including four turbine assemblies for the two engines, generating power for the hydrogen and oxygen fuel systems.

Sebastien Aknouche General Manager Space, GKN Aerospace Engine Systems said:

“We are proud to be part of the Ariane 6 team. The advanced nozzle manufactured with breakthrough technologies is a true innovation. With the support of the Swedish National Space Board, we participated in the initial engine demonstrator programs. This allowed us to work with our customer to prove the great added value that innovative technologies like additive manufacturing have for the design and production processes in the space and aerospace industry.”

GKN Aerospace’s Space business unit, in Trollhättan, Sweden, has been active in the Ariane program from its inception in 1974 and has made over 1,000 combustion chambers and nozzles as well as over 250 turbines for the Ariane rocket to date. Today it is the European centre of excellence for turbines and metallic nozzles, having contributed to the programme at every stage of initial research and development through cooperation with academia to the serial production.

http://www.gkn.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/aerospace/2017/gkn-delivers-revolutionary-ariane-6-nozzle-to-airbus-safran-launchers/ (http://www.gkn.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/aerospace/2017/gkn-delivers-revolutionary-ariane-6-nozzle-to-airbus-safran-launchers/)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Bynaus on 06/23/2017 12:14 pm
Quote
- 90% reduction of component parts, 40% reduction of costs and 30% reduction of production time

That's good news. Which is the share of the total Ariane 5 cost is due to the Vulcain 2 currently?

From here: https://www.ariane.group/en/commercial-launch-services/ariane-6/prometheus/

Quote
Its aim is to lower the production price of the Vulcain® engine by 90%, meaning that this future engine would cost only 1 million euros, as against just over 10 million for the Vulcain®2 engine fitted to Ariane 5
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/24/2017 06:56 am
Cross-posting:

Quote
Stéphane Israël (Arianespace) : "La première fusée Ariane 6 volera le 16 juillet 2020"

https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/878489561206321152 (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/878489561206321152)

http://mobile.francetvinfo.fr/replay-radio/l-interview-eco/stephane-israel-arianespace-la-premiere-fusee-ariane-6-volera-le-16-juillet-2020_2229971.html (http://mobile.francetvinfo.fr/replay-radio/l-interview-eco/stephane-israel-arianespace-la-premiere-fusee-ariane-6-volera-le-16-juillet-2020_2229971.html)

Translation:

Quote
Stéphane Israel (Arianespace): "the first Ariane 6 rocket will fly July 16, 2020" mobile.francetvinfo.fr/replay-radio/l…
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: soltasto on 07/04/2017 06:01 pm
I wonder what is this about... Adeline?

Quote
Hmmm, something is cooking.... You'll find out what in a few days!

https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/882268402273878017
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 07/06/2017 04:21 am
ARIANE 6 : The Future Of European Space Launchers

Space Videos
Published on Jul 5, 2017


At the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, the new launch facilities for ESA’s Ariane 6 launcher are being built. With the Ariane 6 launcher and the upgrade of the Vega to Vega C Europe expands its launching capacities by creating versatile launchers which meet market demands. At the same time ESA supports both institutional missions and European industry as both Ariane 6 and Vega C will be fully European. With Ariane 6 and Vega C Europe secures its independent access to space for years to come.

https://youtu.be/u80Ax80I6aM?t=001

https://youtu.be/u80Ax80I6aM
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 07/06/2017 10:17 am
I think it's appropriate to post the initial source for the Ariane 6 Euronews video:
ESA TV (http://www.esa.int/esatv/Videos/2017/07/Ariane_6)

Has this ESA Ariane 6 & Vega-C (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/space_transportation/Ariane_6_and_Vega-C_A4_HiRes.pdf)flyer been posted here? (launchers page (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation)_side ribon)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/06/2017 11:52 am
Quote
DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace 5m5 minutes ago

Nice image of the #Ariane6 #Vinci upper-stage engine being tested on the P4.1 test bench at Lampoldshausen via @DLR_en

https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/882928602882461698 (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/882928602882461698)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 07/07/2017 10:11 am
New video of the current status of ELA-4 and its envisaged project for A6:

https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/883057849152266240
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/09/2017 09:08 am
Press release, 6 July 2017

New thrust for Ariane 6 - Production of the new Vinci thrust chamber starts in Ottobrunn

Space travel is not possible without launchers. Every space activity is based on this simple fact. Launcher systems connect Earth to space. They transport people and materials into space and deliver research and commercial satellites to orbit. Launchers
provide the only way to conduct scientific research and ensure commercial utilisation of space. But to survive in today's competitive environment, access to space must also be economically viable. "Europe's response to this challenge is the new Ariane
6 launcher with its innovative, cost-effective and reignitable, next-generation upper stage engine. The combustion chamber – the 'heart' of the engine - and other important components are made in Germany. This is the result of the competence and skills
– unparalleled in Europe – that have been developed thanks to, among others, funding from the Space Administration at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR)," emphasised Gerd Gruppe, DLR Executive Board member
responsible for the Space Administration. Production at ArianeGroup in Ottobrunn began on 28 June 2017 – an important milestone for Europe's gateway to space.

The heart of the upper stage engine comes from Ottobrunn

A great deal of energy is needed for a launcher and its payload to escape Earth’s gravitational field. Ariane accomplishes this feat initially by using its main stage and solid fuel boosters. The upper stage, with the Vinci engine, takes over once
the work of the boosters and main stage has been completed. Energy-efficient and reignitable engines are crucial to ensure optimal propulsion in space. "We have succeeded in substantially increasing the efficiency of the Vinci engine, while at the
same time creating the capacity to reignite the engine five times. This means that a variety of payloads can quickly and reliably be delivered to their required orbits," explains Denis Regenbrecht, responsible for the Ariane programme at the DLR Space
Administration. The main production task has been delegated to the French ArianeGroup location in Vernon: "But the heart of the engine – the combustion chamber – is built in Ottobrunn, Bavaria. This is where combustion takes place, which creates a
thrust of 180 kilonewtons," Regenbrecht adds. Vinci uses cryogenic hydrogen (LH2: – liquid hydrogen at minus 253 degrees Celsius) as its fuel, and cryogenic oxygen (LOX – liquid oxygen at minus 180 degrees Celsius) as its oxidiser, after the expander
cycle. First the fuel flows around the combustion chamber, cooling it down and evaporating. The gases produced by this process are used to drive turbopumps, which force the oxidiser and fuel into the combustion chamber, where they are burned together
with the additional oxidiser.

German industry contribution

The combustion chamber in this next-generation engine is not built by the ArianeGroup in Ottobrunn alone. Many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Germany are also contributing to the project. For instance, a large number of turned and milled
metal components, as well as hoses and seals, are made by medium-sized companies in Bavaria.

Innovative methods reduce production costs

Innovative technologies like additive layer manufacturing (ALM) and powder metallurgy are used to manufacture the Vinci upper stage engine. "These two methods have substantial advantages compared to cast or forged products, as components involving
complex structures can be produced in large numbers, without the need for mechanical reworking. The elimination of expensive manufacturing stages and simplification of the engine structure have cut the costs significantly," explains Regenbrecht.

Revolution in the launcher market

Cost-efficiency measures like this are absolutely imperative, as the situation in the space transport sector has changed radically in recent years – on the supply side as well as the demand side. "European launcher systems face growing levels of competition
in global markets, which will intensify the price pressure in future. Ariane 6 is a response to this situation, as its launch costs will be approximately half of what they were with its European predecessor, Ariane 5," emphasises Regenbrecht.

Engine tested in Lampoldshausen

With its 79 successful launches, Ariane 5 is amongst the most reliable launch vehicles ever built. The engines of its successor are tested carefully to ensure the continuation of safe transport of payloads into space. The next-generation Vinci engine
is being tested at the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion in Lampoldshausen. Test campaigns are currently underway on the P4.1 altitude simulation test stand to complete development of the engine design and to obtain qualification for flight operations.
DLR scientists use these tests to acquire insight into the engine's behaviour, which the manufacturer ArianeGroup can then use to make final improvements.

Ariane 6

During the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level in December 2014, the member states adopted a resolution to develop a new launcher system, Ariane 6. Its purpose is to advance the engineering of the Ariane launcher and to ensure its continued competitiveness
in the global market. This requires restructuring within the European launcher sector. In future, responsibilities, costs and risks will be reassigned between the European Space Agency and the continent's space industry. Many components used in the
Ariane 6 will draw on the experience and technologies of Ariane 5. Here, engineers will add new elements that have proven reliable to existing platforms. This will enable the complete development of the new launcher system within five years. The first
flight of the approximately 60-metre-tall Ariane 6 is planned for 2020. Depending on its configuration, the launcher can be equipped with two (version A62) or four external boosters (version A64) and therefore transport either five or 11 tons of payload
into space. ArianeGroup is ESA's main contractual partner for the development and construction of the launcher system. Germany is contributing approximately 23 percent of the development programme's overall costs. The DLR Space Administration is coordinating
the German ESA budget on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 07/14/2017 08:15 am
https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/885768951782887425

Quote
The old and the new, foreground the new #Ariane6 vulcain 2.1 demonstration engine nozzle, background the current #Ariane5 one, via
@GKNAero https://t.co/8qTAG3d0NK
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/20/2017 09:03 am
https://youtu.be/yYZiCdhQeSE (https://youtu.be/yYZiCdhQeSE)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2017 08:51 am
Waiting for the press release, but the first test of an Ariane-6 side booster was a success.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 07/21/2017 12:56 pm
Waiting for the press release, but the first test of an Ariane-6 side booster was a success.


Here:

Quote
NEW TYPE OF BOOSTER CASING FOR ARIANE 6 SUCCESSFULLY TESTED

This morning, MT Aerospace AG, a space technology company based in Augsburg, Germany and subsidiary of the listed technology group OHB SE*, successfully tested a new technology for carbon fiber-reinforced (CFRP) booster casings.

With a diameter of 3.5 meters and a length of 6 meters, the booster was tested at the Materials Testing Institute in Stuttgart to determine whether it meets representative requirements as seen during an Ariane launch. Simulating pressure loads over 125 bar, the CFRP booster casing successfully passed all tests.

Franz Josef Pschierer, the Bavarian state secretary for economics and technology commented: “The successful test of the CFRP booster casing marks an important step in the development of the ARIANE 6 launch vehicle and, hence, for the European space industry as a whole. I congratulate MT Aerospace AG on this success. This not only benefits Augsburg but strengthens the status of the entire state of Bavaria as one of the leading hubs of high-tech research and production.”

MT Aerospace has been working since summer 2013 on the development of the state-of-the-art production technology for carbon-fiber processing together with the DLR Center for Lightweight Production Technology (DLR-ZLP) on behalf of the European Space Agency ESA (FORC project) and the Bavarian government (DLR-ZLP project KOFFER). Featuring infusion technology, the newly developed process leads to lower cost when compared to conventional wet-winding processes, substantially enhancing the competitiveness of the new European launch vehicle.

Since 2015 MT Aerospace has been already involved in the development and industrialization of the Ariane 6 CFRP booster. Alongside Colleferro near Rome, Augsburg is selected to be the second production site for CFRP booster casing for the new European launch vehicle, replacing the previous steel versions of Ariane 5. The successful test marked the completion of a crucial milestone in the development programme.

The maiden flight for the new ARIANE 6 is scheduled for 2020.

http://www.mt-aerospace.de/news-details-en/items/new-type-of-booster-casing-for-ariane-6-successfully-tested.html
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/28/2017 10:43 am
Quote
Fresh images from #CSG showing flame trench progress for the future #Ariane6 pad #ELA4 via @CNES

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/890879880417640452
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/09/2017 10:52 am
Quote
Good view of the foundations of the Mobile Gantry being constructed for #Ariane6 launch pad #ELA4 at #CSG

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/895224083511693314
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/05/2017 07:55 am
Quote
@arianespaceceo S. Israel to France Infos: W/ Ariane 6 in 2020, we'll reduce each launch campaign from 31 days for Ariane 5 now, to 9 days.

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/904970602104201219 (https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/904970602104201219)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 09/06/2017 05:45 am
Update from AVIO: P120C, WORK IN PROGRESS (http://www.avio.com/en/news-en/vega-c-work-in-progress/)

The picture that DutchSpace tweet'ed most likely origionated from this French article
futura-sciences / ariane 6 construction  (http://www.futura-sciences.com/sciences/actualites/ariane-6-ariane-6-construction-pas-tir-chiffres-68195/)
In the article there is also a picture that shows that progress is made on the steel structure of the horizontal (core) assembly building.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Jester on 09/07/2017 03:16 pm

The picture that DutchSpace tweet'ed most likely origionated from this French article
futura-sciences / ariane 6 construction  (http://www.futura-sciences.com/sciences/actualites/ariane-6-ariane-6-construction-pas-tir-chiffres-68195/)
In the article there is also a picture that shows that progress is made on the steel structure of the horizontal (core) assembly building.

No
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Runerdieker on 09/09/2017 03:51 pm
The "no" is an answer to which remark from Rik ISS-fan?   ??? The picture that Dutch Space tweeted from the foundations is dated the 9th of august, the article from "Futura Sciences" with a similar picture is dated the 7th of august, so that seems a plausible source. So does the "no" refer to the horizontal core assembly building? Is there an error in that article?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: CLE on 09/10/2017 06:26 am
Two pictures I took one week ago
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 09/13/2017 04:34 pm
From the Ariane user's day:

Quote
ARIANE 6 - PROGRAM STATUS
Program on-track for 1st launch July 16st, 2020
Key milestones:
1. Vulcain 2.1 firing test from October 2017
2. Vinci qualification campaign end of November 2017
3. MG6.2 in November-December 2017: authorize start of serial production
4. P12OC 1st firing test in April 2018
5. MG7 in June 2018: end of critical design
6. Technical Qualification in September 2019 and start of combined tests in November 2019
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 09/13/2017 04:58 pm
Drone view video of ELA 4, status July 2017:

https://youtu.be/Kfd0I0RocBQ
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mike Jones on 09/14/2017 04:10 pm
Big day for Ariane 6. First two contracts signed by Arianespace for 2 Galileo launches on Ariane 62 in 2020 and 2021.
http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/first-ariane-6-contract-arianespace-to-orbit-four-galileo-satellites-on-two-ariane-62-launches/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 09/15/2017 08:39 pm
Presentations from the Ariane 6 user day:

http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Presentation_Ariane-6-Users-Club_Sept-2017.pdf

http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Presentation_Ariane-6-Users-Club-Jamboree-Session_Sept-2017.pdf

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 09/18/2017 09:38 am
Peter B. de Selding, Space Intel Report:
ArianeGroup lays out transition to Ariane 6, phase-out of Ariane 5 and Soyuz (https://www.spaceintelreport.com/arianegroup-lays-transition-ariane-6-phase-ariane-5-soyuz/)

The article is mainly a summary of the User's Day slides I linked above.

Edit: corrected link.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Sam Ho on 09/18/2017 05:02 pm
Peter B. de Selding, Space Intel Report:
ArianeGroup lays out transition to Ariane 6, phase-out of Ariane 5 and Soyuz (https://www.spaceintelreport.com/arianegroup-lays-transition-ariane-6-phase-ariane-5-soyuz/)

The article is mainly a summary of the User's Day slides I linked above.
Corrected URL for that is https://www.spaceintelreport.com/arianegroup-lays-transition-ariane-6-phase-ariane-5-soyuz/

It's behind a paywall, incidentally.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 09/18/2017 07:04 pm
Sorry about the link mistake. Corrected it.

It's a soft paywall only allowing X articles free per month.
Opening in an incognito window should help
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/19/2017 08:54 pm
Quote
First P120C SRM propellant casting complete at Regulus. One more step towards Ariane 6 and Vega C

https://twitter.com/giulioranzo/status/910056626681499648
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/24/2017 04:48 pm
Quote
Second P120C Booster case manufactured and successfully tested. Ramping up towards Ariane 6 and Vega C. More to come soon.

https://twitter.com/giulioranzo/status/911557791885795329
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/24/2017 06:59 pm
Quote
Interesting...  #Ariane6 #ELA4

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/912027915541467139 (https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/912027915541467139)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 09/29/2017 09:05 pm
Isn't that a render of CCU4 (A6 payload assembly transporter, comparable to the transporter for Soyuz and Vega) on the image from DutchSpace!?

Also a YouTube channel to check often: CNES CSG (https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCe5WxcqciZKvkJr2_AOhVsA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQhECspRqbc
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/30/2017 01:33 pm
Quote
The new #ELA4 #ZL4 launch pad for #Ariane6 is taking shape quickly, early September shot

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/914110189955158016

Sorry, hit post too soon:

Quote
Updated overview shot of #ELA4 for #Ariane6, gantry foundation clearly visible in the front, #BAL starting to take shape in the back

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/914110959945383936
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 on 09/30/2017 03:55 pm
Isn't that a render of CCU4 (A6 payload assembly transporter, comparable to the transporter for Soyuz and Vega) on the image from DutchSpace!?

Also a YouTube channel to check often: CNES CSG (https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCe5WxcqciZKvkJr2_AOhVsA)
they will be similar but AFAIK the one shown only transports the integrated payload stack from the A5 BAF to ELA-4 (ZL4).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 10/06/2017 04:23 pm
Quote
Ariane 6 could use reusable Prometheus engine, designer says

LES MUREAUX, France and WASHINGTON — Europe’s upcoming Ariane 6 rocket, though designed to be expendable, could one day sport a reusable engine, according to Patrick Bonguet, head of the Ariane 6 program at ArianeGroup.

Whether or not the rocket would ever use that engine, called Prometheus, depends on whether Ariane 6 manufacturer ArianeGroup, formerly Airbus Safran Launchers, finds enough benefit for the European launch sector. So far, the merits of reusable rockets to ArianeGroup are unclear at best, Bonguet said, but the company is researching the technology to be ready for implementation should it prove worthwhile.

“We could replace Vulcain 2.1 by Prometheus,” Bonguet told SpaceNews. “Or Prometheus can be the first break to build the next generation. We will see where we are in 2025 or 2030, and then decide on the right time whether to go one way or the other.”

http://spacenews.com/ariane-6-could-use-reusable-prometheus-engine-designer-says/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: TrevorMonty on 10/07/2017 02:06 pm
"A smaller tip-toe into reusability could come through salvaging Ariane 6’s payload fairings. Swiss manufacturer Ruag Space is developing reusable fairings, which Bonguet said are of interest to ArianeGroup."

Ruag also make ULA fairings so don't be surprised ULA also try for fairing reuse.

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 10/07/2017 04:51 pm
Remember: this is the UPDATES thread. Please take any non-UPDATE posts to the DISCUSSION thread (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 10/08/2017 09:08 am
(although not totally on topic)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atMrN6Iufsk
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 10/14/2017 11:06 am
ESA P120C update:
Rocket motor for Ariane 6 and Vega-C is cast for testing (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Rocket_motor_for_Ariane_6_and_Vega-C_is_cast_for_testing)
- P120C inert motor is casted. (takes 36 hours, has to harden for 10 days)
- In november they will cast the first P120C
- Static testing will take place in April.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/23/2017 03:20 pm
ArianeSpace has a SpaceNews advert talking about first launches awarded
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/25/2017 07:46 am
http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2017/10/Vulcain_2.1

Quote
On 10 October 2017, the M1 demonstration flight model of the Vulcain 2.1 main stage cryogenic rocket motor for Ariane 6 arrived in the DLR German Aerospace Center test facility in Lampoldshausen for functional tests.

The Vulcain is 3.7 m high, 2.5 m in diameter and weighs about 2 tonnes, and will deliver 135 tonnes of thrust in vacuum.

- Related article: Ariane 6' s Vulcain engine set for first firing (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_s_Vulcain_engine_set_for_first_firing)

Image credit: ArianeGroup Holding

Edit: to add the related article.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 10/25/2017 01:50 pm
Interview with ArianeGroup CFO Pierre Godart

Topics:
- Ariane 6
- Small Sat Launchers
- Re-usability

http://spacenews.com/arianegroup-cfo-pierre-godart-on-ariane-6-cost-savings-micro-launchers-and-reusability/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 10/30/2017 12:12 pm
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_s_Vulcain_engine_set_for_first_firing

Quote
There are two main changes in how the engine works.

 
DLR German Aerospace Center
Expensive liquid helium is no longer needed because heated oxygen in the exhaust lines now pressurises the oxygen tank.

The new engine is ignited from the ground via the bottom of the nozzle instead of by pyrotechnic devices inside the motor, reducing the cost and weight.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hkultala on 10/30/2017 12:43 pm
So, compared to vulcain 2, getting rid of helium and making startup easier, but no major performance increases?

Only pressure increase from 117 to 120 bars giving some 3% thrust increase and very small isp increase?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 10/30/2017 12:48 pm
Remember: this is the UPDATES thread. Please take any non-UPDATE posts, such as questions, to the DISCUSSION thread (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0). Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 11/12/2017 08:29 pm
The CSG posted an update on their Facebook presence.

Quote
Le montage du portique mobile Ariane 6 a débuté il y a quelques jours, sur le chantier du futur ensemble de lancement n°4. Une fois équipé, l'ouvrage métallique de 8 500 tonnes sera le bâtiment mobile le plus lourd d'Europe.
Les opérations d'assemblage finales d'Ariane 6 se dérouleront sous cette tour haute de 90 m. A l'aide d'un pont roulant de 45 tonnes, les équipes procéderont à la verticalisation du corps central, à la mise en place des étages à propulsion solide et des différents éléments du lanceur.
Le bâtiment sera aussi équipé de plateformes mobiles donnant accès aux différents niveaux du lanceur. Juste avant le décollage, le portique se reculera sur une distance de 120 m en une vingtaine de minutes, grâce à une double voie ferrée. #ChantierAriane6 #ELA4

Rough translation:
Construction of the ELA-4 mobile gantry has started.
Final weight will be 8500 tons, 90 meters high, featuring a 45-tons crane
The gantry can complete the 120 meter railwaytrack in 20 minutes.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/14/2017 08:43 am
Quote
THALES ALENIA SPACE WINS A CONTRACT TO SUPPLY THE TELEMETRY TRANSMITTER OF THE EUROPEAN LAUNCHER ARIANE 6

First ever contract of Thales Alenia Space in Spain in the launchers segment

Madrid, November 14, 2017 - Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with ArianeGroup, prime contractor and design authority of Ariane 6, to design, develop, qualify and manufacture the telemetry transmitter of the new European launcher. The telemetry transmitter is responsible for transmitting to the ground the data generated by the launcher throughout the whole launch mission.
 
It is the first contract of the company in Spain in the launchers segment. After three decades of activity in the space sector participating in more than 400 satellites, probes and spacecraft put into orbit, the company expands its comprehensive product portfolio in Spain in the field of space communications with a new generation equipment adapted to very demanding requirements from the customer, in a highly competitive environment, which has driven to adopt an innovative design using the most advanced manufacturing technologies.

Eduardo Bellido, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in Spain, said: "We are proud to enjoy the confidence of ArianeGroup and ESA for the development of an equipment as critical as the Ariane 6 telemetry transmitter, a key program in the European space scene". "This contract shows our company's ability to adapt to a continuously evolving space market, implementing new industrial processes and technologies to meet our customer needs", he added.

The development of Ariane 6 was approved at the European Space Agency (ESA) Ministerial Council in December 2014 to ensure that Europe maintains its leadership in the fast-changing commercial launch market, while also addressing requirements for European governmental missions. The launcher will be developed in two versions: Ariane 62, with two solid propellant strap-on boosters and Ariane 64, with four solid-propellant strap-on boosters. The maiden launch of Ariane 6 is planned in 2020.

Thales Alenia Space has contributed to the European launcher industry over the last 40 years as a key supplier of numerous electronic systems developed by the company in Belgium for the entire family of Ariane (Ariane 1 to Ariane 6), Vega and Soyuz launchers.

https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space/press-release/thales-alenia-space-wins-contract-supply-telemetry-transmitter (https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space/press-release/thales-alenia-space-wins-contract-supply-telemetry-transmitter)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 11/15/2017 07:09 pm
CNES released a new drone-view video of the construction work at ELA-4

4k quality, so worth going fullscreen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f9grfVWCN8
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 11/22/2017 09:32 pm
Something to read: OHB 9-month report 2017 (https://www.ohb.de/tl_files/ohb/pdf/finanzberichte_hauptversammlung/2017/2017-Q3_9m_OHB-en.pdf) {direct download} OHB SE website (https://www.ohb.de/financial-reports.html)
The German solid casing production proces was tested. Normal pressure is 100bar, tested at 125bar was fine. Later they did a burst test, the test casing failed at 212 bar.
They started fabrication of (liquid) tank segments and structures in Bremen. In Early 2018 in Augsburg they will open a new factories for liquid stage segments and structures.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mike Jones on 11/23/2017 06:57 am
This new casing will not fly before 2023 at best on Ariane 6 and Vega-C (P120c SRMs) and the Italians do their best (and have heavy influence within ESA) to avoid that any work share transfer from Avio to MT-A ever occur. So we should not read too much into this news reported by MT-A
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/23/2017 07:55 am
Remember, this is an UPDATES thread.

Any discussions and/or opinions should be taken to the DISCUSSION (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0) thread. Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 11/24/2017 05:13 pm
Vulcain 2.1 sitting in Lampoldshausen, waiting for it's first test-firing.

Source (https://twitter.com/DLR_de/status/934078460498235393)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/27/2017 03:10 pm
Quote
New #Ariane6 launch table taking shape

https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/935178158210510849 (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/935178158210510849)

Edit to add:

Here's the ESA update the picture is from:

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Building_Ariane_6_mobile_gantry_at_Europe_s_Spaceport (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Building_Ariane_6_mobile_gantry_at_Europe_s_Spaceport)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 11/29/2017 10:01 am
This speaks for itself:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdYnoyeV74o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdYnoyeV74o)
And here on ESA's website (http://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Videos/2017/11/Ariane_6_-_a_reality_in_Kourou)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 12/08/2017 03:04 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__Kxbe32Ccc
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 12/15/2017 12:35 am
Euronews report from French Guiana

Length 8:30


Race to build Ariane 6 rocket launch pad (http://www.euronews.com/2017/12/14/race-to-build-ariane-6-rocket-launch-pad)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/15/2017 12:07 pm
Quote
The new #Ariane6 mobile gantry being built at #ELA4 is pretty impressive...

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/941632494474022912
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 12/15/2017 12:33 pm
Euronews report from French Guiana

Length 8:30


Race to build Ariane 6 rocket launch pad (http://www.euronews.com/2017/12/14/race-to-build-ariane-6-rocket-launch-pad)
And as usual on ESA youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7w8V7sfEQM
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/22/2017 04:13 pm
Quote
Had a peek down the new #Ariane6 #ELA4 flame trench being built, impressive... #CSG

https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/944254153865428993 (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/944254153865428993)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/22/2017 04:31 pm
Quote
And another shot from the side, concrete being poured in, cant wait to launch from here, exciting times... #ELA4 #Ariane6 #CSG

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/944255229943533569 (https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/944255229943533569)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: RotoSequence on 12/25/2017 09:32 pm
Another spiffy animation posted by Ariane Group, and unusually linked directly in .mp4 form.

https://www.ariane.group/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ariane-6-carianegroup-holding-2017.mp4
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Star One on 01/09/2018 08:04 pm
End signalled for European Ariane 5 rocket

Quote
A final order for a batch of 10 Ariane 5 rockets has been raised.

The vehicle, which has been the mainstay of European launcher activity for the past 20 years, will be phased out once its successor is in place.

ArianeGroup, the French-led industrial consortium, expects its new Ariane 6 to be flying no later than mid-2020, and in full operational service in 2023.

At that point, Ariane 5 can be retired. The last order ensures sufficient rockets are available for the handover.

https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/science-environment-42623300
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 01/10/2018 10:04 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-0nkEfREFA
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 01/12/2018 08:52 am
Lengthy interview by brest.malville.com with Stephane Isreal

The topics discussed - SpaceX, constellations, buy European, etc... - have been raised before, but it's an interesting read nonetheless.

Ariane reste "confiant" devant les ambitions de SpaceX (https://brest.maville.com/actu/actudet_-ariane-reste-confiant-devant-les-ambitions-de-spacex_54135-3357018_actu.Htm)

My attempt at translation is here: https://twitter.com/AuerSusan/status/951750445592121344
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: octavo on 01/12/2018 07:32 pm
Remember, this is an UPDATES thread.

Any discussions and/or opinions should be taken to the DISCUSSION (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0) thread. Thank you.
A reminder...
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 01/14/2018 03:59 pm
Nothing goes above Lego!
twitter ArianeGroup (https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/951842844519657472)
I had a very good laugh.

On the more serious side: ArianeGroup tweet (https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/942733847317372929) and Website (https://www.ariane.group/en/news/ariane6-production-en/):
Ariane 6 development has passed maturity gate 6.2 (MG 6.2) in mid. December. Now the construction of the first Ariane 62 can commence.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/23/2018 09:35 am
Quote
Europe's @ArianeGroup says 1st test firing of Ariane 6 main stage Vulcain 2.1 engine concluded successfully in Lampoldshausen, Germany. Test lasted 650 seconds.

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/955732261239959552
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 01/23/2018 10:48 am
Arianegroup video featuring including footage from the first Vulcain 2.1 test

https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/955748778136436736

Further info via DLR:

- Test campaign will last 7 months
- This engine still had elements of Vulcain 2.0: eg. the pyro ignition system
- This is done to establish a compression base line between 2 and 2.1
- The next test's ignition will be done via propane gas,

German language link:
http://www.dlr.de/dlr/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10259/369_read-25584/#/gallery/29560

GIF outtake from the video, startup sequence
(https://i.imgur.com/sIK8Fdn.gif)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 01/23/2018 01:33 pm
Main stage engine for Ariane 6 on the test stand at DLR Lampoldshausen

First ignition for Europe's most powerful rocket engine, the Vulcain 2.1
 
23 January 2018

The new Vulcain 2.1 engine, featuring a 3D-printed gas generator, a redesigned, simplified nozzle and a combustion chamber that can be ignited by the launcher's ground support system will bring the future Ariane 6 launcher to space.

•For the first time, the new Vulcain 2.1 engine was tested for use with the future Ariane 6 European launcher.
•DLR carried out the test in the P5 test rig at the site in Lampoldshausen on behalf of ArianeGroup.
•Focus: Space, space propulsion

The new Vulcain 2.1 engine, which is set to carry the new European launcher Ariane 6 into space in 2020, is intended to achieve greater efficiency at lower costs. However, before such a launch can be successfully carried out, the development engines must prove that they can cope with the enormous 130-ton thrust, temperatures of approximately 3000 degrees Celsius in the combustion chamber, the high rotational speeds of the turbo pumps and the pressure in the propellant lines. On 22 January 2018, engineers at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) carried out a first successful test of the engine, developed by the ArianeGroup, on test stand P5 at Lampoldshausen. "We can evaluate the functional capability of the engine for the main stage only by constantly carrying out tests, in which we gradually take steps towards its ultimate use in space," explains Stefan Schlechtriem, Director of the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion. A total of 12 firings are planned for the first test campaign at DLR.

Its predecessor, the Vulcain 2 main stage engine, is currently used on the Ariane 5 launcher and has so far completed 70 successful flights in a row. To create a more cost-effective and efficient generation of engines, Vulcain 2 is being redeveloped into the new Vulcain 2.1 engine, featuring a 3D-printed gas generator, a redesigned, simplified nozzle and a combustion chamber that can be ignited by the launcher's ground support system. Vulcain 2.1 will play a key role in carrying Ariane 6 up to an altitude of 150 kilometres within the first 10 minutes of flight. The DLR test on the Vulcain 2.1 main stage engine lasted 11 minutes, roughly a third longer than the engine would need to carry the Ariane 6 launcher up into space, assisted by solid-propellant boosters.

Step-by-step progress towards the launcher of the future

The decision to develop a new launcher system was taken in December 2014, when the member states of the European Space Agency (ESA) held their Council Meeting at Ministerial Level. They decided to opt for an enhancement of the existing generation of Ariane launchers in order to adapt to growing competition and heightened expectations on the world market. The new launcher was to build upon the existing components of Ariane 5. Depending on the configuration, Ariane 6 will be able to transport a payload of up to 11 tons into space, halving the cost of launches compared to Ariane 5. The new re-ignitable Vinci engine for the upper stage of Ariane 6 has been one of the elements tested at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen since 2005, and now the test runs for the new Vulcain 2.1 main stage engine have been added to the site's portfolio.

Modern test stands for safe and reliable engines

The aim of the seven-month test campaign is to gain a thorough understanding of all key features that distinguish the new main stage engine for the Ariane 6 launcher. "Only those who are fully familiar with these features can adjust the delicate combination of mechanical and electronic components, and thus get the engine to a stage where it is technically mature," stresses Schlechtriem. The first test was based on the Vulcain 2 engine, which has already been developed and is used in the current Ariane model. In this case, all of the pyrotechnical igniters were retained in order to compare the new engine with the older version. For the next test run, the combustion chamber will be ignited from the test stand using propane gas. At the end of the test campaign, the engine will have to successfully complete a final rehearsal on the DLR test stand in its definitive flight configuration.

"Testing is not just about seeing how this technology fares under normal operating conditions. We want to look at how it copes with stresses that go beyond those normally experienced in flight – in other words, at higher temperatures, at high and low combustion chamber pressures and with different fuel mixture ratios," says Anja Frank, Head of the Department of Test Facilities at DLR Lampoldshausen. "We are using the development engine to assess the limits of the Vulcain 2.1."

Data for a reliable engine

The results of the tests carried out by engineers, technicians and test stand workers at the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion will not only be proof of the engine’s functional capabilities, but also a source of a large amount of data. Ultimately, the use of a high-precision measuring and analysis system makes it possible to obtain accurate results and thus allows the ArianeGroup engine developers to draw detailed conclusions about technical issues. The final design of the main stage engine requires a thorough understanding of the pressures and temperatures in the propellant lines, the rotational speeds of the turbo pumps, the pressures in the gas generator and combustion chamber, and the resulting vibrations to which the engine is subjected during a hot run.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 01/24/2018 09:45 am
Successful first test of the Ariane 6 Vulcain 2.1 engine

European Space Agency, ESA
Published on Jan 24, 2018

The first hot firing of Ariane 6’s Vulcain 2.1 main engine was performed in January 2018 at the DLR German Aerospace Center test facility in Lampoldshausen, Germany.

The engine, developed by ArianeGroup, has a simplified and more robust nozzle, a gas generator made through additive manufacturing, and an oxygen heater for oxygen tank pressurization. These features lower the cost of the engine and simplify manufacturing.

Credit: ArianeGroup

https://youtu.be/YN8_lwDl680?t=001

https://youtu.be/YN8_lwDl680
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/26/2018 12:41 pm
Quote
Das Assembly-Gebäude der #Ariane6. Netter kleiner Bungalow.

This nice little bungalow is where they'll assemble the new #Ariane6.

#triptokourou

https://twitter.com/leaving_orbit/status/956880080256544768
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 01/30/2018 08:54 am
Ariane 6 launch site visit

European Space Agency, ESA
Published on Jan 30, 2018

At Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, everything is being prepared to accommodate Europe’s newest launcher, Ariane 6.

https://youtu.be/oCk4Cg_a6C8?t=001

https://youtu.be/oCk4Cg_a6C8
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 02/02/2018 07:10 pm
Second Ariane 6 and Vega-C solid rocket motor prepared for testing

2 February 2018

Two models of the common solid rocket motor for Ariane 6 and Vega-C are being prepared and tested at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

The first full-scale model of the P120C was cast while vertical with 142 tonnes of inert propellant in October. This was left to stabilise, cool and harden – the curing process. The motor was rotated for horizontal integration.

The igniter and nozzle are attached first, the remaining parts will complete the motor.

In two weeks, the inert model will be moved to the test stand. Although it cannot be fired, the procedures and connections will be proved in readiness for the firing of the development model later this year.

Ten kilometres from the stand, the development model is curing with active propellant in the Guiana Propellant Plant.

The P120C is the largest solid-propellant motor ever built in one segment, at almost 11.5 m long and about 3.4 m in diameter. Two or four will be strapped to Ariane 6 as boosters for liftoff. Two boosters will be used on its maiden flight in 2020.

Vega-C is expected to debut in mid-2019 with P120C as the first-stage motor, which will increase performance from Vega’s current 1.5 t to about 2.2 t in a reference 700 km polar orbit.

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Second_Ariane_6_and_Vega-C_solid_rocket_motor_prepared_for_testing

Credits: ESA/CNES/Arianespace
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 02/02/2018 08:55 pm
AFAIK three P120C stages will be bench tested on the BEAP to qualify the P120C for Vega-C and Ariane 6.
Nice how they are already using the new assembly proces before the dedicated facility is finished.
(I know Update topic, I think this is relevant info)

For correctnes lets also add the ESA article Ariane6 launch site visit (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_launch_site_visit)

edit to add: Force technology Vulcain 2.1 test press release (https://forcetechnology.com/en/about-force-technology/news/ariane-6-rocket-has-passed-important-milestone)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 02/16/2018 01:43 pm
ArianeGroup article on succesfully concluding the M6 & M7 vince test compains.
140 successful tests and several firsts for vinci the engine for ariane 6 (https://www.ariane.group/en/news/140-successful-tests-and-several-firsts-for-vinci-the-engine-for-ariane-6/)

The article includes two video's. One with Ariane 64 launching a LEO ComSat constellation.
The second one shows Vulcan 2.1 and Vince assembly and test companes.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 02/17/2018 05:57 pm
Ariane 6 launch table takes shape in Kourou
Quote
The table that will support Ariane 6 on the pad is being assembled at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

This 700 tonne steel structure is 4 m high, 20 m long and 18 m wide and sits in the centre of the launch pad. It is so large it had to be dismantled before it was shipped from Germany.
 
The table arrived in Kourou on 30 January and was moved by truck to a preparation area about 200 m south of the Ariane 6 launch pad.

Now that the main structures of the table are in position, engineers have begun welding them together and will be finished by the end of April.

The installation of equipment inside the table such as the fluid and cryogenic systems, power supply, air-conditioning and security systems will follow in early May.

In August the table will be transferred to the pad for final installation.

The table and all ground systems will be validated and checked by the end of September 2019.

At liftoff, the table is subjected to very high pressures and temperatures from the booster plumes.
 
Machinery installed inside the launch table must also withstand strong vibrations and the acoustic environment generated at liftoff.

Ariane 6’s maiden flight is planned for mid-2020.
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_launch_table_takes_shape_in_Kourou
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: vaporcobra on 02/28/2018 03:04 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M45HCRlPcro
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 02/28/2018 10:58 am
And the 7th from February 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t1dg6gAeSE
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/23/2018 07:16 am
March 2018 update

https://youtu.be/yvkjsA_rCz4 (https://youtu.be/yvkjsA_rCz4)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 03/23/2018 06:56 pm
Expander-cycle Technology Integrated Demonstrator

On 22 March 2018, the full-scale demonstrator of a thrust chamber for an upper-stage rocket motor, called ETID or Expander-cycle Technology Integrated Demonstrator, arrived at the DLR German Aerospace Center test facility in Lampoldshausen for functional tests.

It incorporates the newest propulsion systems that will help prove new technologies, materials and manufacturing techniques that offer higher performance at lower cost for Europe’s future launchers.

The project is part of ESA’s Future Launchers Preparatory Programme.

- Related article: ESA proves new technologies to power future launches (https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/ESA_proves_new_technologies_to_power_future_launchers)

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2018/03/Expander-cycle_Technology_Integrated_Demonstrator

Image credit: ArianeGroup
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/05/2018 08:19 am
Quote
Nozzle for 1st test booster of future Vega-C, Ariane 6 rockets leaves France for @CNES Fr Guiana spaceport; test firing this summer, 1st Vega-C launch 2019.@Avio_Group @ASI_spazio @ArianeGroup @Arianespace @esa

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/981806204765786112
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 04/08/2018 06:28 pm
Quote
MT AEROSPACE SHIPS THE FIRST TANK FOR ARIANE 6 TO ARIANEGROUP IN BREMEN (http://www.mt-aerospace.de/news-details-en/items/mt-aerospace-ships-the-first-tank-for-ariane-6-to-arianegroup-in-bremen.html)
Augsburg/Bremen, April 4, 2018 With the hydrogen tank MT Aerospace has delivered the first component for the upper stage for the future European launch vehicle Ariane 6 to the ArianeGroup’s new production center in Bremen. Fabricated in Augsburg using the latest equipment and optimized processes, the tank floors and cylinder panels were assembled by MT Aerospace in Bremen to form a propellant tank.
(http://www.mt-aerospace.de/assets/images/9/A6_Wasserstofftank_Web-38f93419.jpg)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 04/08/2018 06:36 pm
Quote
Nozzle for 1st test booster of future Vega-C, Ariane 6 rockets leaves France for @CNES Fr Guiana spaceport; test firing this summer, 1st Vega-C launch 2019.@Avio_Group @ASI_spazio @ArianeGroup @Arianespace @esa

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/981806204765786112

Two Arianegroup articles about this:
- The 1st nozzle of the P120 booster common to Ariane-6 and Vega-C on its way to Kourou (https://www.ariane.group/en/news/the-1st-nozzle-of-the-p120-booster-common-to-ariane-6-and-vega-c-on-its-way-to-kourou/)
- Ariane 6 on track with two major milestones (https://www.ariane.group/en/news/ariane-6-on-track-with-two-major-milestones/)

edited to add: The first static test firing of the P120C is planned for the summer. Later two additional tests will follow. One before the maiden Vega-C launch and one before the maiden Ariane 6 launch.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: SciNews on 04/14/2018 08:18 am
Ariane 6: Vulcain 2.1 engine tests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjeEaW9nSgk
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 04/14/2018 11:30 am
Thanks, the engine-sound is better than the music in the first video.  :)

(but the LE-9 sounds better  ;D  )
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 04/23/2018 11:11 pm
The new Ariane 6 User's Guide is out.

http://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mua-6_Issue-1_Revision-0_March-2018.pdf



Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 04/27/2018 09:07 pm
Several twitter updates:
1) Arianegroup LLPM production site; construction time-laps (https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/988785871842369536).
2) ArianeGroup, Ariane6 payload configurations animation (https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/986187908968263680)
3) Stephane Israel tweet about the ESA-Arianespace launch agreement (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/989480321266716672)
4) Telespatio: contract to build a fiber-optic data interface for ELA4 (https://twitter.com/telespazio/status/989858762784673793).
5) Nice image of the BAL (https://twitter.com/Mutchat/status/989227684852101121) (horizontal Building for Assembly of Launcher  8))
6) 3D printed injector for Ariane 6 (https://twitter.com/DJanecek/status/989141778048659456) most likely for the Vulcain 2.1 or 2.2 engine.
X) a lot of nice tweets from calapine (https://twitter.com/AuerSusan/status/988490308101996545) about the updated A6 user manual.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 05/07/2018 11:12 pm
Ariane 6 "Black Upperstage" (their words, not mine ;) with carbon fiber composite tanks, due 2025.

Arianegroup video via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/992789003488448513
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/18/2018 04:00 pm
https://youtu.be/bzJ0mLt1zKg (https://youtu.be/bzJ0mLt1zKg)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/24/2018 08:49 pm
https://youtu.be/RyIr46MZzOE (https://youtu.be/RyIr46MZzOE)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 06/17/2018 07:34 pm
https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/First_hot_firing_of_next-generation_rocket_engine

First hot firing of next-generation rocket engine

Quote
15 June 2018

Yesterday’s complex hot fire test of an engine technology demonstrator, was the first in a series of planned tests guiding Europe’s next-generation upper-stage rocket engine design.

By the end of the year, the Expander-cycle Technology Integrated Demonstrator, or ETID, based at the DLR German Aerospace Center test facility in Lampoldshausen, will be ignited 20 times with each firing lasting up to 120 seconds on a test stand that provides a near-vacuum environment similar to space.

Quote
Following four rounds of tests the configuration will be changed for further tests with different igniters and different hardware designs and materials. The aim is to bring them all to a technology readiness high enough to transfer them at minimum cost and risk to any subsequent development project for flight.

The results will validate the engine concept and analysis tools used, as well as identifying opportunities for even lighter designs.

ETID is a precursor of the next generation of 10-tonne rocket engines. Its results also have relevance for the in-development Vinci engine, which powers the upper stage of Ariane 6

Credits: ESA and DLR / ArianeGroup
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: gongora on 06/21/2018 04:29 pm
Quantum technological leap: MT Aerospace officially opening state-of-the-art facilities for Ariane 6 production in Augsburg (https://www.ohb.de/en/news/quantum-technological-leap-mt-aerospace-officially-opening-state-of-the-art-facilities-for-ariane-6-production-in-augsburg/)

Picture from Tweet by Peter B. de Selding (https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1009830175952048129)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 06/24/2018 07:26 pm
P120C rocket motor transfer to test stand at Europe's Spaceport

Fully loaded with solid fuel, the P120C rocket motor common to Europe’s future launchers Vega-C and Ariane 6 was moved from the integration building and transferred to the test stand at the beginning of June 2018, to prepare for its first hot firing at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The P120C is 13.5 m long and 3.4 m in diameter, contains 142 tonnes of solid propellant and is the largest-ever solid rocket motor built in one piece.

https://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2018/06/P120C_rocket_motor_transfer_to_test_stand_at_Europe_s_Spaceport2

Image credit: CNES
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/26/2018 01:41 pm
New Ariane 6 website:

http://ariane6.esa.int/ (http://ariane6.esa.int/)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/02/2018 06:11 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5Grwd6azOs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5Grwd6azOs)

https://youtu.be/l5tVtTGVLYw (https://youtu.be/l5tVtTGVLYw)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/06/2018 01:19 pm
Test stand ready for P120C static firing

The propulsion test stand (BEAP) has been prepared for the P120C solid rocket development motor for a static firing test in July 2018.

The P120C, designed as boosters on Ariane 6 and as the first stage for Vega-C, is the largest single-unit, carbon-fibre solid-propellant motor ever built.

Its development relies on innovative technologies derived from the P80, Vega’s current first stage motor.

 
Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/06/2018 01:22 pm
ELA-4 construction site

The ELA-4 launch zone at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana is currently undergoing reconstruction in preparation for Europe’s Ariane 6 launch vehicle.

ESA and European industry are currently developing a new-generation launcher: Ariane 6. This follows the decision taken at the ESA Council meeting at Ministerial level in December 2014, to maintain Europe’s leadership in the fast-changing commercial launch service market while responding to the needs of European institutional missions.

The overarching aim of Ariane 6 is to provide guaranteed access to space for Europe at a competitive price without requiring public sector support for exploitation.

The targeted payload performance of Ariane 6 is over 4.5 t for polar/Sun-synchronous orbit missions at 800 km altitude and the injection of two first-generation Galileo satellites. Ariane 6 can loft a payload mass of 4.5–10.5 tonnes in equivalent geostationary transfer orbit.

The exploitation cost of the Ariane 6 launch system is its key driver. Launch service costs will be halved, while maintaining reliability by reusing the trusted engines of Ariane 5. The first flight is scheduled for 2020.

 
Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/06/2018 01:24 pm
Ariane 6 Launcher Assembly Building

The ELA-4 launch zone at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana is currently undergoing reconstruction in preparation for Europe’s Ariane 6 launch vehicle.

In this image you see the Launcher Assembly Building (BAL) which is 20 m tall, 112 m long and 41 m wide, located some 1 km away from the launch zone. It is used for launch vehicle horizontal integration and preparation before rollout to the launch zone.

 
Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: SgtPoivre on 07/12/2018 02:04 pm
Test stand ready for P120C static firing

The propulsion test stand (BEAP) has been prepared for the P120C solid rocket development motor for a static firing test in July 2018.

The P120C, designed as boosters on Ariane 6 and as the first stage for Vega-C, is the largest single-unit, carbon-fibre solid-propellant motor ever built.

Its development relies on innovative technologies derived from the P80, Vega’s current first stage motor.

 
Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja
Does anyone know if there will be a live streaming of this test ? On ESA website for example?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/16/2018 12:58 pm
Test conducted!
https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/1018840192696938497

Article:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/07/static-fire-test-europes-p120c-rocket-motor/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 07/16/2018 04:23 pm
While we wait for fotage of the P120c static firing test; another video for distraction.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik3rYOx4LiU (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik3rYOx4LiU)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 07/16/2018 05:05 pm
SUCCESSFUL FIRST TEST FIRING FOR THE P120C SOLID ROCKET MOTOR FOR ARIANE 6 AND VEGA-C
 
Kourou, 16 July 2018

• A successful test firing of 135 seconds conducted on the BEAP test bench in Kourou, French Guiana
• P120C – the largest monolithic carbon-fiber solid rocket motor (SRM) in the world – is loaded with 142 tons of propellant
• P120C will equip the boosters of both Ariane 62 and Ariane 64 and the Vega-C first stage ; 35 motors to be produced annually

The P120C was successfully tested on 13 July in Kourou, French Guiana, on the BEAP test bench for solid rocket motors, operated by the French space agency CNES. This successful test of the first P120C ever produced is a major step in the development of the future European launchers, Ariane 6 and Vega-C. The P120C, co-developed by ArianeGroup and Avio, on behalf of their 50/50 joint venture Europropulsion, is the world’s largest monolithic carbon fiber SRM. The program for the development of Ariane 6 and Vega-C was decided on at the European Space Agency (ESA) Ministerial Council in 2014.

Two further test stand firings will follow to qualify this motor before the first flight of Vega-C in 2019 and that of Ariane 6 in 2020.

With major investments required for producing solid-propellant motors, the P120C is a perfect example of rationalization, since it will equip both Ariane 6 (in both its two-booster Ariane 62 and its four-booster Ariane 64 versions) and the first stage of Vega-C. This will allow up to 35 motors to be produced every year, making optimal use of industrial infrastructures on the European continent and in French Guiana, thus meeting the goals of the Ariane 6 and Vega-C programs: optimized costs, shorter cycles owing to a simplified design, and the application of innovative technologies and processes.

The P120C consists of two principal parts. The first is the structural casing, built by Avio and made of carbon fiber (filament-wound, automated fabric layup pre-impregnated epoxy sheets). The second part is the nozzle, built by ArianeGroup and made of various composite materials, including carbon/carbon; it allows very high speed ejection of the extremely hot gases (3,000°C) generated by the motor, thus creating thrust by transforming the combustion gas energy into kinetic energy. The latter can also pivot, which enables the launcher to be piloted.

The P120C in figures:

• Motor length: 13.5 m Average thrust: 4,500 kN
• Diameter: 3.4 m Specific impulse: 278.5 s
• Propellant mass: 142 t Combustion time: 135 s
• Motor dry mass: 11t
• Motor case mass: 8.3 t

http://www.avio.com/en/press-release/successful-first-test-firing-for-the-p120c-solid-rocket-motor-for-ariane-6-and-vega-c/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 07/16/2018 05:17 pm
https://youtu.be/B4r_1db6xYo
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 07/16/2018 08:24 pm
P120C Firing Test

AvioGroup
Published on Jul 16, 2018

The P120C solid rocket motor was successfully tested on the bench test at the European spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana). This successful test is a major step in the development of the future European launchers, Ariane 6 and Vega-C. Avio played a fundamental role in developing the P120C, the world’s largest monolithic carbon fiber solid rocket motor, by manufacturing it at its own site in Colleferro (Rome).

https://youtu.be/N8ODELsDsr0?t=001

https://youtu.be/N8ODELsDsr0
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 07/25/2018 11:25 pm
A new video animation by Arianegroup, mostly showcasing the Vinci's capabilities for constellations and deployment to different inclinations:

Ariane 6's amazing re-ignitable Vinci® engine (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quCAAnF-2i8)


Update on Ariane 6 in French, focusing mostly on the changes to CSG:

[Reportage] Ariane 6 : lancement en approche (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pARYly51IM)

What was new for me is the claim that building climatisation was the single biggest cost factor at the CSG. Thus the benefit of horizontal integration leading to therefor smaller building volume.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: starbase on 07/26/2018 02:11 pm
Arianespace launchers will get an autonomous range safety system, named Kassav. It will be first tested on Ariane 5 in late 2019 (Kassav 1) and incorporated into Ariane 6 and Vega C from the beginning, reaching maturity (Kassav 2) by 2021.

Quote
LYON, France—French space agency CNES has tapped Zodiac Data Systems for the development of an autonomous range safety system at Arianespace’s Kourou, French Guiana launch site, thus making the destruction of an off-course launcher an automated process.

Thus far, the termination of a flight—thanks to onboard explosives—has been decided by the leader of a team of four on the ground. The new system, dubbed Kassav, will be on board the launcher. It will use an inertial measurement unit (IMU), combined with dual Galileo and GPS positioning.

Such a hybrid arrangement provides enough precision and is cheaper than a dual IMU, Jean-Marie Astorg, CNES’ head of launchers, explains to Aerospace DAILY. Kassav will be independent from the rest of the rocket, having its own battery and radio connections.

In its first phase, Kassav 1, the new system will be limited to launcher tracking. It is planned to be inaugurated in late 2019 on a heavy-lift Ariane 5. It also will be part of the Callisto reusable demonstrator in 2020.

The full-capability Kassav 2 is scheduled to be used on an Ariane 5 or Ariane 6 in 2021, Astorg says. Kassav also will be integrated onto the Vega C light launcher.

CNES is expecting greater safety and reduced costs. Eventually, the agency will dispose of the three radars currently used for launcher tracking. The current organization involves a long reconfiguration between two flights. Being autonomous, the new system is expected to help cut the interval to three days, from 11.

As the operator of the Guiana Space Center, CNES is responsible “on behalf of the French government, for the safety of people and property on each launch from the base,” CNES’ website reads. The decision not to terminate Ariane 5 flight VA241 when it lifted off on a wrong trajectory in January sparked a debate in French Guiana and the European space industry. CNES has been working for an automated system for years, Astorg says.

Source: https://twitter.com/AviationWeek/status/1022421592884830209
http://aviationweek.com/space/arianespace-launchers-get-autonomous-range-safety-system
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Aurora on 07/31/2018 08:16 pm
Question:  Would this new Kassav automated termination system have terminated the AV241 flight in January?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 08/01/2018 04:10 pm
Question:  Would this new Kassav automated termination system have terminated the AV241 flight in January?
No. The red box for Kassav is larger than the current one.
Also, Kassav is taking into account vehicle "health".
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 08/03/2018 10:51 pm
As Addendum to the previous posts:

Kassav stands for Kit Autonome de Sécurité pour la SAuvegarde en Vol
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/06/2018 10:23 pm
https://youtu.be/b2fNOfO1_2g (https://youtu.be/b2fNOfO1_2g)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 08/07/2018 12:11 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4r_1db6xYo

New drone footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho9JvUv0dyM
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 08/15/2018 07:54 pm
Ariane 6 is nearing completion, but Europe’s work is far from over

https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-is-nearing-completion-but-europes-work-is-far-from-over/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: tobi453 on 08/22/2018 03:04 pm
Question:  Would this new Kassav automated termination system have terminated the AV241 flight in January?
No. The red box for Kassav is larger than the current one.
Also, Kassav is taking into account vehicle "health".

Yes it would have terminated the flight. Flying over the beach at Kourou is not an option.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Chasm on 08/23/2018 02:08 am
So is there a finally a report saying that the flight meet the destruct criteria?
Or is that still a common sense opinion?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: tobi453 on 08/23/2018 12:00 pm
We know from the Falcon 9 accidents, that a rocket can explode at any time without any warning. Letting it fly over (or close to) inhabited area just because there is currently no issue with the launcher, is not safe.

It just shows that CNES was (or still is?) not taking ground safety seriously at CSG.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: brickmack on 08/23/2018 02:00 pm
Destruct isn't exactly perfectly safe either though, especially with solids (what happens if an SRB doesn't blow up, and is now flying uncontrolled? Thats way worse than an off-nominal but functioning rocket). Whats the debris radius from that sort of explosion anyway? There will be some time where that radius passes over the populated area in question, can the anomaly be detected and an abort triggered before that happens? If so, then abort is the correct decision. If the debris zone is *currently* over people, given a rocket as otherwise reliable as Ariane 5 you're probably better off letting it do its thing. And after the debris zone has passed over (assuming there is only 1 inhabited area being crossed, which IIRC was the case on that mission), theres not really any risk from letting the launch continue anyway
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 08/23/2018 06:53 pm
Folks, I was reminded that this is the UPDATES thread. So I moved my own discussion post to the DISCUSSION (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0) thread.
Please take your own discussion posts there too.
Thanks.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 09/07/2018 12:02 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYhY0y1niBs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYhY0y1niBs)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: SciNews on 09/10/2018 07:03 pm
Press releases
Quote
Arianespace to launch the CSO-3 satellite with Ariane 6 for France’s CNES and DGA
Arianespace has signed the third CSO satellite’s launch services contract with the French CNES space agency.

Arianespace today announced the launch services contract signature with CNES for the CSO-3 satellite, which will be launched aboard the future Ariane 6 launch vehicle – in its A62 version – from the Guiana Space Center. This option already was included in the previously-signed launch contract for the CSO-1 and CSO-2 satellites on missions using the Soyuz launcher.

The CSO (Composante Spatiale Optique) is a very-high-resolution satellite system comprising several new-generation optical detection satellites. It is a follow-on to the current Helios II system, and will ensure the continuity of French intelligence based on very-high-definition images, while also improving detection capabilities.

The CSO system is being developed within the scope of MUSIS (Multinational Space-based Imaging System), a program conducted by the DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement), which chose CNES as contracting authority to procure the satellites and launch services.

CNES also is prime contractor for the mission control and programming center, along with the satellites’ orbital positioning and routine operations, while the DGA is in charge of supplying the ground segment. CNES and the DGA are working as an integrated team in overseeing system integration.

CNES chose Airbus Defence and Space to build the satellites, with Thales Alenia Space producing the optical imaging instruments.

Following the contract signature, Stéphane Israël, Arianespace Chief Executive Officer said: “ We are very honored that the DGA and CNES have entrusted us with the launch of CSO-3 using our future Ariane 6 launcher. This latest institutional mission – the first for which France has chosen Ariane 6 – marks a further step forward in the confirmation of this new launcher for European institutional users.”
http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/arianespace-to-launch-the-cso-3-satellite-with-ariane-6-for-frances-cnes-and-dga/

Quote
Ariane 6 accelerates as Arianespace signs first commercial GEO multiple-launch contract, plus a new institutional mission
World Satellite Business Week 2018


Arianespace is present at World Satellite Business Week (WSBW) from September 10 to 14 in Paris, confirming the attractiveness of its launcher family with the announcement of two contracts for Ariane 6: the first with Eutelsat as part of a launch services agreement involving five satellites; and the second with France’s CNES space agency and the country’s DGA defense procurement agency for the CSO-3 satellite. A third contract also was signed recently with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for Ariane 5 missions to orbit two satellites.

Arianespace’s backlog is now 59 launches to be carried out during the coming years, including three on Vega C and five on Ariane 6 – the new launchers slated to make their maiden flights in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, will participate in the WSBW roundtable entitled: “Accelerating Access to Space” on Tuesday, September 11 at 4:00 p.m.

First multi-launch commercial contract with GEO satellites for Ariane 6, along with its third institutional mission

As World Satellite Business Week opened its doors, Arianespace and Eutelsat announced the signature of a multi-year multiple-launch agreement concerning five satellites to be launched through 2027, making Eutelsat the first commercial Ariane 6 customer with geostationary orbit satellite payloads. For institutional missions, after the two launch contracts signed in 2017 for the European Commission and ESA’s Galileo constellation, CNES and the DGA have chosen the A62 version of Ariane 6 (with two boosters) to launch their CSO-3 satellite. These orders clearly reflect the competitiveness and versatility of Ariane 6, which will be available in two versions to handle all orbits and multiple payload configurations under the fairing.

Ariane 5 also confirmed its continued attractiveness, as Arianespace signed a contract with India’s ISRO space agency for the launch of two geostationary satellites: GSAT-30 and GSAT-31.

In total, and taking into account the signing of a contract with B-SAT during the first half of 2018 to launch BSAT-4b with Ariane 5 – as well as several contracts for the Proof of Concept (POC) flight of the Small Satellite Launch System (SSMS) on Vega – Arianespace’s order book value has reached more than €4.9 billion. This corresponds to 59 launches: 17 Ariane 5s, five with Ariane 6, 28 with Soyuz and nine with Vega/Vega C.

With nearly one-third of these launches for the European institutions, Arianespace reaffirms its mission to provide Europe with reliable and independent access to space while also confirming its export success.

A contract also is expected to be signed with the South Korean space agency (KARI) on September 20 in Daejeon for a satellite to be lofted by Vega C.

13 satellites orbited by Ariane, Soyuz and Vega since January 2018

Arianespace has carried out five launches since the start of 2018 for both institutional and commercial customers, clearly reflecting the versatility of its launcher family and services. The 13 satellites launched weighed a cumulated total of 25 metric tons and they are performing communications, navigation, science and Earth observation missions. From January to August 2018:

Three Ariane 5 launchers orbited four geostationary communications satellites for SES, Yahsat, Avanti Communications and SKY Perfect JSAT/Japanese Ministry of Defense, along with four satellites in the Galileo navigation constellation for the European Commission and ESA,
A Soyuz orbited four satellites in SES’s O3b constellation, and
A Vega launched ESA’s Aeolus science satellite, which will support sustainable development.
Six more launches are scheduled during the remaining four months of the year, with two upcoming missions being highly symbolic:

The 100th Ariane 5 launch, scheduled for September 25, will loft Horizons 3e for Intelsat and SKY Perfect JSAT, and Azerspace-2/Intelsat 38 for Azercosmos and Intelsat.
BepiColombo, a mission to explore the planet Mercury, for ESA in partnership with the Japanese space agency (JAXA), to be launched by an Ariane 5 on October 19.
Ariane 6 and Vega C: getting closer!

Development of the new members of Arianespace’s launcher family is proceeding apace, with first missions planned in 2019 for Vega C and 2020 for Ariane 6. A milestone took place on July 16 with a successful first hot firing test of the P120C solid rocket motor, which will equip the strap-on boosters for Ariane 62 and Ariane 64, as well as Vega C’s first stage. This followed a series of successful tests of the Vulcain 2.1 main stage engine and Vinci upper stage engine for Ariane 6, along with progress toward Maturity Gate 7 (the critical design review) – which is planned by year-end.

European institutions also have reached major milestones in their commitment to Ariane 6 and Vega C. After the European Commission announced its proposed ambitious space budget for the upcoming decade, an ESA Council meeting in June confirmed funding for the transition period between Ariane 5 and Ariane 6. In addition to the four government contracts already signed for Europe’s new launchers (three for Ariane 6 and one for Vega C), the commitment of European governments to all missions identified during the transition phase is a key to the sustainable success of these launchers.
http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/ariane-6-accelerates-as-arianespace-signs-first-commercial-geo-multiple-launch-contract-plus-a-new-institutional-mission/

Quote
Eutelsat signs long-term multiple-launch service agreement with Arianespace

Paris, 10 September 2018 – Arianespace and Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) have concluded a long-term multiple-launch service agreement on the occasion of the World Satellite Business Week in Paris.

The agreement covers five launches until 2027 and will provide Eutelsat with assured access to space with schedule flexibility at cost effective prices. With this agreement, Eutelsat is the first commercial customer to sign up to Ariane 6, Arianespace’s next-generation launch vehicle, expected to start service from 2020.

This new long-term commitment builds on the previous contract signed by Eutelsat and Arianespace in February 2013, which was expanded in 2017. Under these earlier agreements, three future Eutelsat satellites, EUTELSAT 7C, EUTELSAT QUANTUM and KONNECT, are already scheduled for launch on Ariane 5.

Rodolphe Belmer, CEO of Eutelsat Communications, said: “We are proud to be the first operator to commit to Ariane 6. This emblematic European programme will further enhance our ability to gain access to space in a timely, competitive and reliable manner. It strengthens our relationship with our long-standing partner, Arianespace, which has already been entrusted with the launch of half of our fleet. Furthermore, it illustrates the key role of Eutelsat in the development of the space sector, while underpinning our commitment to enhancing the efficiency of our satellite programmes.”

Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace added: "We are delighted that Eutelsat has chosen Arianespace to launch five of its upcoming satellites, in addition to the three already in our order book. With this multi-launch agreement, Eutelsat becomes the first commercial customer for Ariane 6. I would like to extend my warm thanks to Eutelsat for their confidence in Arianespace and our Ariane 6 launch vehicle. At the same time, their selection clearly shows Arianespace’s ability to offer our customers long-term partnerships and increasingly flexible solutions.”
http://news.eutelsat.com/pressreleases/eutelsat-signs-long-term-multiple-launch-service-agreement-with-arianespace-2683504
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 09/14/2018 12:58 pm
Timelapse of the launch table, assembled in CSG over the last few months, being rolled onto its final position at the pad: https://twitter.com/Ariane6/status/1040524948576641024
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 11/07/2018 08:07 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rLYJtIjzRc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rLYJtIjzRc)
Tomorrow (8 Nov.) a new production facility will be opened by a prime minister. I'll post English news items if I find them.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: M129K on 11/09/2018 02:43 pm
New production facility in Oegstgeest, Netherlands was opened yesterday by Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte.

https://twitter.com/AirbusSpace/status/1060567664815497216
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 11/11/2018 04:01 pm
I waited for a nicer tweet:
https://twitter.com/AirbusSpace/status/1060856429337346048 (https://twitter.com/AirbusSpace/status/1060856429337346048)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: SciNews on 12/06/2018 12:33 pm
ESA: Ariane 6 on the way to flight http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_on_the_way_to_flight
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/10/2018 12:18 pm
https://twitter.com/ariane6/status/1071719112466939906

Quote
Watch out, launch pads coming through! The #Ariane6 future launch site is growing everyday 🏗️🚀 Thanks to @esa_sts and @CNES for these aerial photos from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, taken on Nov 23. Credit: 2018 – ESA/CNES – Sentinel: G. Berthier
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 12/10/2018 05:01 pm
ESA: Ariane 6 on the way to flight

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_on_the_way_to_flight

Quote
This has been an intense year for Ariane 6 development, with progress boosted across Europe: plants are manufacturing new parts using novel methods, all engines have been tested, and the construction of launch facilities is well underway.

ESA has worked with an industrial network led by prime contractor ArianeGroup, of more than 600 companies in 13 European countries, including 350 small- and medium-sized enterprises, to fine-tune the design and start production. Meanwhile, France’s CNES space agency has been preparing its launch facilities at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

Details on all these activities were recently shared at the 69th International Astronautical Congress in Bremen, Germany – downloadable here (.pdf) – along with two papers submitted to the congress: launch system (.pdf) and launcher system (.pdf), here are the highlights.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: SciNews on 12/11/2018 02:37 pm
New video of ELA4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RumhXHGGM4
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 12/12/2018 09:21 am
New video of ELA4

And aerial photos to go with that video: https://twitter.com/Ariane6/status/1071719112466939906 (https://twitter.com/Ariane6/status/1071719112466939906)


By the way, the attached crop superficially resembles a similar structure being built a few thousand kilometers up north?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 01/19/2019 09:11 am
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: brickmack on 01/19/2019 06:06 pm


In the first attached presentation, it shows SSO rideshare with orbit 1 at 800x800 km x 98.6 degrees, and orbit 2 at 650x650km x 97.98 degrees. Why isn't it the other way around? Seems like they're wasting a lot of performance carrying the second payload to a higher altitude and higher inclination than it needs to go to, only to bring it back down to release it at its target orbit.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: RedLineTrain on 01/19/2019 07:32 pm
Arianespace says full Ariane 6 production held up by missing government contracts

https://spacenews.com/arianespace-says-full-ariane-6-production-held-up-by-missing-government-contracts/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 01/19/2019 07:34 pm


In the first attached presentation, it shows SSO rideshare with orbit 1 at 800x800 km x 98.6 degrees, and orbit 2 at 650x650km x 97.98 degrees. Why isn't it the other way around? Seems like they're wasting a lot of performance carrying the second payload to a higher altitude and higher inclination than it needs to go to, only to bring it back down to release it at its target orbit.

Since the upper-stage will be de-orbited they need to go down anyways.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: envy887 on 01/19/2019 10:19 pm
Arianespace says full Ariane 6 production held up by missing government contracts

https://spacenews.com/arianespace-says-full-ariane-6-production-held-up-by-missing-government-contracts/

Is that going to affect the first launch date?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/20/2019 02:58 am
In the first attached presentation, it shows SSO rideshare with orbit 1 at 800x800 km x 98.6 degrees, and orbit 2 at 650x650km x 97.98 degrees. Why isn't it the other way around? Seems like they're wasting a lot of performance carrying the second payload to a higher altitude and higher inclination than it needs to go to, only to bring it back down to release it at its target orbit.

I believe its because they want to make sure they deploy the primary payload first. There is a small risk associated with each burn, so they want the primary payload to have the minimum number of burns.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: SciNews on 01/23/2019 04:06 pm
Reuters: Europe's Arianespace takes on SpaceX by cutting Ariane 5 rocket launch price
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-arianespace-asia/europes-arianespace-takes-on-spacex-by-cutting-ariane-5-rocket-launch-price-idUSKCN1PH0Q9
Quote
Arianespace is aiming for the cost of launching the Ariane 6 to fall by around 40 percent versus the Ariane 5 through design changes and higher volume production, bringing its prices more in line with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Arianespace Managing Director and Head of Sales for Asia-Pacific Vivian Quenet said.
He said in current marketing campaigns, the company is offering customers such as telecoms an Ariane 5 launch for the same price as the Ariane 6.
“We have made a lot of effort on the sales price. When we do that, the result is very positive,” Quenet told reporters on Wednesday, declining to discuss details of profitability.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/29/2019 02:00 pm
ARTICLE: Successful P120C test another milestone towards Arianespace's new rockets -

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/01/p120c-test-milestone-arianespaces-new-rockets/

- By Justin Davenport

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1090263305443110912
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: SciNews on 01/31/2019 07:24 pm
ELA4 January 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZH26znEl0o
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hektor on 02/06/2019 11:33 am
La politique des lanceurs spatiaux : d’importants défis à relever  (https://www.ccomptes.fr/system/files/2019-02/03-politique-lanceurs-spatiaux-Tome-1.pdf)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jpo234 on 02/06/2019 12:44 pm
Europe’s Ariane 6 Rocket Is Doomed Even Before First Flight, Auditor Finds (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-06/before-even-launching-ariane-6-rocket-journey-is-seen-as-doomed?srnd=hyperdrive)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: ZachS09 on 02/06/2019 02:04 pm
Europe’s Ariane 6 Rocket Is Doomed Even Before First Flight, Auditor Finds (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-06/before-even-launching-ariane-6-rocket-journey-is-seen-as-doomed?srnd=hyperdrive)

So, is the article saying that Ariane 6 will be cancelled before its maiden voyage, or will they fly a certain number of them before calling it quits?

I know the title gives away the answer, but I would like to make sure that what the article said is actually true.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/06/2019 06:03 pm
As usual I think Eric Berger has a more correct and nuanced report:

Quote
French auditor says Ariane 6 rocket too conventional to compete with SpaceX
"This new launcher does not constitute a sustainable response."

ERIC BERGER - 2/6/2019, 6:04 PM

France's independent state auditor, the Cour des comptes, has raised concerns about the viability of Europe's new rocket, the Ariane 6 launcher. In its 2019 annual report, the auditor said the France-based launch company Arianespace is also being too cautious as it grapples with competitors like the US-based SpaceX.

https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/02/french-auditor-says-ariane-6-rocket-too-conventional-to-compete-with-spacex/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 02/23/2019 05:34 pm
https://twitter.com/esa/status/1099300393719398400
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 02/26/2019 12:49 pm
Flashy inauguration of testing facility P5.2 for A6's upper stage (the facility was repurposed from a similar A5ME role).

https://twitter.com/DLR_en/status/1100370608494444545
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: ncb1397 on 02/27/2019 12:11 am
"P120C second firing test"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_diRGkbhzrU
"Ariane 6 Upper Stage Test bench"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDbrNfSFE2w


Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 02/27/2019 09:13 am
https://youtu.be/8keqbin8jN4
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 02/27/2019 11:59 am
DLR and ESA inaugurate test stand P5.2

New test stand for Ariane 6 upper stage at DLR Lampoldshausen
 
26 February 2019


•Flexible, adaptable and cost-efficient – with the new P5.2 upper-stage test stand, the DLR site in Lampoldshausen is expanding its portfolio for all liquid-fuelled, chemical space propulsion systems in Europe.
•The Ariane 6 test stand provides unique opportunities for the refuelling and qualification testing of the cryogenic upper stage.
•Around 140 experts from space agencies, industry and science attended the inauguration of the upper-stage test stand during the 7th Industrial Days at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen on 26 February 2019.
•Focus: space, space transport, Ariane 6

The future European launcher, Ariane 6, is scheduled to lift off for the first time in 2020. To ensure that all its payloads can be safely transported into orbit, the engines for the new launcher must first undergo extensive testing. An important step in the upper-stage testing of the new launcher was taken on 26 February 2019. At the DLR site in Lampoldshausen, the new P5.2 test rig was officially inaugurated by Pascale Ehrenfreund, Chair of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) Executive Board, Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Space Transportation at the European Space Agency (ESA), and Pierre Godart, CEO of ArianeGroup GmbH, in the presence of numerous space policymakers and representatives from industry and academia. In future, the P5.2 test stand will be used to test cryogenic upper stages under sea-level conditions. What is special about this test rig is that not only engines and their components can be tested – as is the case with the site’s other test stands – but also the entire cryogenic upper stage of Ariane 6, the ‘Upper Liquid Propulsion Module’ (ULPM).

“The new test stand is one of the largest projects in the history of the DLR site in Lampoldshausen and unique in Europe. It is our answer to the new demands of global space transport – quickly adaptable, flexible to use and cost-efficient. This test stand therefore reflects the strategic and economic significance of European space transport and is makes a significant contribution to maintaining reliable, competitive and independent access to space,” says Ehrenfreund.

“The DLR Institute of Space Propulsion is an important member of the space cluster in Baden-Württemberg, which comprises over 80 companies, universities and research establishments. This cluster includes major names such as ArianeGroup at the Lampoldshausen site, Airbus DS and Tesat, as well as many SMEs, and currently employs more than 4000 people,” says Ministerial Director Michael Kleiner, Department Head at the State Ministry of Economics, Labour and Housing (Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Wohnungsbau) for Baden-Württemberg, who was represented at the ceremony by Claus Mayer.

DLR unlocks the potential of flexible test stands

This highly complex and extremely capable facility was designed and built as part of the development of the Ariane 6 launcher, directly commissioned by ESA. The test stand is financed by German ESA contributions to the Ariane 6 development programme. The DLR Space Administration is responsible for managing and coordinating these funds on behalf of the German government. “In times of disruptive change in the global space industry, where the competitive environment is becoming ever more complex due to new players, and the pace of innovation in advanced technologies is rapidly increasing, a modern and effective development and test site for liquid-fuelled, chemical space propulsion systems is crucial for the future viability of German and European spaceflight,” says Walther Pelzer, Member of the DLR Executive Board and Head of the Space Administration, adding: “The flexible use of test stands will therefore become the pivotal point for more efficient development and qualification processes in space systems.“

Complete stage tests for shorter development times

The foundation stone for the P5.2 test stand was laid in autumn 2014, together with the project partners. Commissioning by the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion is scheduled for late 2019. A total of around 50 million euro have been invested. “This uniquely designed equipment allows DLR engineers to conduct both refuelling and defuelling, as well as complete stage tests, in which the upper-stage engine is operated,” explains Hansjörg Dittus, DLR Executive Board member for Space Research and Technology. At no other European space site is there such a close linking of research, development, design and planning, as well as engine testing on large test stands for space propulsion systems, as at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen: “This shortens development times and significantly increases the maturity of liquid-fuelled, chemical space propulsion systems. In order to ensure the continuity for the site after Ariane 6, the test stands will be upgraded to methane combustion,” adds Dittus. The scheduled major investment of 30 million euro supports the European plans to develop the new Prometheus methane-fuelled engine.

The testing of all European liquid-fuelled chemical space propulsion systems is one of the central future activities at DLR Lampoldshausen. The engines for the new European Ariane 6 launcher will complete many thousands of test seconds on the test stands in Baden-Württemberg prior to their lift-off into space. “The future of the European launcher family and the future of the DLR site are closely linked. We are building on 60 years of experience and our aim is clear – for our test stands to enable us, as a European research and testing centre, to implement all the necessary test campaigns for Ariane’s liquid-fuelled chemical propulsion systems, from development, through qualification, to acceptance tests,” says Stefan Schlechtriem, Director of the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion.

From small test stands for trialling components and technology demonstrators, to large-scale facilities, such as those required for main and upper-stage launcher engines, everything is centrally available in one place at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen.

7th Industrial Days

The official inauguration of the new test rig also marked the beginning of the annual ‘Industrial Days’. With the slogan ‘Testing and test infrastructure to secure Europe’s flexible and affordable access to space’, almost 140 experts exchanged views on the progress of space transport on 26 and 27 February 2019. “The discussions showed that it is not only new engine component manufacturing techniques, but also test structures as a whole that are crucial to success in spaceflight. For reliable, independent and affordable access to space, we cannot rely on the structures of the past. In Lampoldshausen, we already have all the necessary facilities for developing and operating both Ariane 6 and all future space propulsion systems,” concludes Stefan Schlechtriem, who was invited to the Industrial Days in Lampoldshausen for the seventh consecutive time.

•P5.2 – Europe’s new upper-stage test stand for Ariane 6 and beyond

DLR’s Lampoldshausen site operates unique test stands and facilities for testing space propulsion systems; these are vitally important for the European space industry. This equipment covers the entire portfolio of test requirements. As a European research and testing centre, DLR therefore concentrates important expertise with the aim of developing and testing new technologies for liquid-fuelled, chemical space propulsion systems in a single location.

 The completion of the P5.2 test rig for the new upper stage of the future European launcher, Ariane 6, gives Germany another important technological advantage. It will allow DLR to qualify not only engines and individual components, but also entire cryogenic upper stages in future – a pioneering test facility in Europe that highlights DLR’s leading position in this area.

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 03/10/2019 07:35 pm
ArianeGroup says Ariane 6 enters crucial development phase as French auditor warns against SpaceX

by Jaroslaw Adamowski — March 8, 2019

https://spacenews.com/arianegroup-says-ariane-6-enters-crucial-development-phase-as-french-auditor-warns-against-spacex/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hektor on 03/21/2019 07:12 am
Europe’s Ariane 6 Rocket Is Doomed Even Before First Flight, Auditor Finds (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-06/before-even-launching-ariane-6-rocket-journey-is-seen-as-doomed?srnd=hyperdrive)

So, is the article saying that Ariane 6 will be cancelled before its maiden voyage, or will they fly a certain number of them before calling it quits?

I know the title gives away the answer, but I would like to make sure that what the article said is actually true.

I do not believe Europe will ever cancel their launcher without a replacement. They will be the smaller provider in a duopoly with SpaceX for the time being ; and if Blue Origin is successful with eventually a SpaceX Blue Origin duopoly, they will have a larger problem. Then I think they will follow a Japanese approach, fading out of the commercial market and sending European governmental payloads a few times a year as long as they do not have their own cost effective reusable capability, Ariane Next or else.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 03/21/2019 08:23 am
Europe’s Ariane 6 Rocket Is Doomed Even Before First Flight, Auditor Finds (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-06/before-even-launching-ariane-6-rocket-journey-is-seen-as-doomed?srnd=hyperdrive)

So, is the article saying that Ariane 6 will be cancelled before its maiden voyage, or will they fly a certain number of them before calling it quits?

I know the title gives away the answer, but I would like to make sure that what the article said is actually true.

I do not believe Europe will ever cancel their launcher without a replacement. They will be the smaller provider in a duopoly with SpaceX for the time being ; and if Blue Origin is successful with eventually a SpaceX Blue Origin duopoly, they will have a larger problem. Then I think they will follow a Japanese approach, fading out of the commercial market and sending European governmental payloads a few times a year as long as they do not have their own cost effective reusable capability, Ariane Next or else.

Emphasis mine.

Yet that is exactly what happened in April 1973: the Europa rocket was cancelled, while still in development. It's replacement (Ariane 1) didn't fly until December 1979.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hektor on 03/21/2019 02:22 pm
I guess that you have noticed that access to space is a bit more strategic for Europe than it used to be 46 years ago ?  :)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 03/22/2019 07:31 am
I guess that you have noticed that access to space is a bit more strategic for Europe than it used to be 46 years ago ?  :)

Have to disagree with you on that somewhat. Loads of European payloads are still being launched on non-European launch vehicles such as Soyuz, Rockot, PSLV, Long March, etc, etc. Where do you think the recent "buy European" call came from?

Like 46 years ago ESA likes to have independent access to space. The strategic importance is no more important today than it was 46 years ago.
Also, like the previous 46 years European payloads will continue to fly on non-European rockets for decades to come.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: rcoppola on 03/22/2019 06:19 pm
Well, this news is not helpful. (Article is paywalled)

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1109171124229804035
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 03/24/2019 09:12 am
Well, this news is not helpful. (Article is paywalled)

...

The situation has obviously been since January not changed.

Arianespace says full Ariane 6 production held up by missing government contracts

https://spacenews.com/arianespace-says-full-ariane-6-production-held-up-by-missing-government-contracts/

The timeline for launcher production in the Ariane-6 User's Manual beginns at -24 month.
Means this, the first Galileo launch on Ariane 6 is already delayed to 2021?  :o
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: PM3 on 03/24/2019 01:27 pm
Means this, the first Galileo launch on Ariane 6 is already delayed to 2021?  :o

Has it ever been expected for 2020? The original Ariane 6 launch schedule is:

- FM1 on July 16, 2020
- FM2 in January 2021 <= first Galileo launch
- FM3 in April 2021
- FM4 (Ariane 64) in July 2021

https://academieairespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Ariane-6-lecture.pdf
page 24

Recently the wording for FM1 has changed to "second half of 2020". This may propagate to FM2 (Galileo) => NET Q1 2021.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 03/24/2019 04:22 pm
Let's share this CNES tweet:
https://twitter.com/CNES/status/1109059409416802304 (https://twitter.com/CNES/status/1109059409416802304)
The March CSG ELA4 update video.
Please remember that this is the update topic, there is also a Ariane 6 Discussion topic (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.1780).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 03/26/2019 03:04 am
YouTube Video of the same posted above.

Ariane 6 - Chantier ELA4 - Mars 2019

https://youtu.be/sxYf9cNafNE
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: libra on 03/26/2019 04:58 am
http://www.parabolicarc.com/2019/03/25/oneweb-launch-satellites-ariane-6-options-2-additional-launches/#more-68354

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeNn86dAOM0

IN YOUR FACE ELON MUSK !!!


So much for those who buried Ariane 6 as hopeless against SpaceX. So, why is Oneweb using it, then ?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Archibald on 03/26/2019 02:14 pm
So much for those who buried Ariane 6 as hopeless against SpaceX. So, why is Oneweb using it, then?


Because the SpaceX amazing people have been wrong before.

There is a substantial number of clients out there that care just as much about spreading risk as they care about value-for-money.
That's why OneWeb is spreading its launches over multiple providers. That's why DoD wants multiple NSSL providers. That's why NASA uses multiple launch service providers. It is why companies like SES, Intelsat, Eutelsat, etc. use multiple providers.

How Iridium NEXT did things is NOT the norm in the launch services market.

Despite Ariane 6 being more expensive than Falcon 9 there will absolutely be business for Ariane 6. As will there be business for Atlas V and Vulcan and New Glenn and Omega.

woods170, always the sane voice, albeit often alone in the wilderness... :p
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: faramund on 03/26/2019 03:14 pm

So much for those who buried Ariane 6 as hopeless against SpaceX. So, why is Oneweb using it, then ?


Although, this is an 'unusual' contract. First, its using a qualification launch - so I assume its getting a discount compared to what the normal price would be. Second, the other referred to launches, are options, for 2023. Which seems very much like a wait and see approach.

(I don't mean 'unusual' as in this sort of deal rarely happens, more that this isn't a typical example that shows how successful Ariane 6 will be)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 03/26/2019 05:34 pm
OK folks. This is an UPDATES thread and even I forgot that. So please, continue the discussion in the Ariane 6 discussion thread (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.0).


Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 05/03/2019 08:52 am
Ariane 6 launch pad under construction

The launch pad is 28.5 m deep and 200 m wide, formed with enough concrete to fill 67 Olympic sized swimming pools – approximately 167,500 cubic metres. It comprises a 700 tonne steel launch table that supports Ariane 6. Steel deflectors funnel the fiery plumes of Ariane 6 at liftoff into the exhaust tunnels buried deep under the launch table. Four lightning protection masts, and a water tower for deluge systems are also part of the launch pad.

Credits: CNES 2019
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 05/03/2019 08:53 am
Launch Vehicle Assembly Building for Ariane 6

The Ariane 6 Launch Vehicle Assembly Building, a structure 20 m tall, 112 m long and 41 m wide, is located 1 km away from the launch zone. It is used for launch vehicle horizontal integration/preparation before rollout to the launch zone.

Credits: CNES 2019
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: holgar5 on 05/14/2019 09:05 pm
The black upper stage for Ariane 6 is on the way to be realized with building a prototype:
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Contracts_signed_for_prototype_of_a_highly-optimised_black_upper_stage?fbclid=IwAR3h6zC9GBUPGj7XzmET0dQUG6n_L3g3yXR8Mpc3Uyumed2jqR98t3nbhVA (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Contracts_signed_for_prototype_of_a_highly-optimised_black_upper_stage?fbclid=IwAR3h6zC9GBUPGj7XzmET0dQUG6n_L3g3yXR8Mpc3Uyumed2jqR98t3nbhVA)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 05/22/2019 04:52 pm
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 06/01/2019 12:09 pm
'Intelligent' thrust for Europe's future launchers

29 May 2019

ESA has recently completed hot-firing tests that prove technologies in a move towards ‘intelligent’ engines to power the upper stages of next-generation launchers.

The Expander-cycle Technology Integrated Demonstrator, or ETID, is a full-scale integrated demonstrator for an upper-stage rocket engine.

Yesterday ESA, industrial partners and representatives of participating Member States met at DLR Lampoldshausen, Germany, to review the results of ETID’s extremely successful nine-month test campaign on the P3.2 test bench.

In total, four configurations of ETID with three new combustion chamber geometries and designs were tested.

Two different injector heads, including a fully 3D-printed version were also tested, as well as a regenerative nozzle that optimises the engine cycle by maximizing the heat pick-up.

Both the combustion chamber and the nozzle use the heat of the combustion to pre-heat and therefore “expand” the hydrogen propellant before combustion. The flow of cold hydrogen also has the effect of cooling the hardware, keeping the temperature within reasonable limits during operation.

Two different electrical igniters, laser and direct spark, were shown to reignite the engines multiple times, and the electrically-operated valves showed perfect repeatability, aiding the engine startup.

In the first step towards an ‘intelligent’ engine, there is a fault-tolerant controller associated with the valves.  If any electrical component fails, the control system automatically compensates so there is no functional impact.

Overall, 23 tests were performed for a total operating time of 2707s. During the testing 49 different operating points were reached, including testing the behaviour in “extreme” regimes – such as increasing the flow of cool hydrogen in the system and therefore “over-cooling” the hardware during operation.

This shows the versatility of the ETID design to operate over wide mixture ratio and chamber pressure ranges. This variety of operating points will also help to calibrate the numerical models used to design subsequent engines and predict their performance.   

The ETID project was carried out within ESA’s Future Launchers Preparatory Programme.

ETID was designed and manufactured by ArianeGroup (Germany), GKN Aerospace (Sweden), Safran Aero Boosters (Belgium), Aerospace Propulsion Products (Netherlands), and Carinthian Tech Research (Austria), and tested by DLR Lampoldshausen.

https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Intelligent_thrust_for_Europe_s_future_launchers

Credits: DLR and ArianeGroup
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/06/2019 10:35 am
https://youtu.be/XPpx6e5XCNo
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/15/2019 03:47 pm
ELA-4 is epic, so knocked out a short article for the latest photos that came out yesterday (albeit from May).

ARTICLE: Kourou's new pad for Ariane 6 enters final leg of construction -

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/06/kourous-new-pad-ariane-6-construction/

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1139921522083147776

Those new photos:

http://blogs.esa.int/spaceport/2019/06/14/panoramic-photography-of-ariane-6-launch-complex-construction-site-may-2019/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/15/2019 04:08 pm
One correction for the article;
There are 15 Ariane 6 launchers on order / under construction. They are ordered in two batches.
Order 1: DM & FM1 (demonstration modules and the maiden flight model of Ariane 6).
Order 2: FM2 - FM15 (the first 14x Ariane 6).
This was also described in the ESA Ariane 6 Q&A video. It's also described in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5lrIAvWB2A
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/18/2019 09:28 am
Arianegroup Ariane 6 update:
Integration of first pieces underway in the new Ariane 6 building in les-mureaux (https://www.ariane.group/en/news/integration-of-first-pieces-underway-in-the-new-ariane-6-building-in-les-mureaux/)
The article incudes images of the core stage tanks being manufactured and tested.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 06/24/2019 07:11 am
First half-shell of Ariane 6 fairing

With the help of ESA, RUAG Space developed an out-of-autoclave process where the carbon-fibre shells of the rocket fairing are cured in an industrial oven instead of an autoclave. It reduces cost and saves time.

The first fairing manufactured in this way was flown on Ariane 5, flight VA238 on 28 June 2017. Vega began using the new type of fairing on 1 August 2017.

Ariane 6 and Vega‑C fairings will also be produced in the same way. The first half-shell of Ariane 6 (pictured) has been made.

Credits: RUAG Space (Switzerland)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 06/24/2019 07:11 am
Ariane 6 tank for the core stage

An ArianeGroup facility in Les Mureaux, France, hosts the largest friction stir welding machines in Europe for producing the Ariane 6 cryogenic tanks for Ariane 6’s core stage.

Credits: ArianeGroup-MIP-Thomas-LEAUD
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 06/27/2019 07:55 pm
Quote

RÉALTRA SPACE WINS CONTRACT TO MONITOR ARIANE 6 LAUNCHES
An Irish space company will design, develop and deliver on-board live telemetry for Europe’s next-generation Ariane 6 launch vehicle under a contract signed yesterday.

Réaltra Space signed the agreement with ArianeGroup, the prime contractor to ESA for the development of Ariane 6.

The company will provide live video images from cameras located on board Ariane 6, showing each stage of the launch.

The first Ariane 6 flight is scheduled to take place in 2020.

Ariane 6 has a modular structure that has three stages that propel it to space: either two or four strap-on solid rocket motors; followed by a core stage; and an upper stage.

The robust cameras supplied by Dublin-based Réaltra Space will capture the moments at which the stages separate as the rocket soars up through the atmosphere on its way to space.
http://m.esa.int/ESA_in_your_country/Ireland/Realtra_Space_wins_contract_to_monitor_Ariane_6_launches
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 07/04/2019 01:17 pm
CNES CSG ELA4 updates:
May Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTzfxLh2x6Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTzfxLh2x6Y)

June CNES twitter: (to be replaced with youtube link when available)
https://twitter.com/CNES/status/1146725878489133061 (https://twitter.com/CNES/status/1146725878489133061)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: baldusi on 07/04/2019 03:17 pm
The Twit states that the Mobile Tower is now operative. At least, is authorized to operate.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 07/06/2019 01:57 am
Ariane 6 - Chantier ELA4 - Juin 2019


Guiana Space Center
Published on Jul 5, 2019

In June 2015, the first earthworks work on the Ariane 6 yard began at the Guiana Space Center. Four years later, infrastructure work is nearing completion. Overview of the site and the buildings out of the ground.

https://youtu.be/_osr5XwQH48
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/18/2019 12:40 pm
Quote
PRESS RELEASE
ARIANE 6 VULCAIN ENGINE: SUCCESSFUL QUALIFICATION TESTING
2 hours ago |  3 minutes

 The qualification tests of the Vulcain® 2.1 engine, which will power the Ariane 6 main stage, were completed during the 26th development test.
 This final qualification test took place on July 16 on the P5 test stand at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen
 Both Ariane 6 liquid propulsion engines have now completed their firing qualification tests
 The qualification tests for the Vinci re-ignitable engine for the Ariane upper stage were completed in October 2018

This final qualification test, carried out on the P5 test stand at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) site in Lampoldshausen, lasted almost 11 minutes (655 seconds).

This success, which is decisive for the further development of Ariane 6, marks the end of this qualification test campaign, during which the Vulcain® engine will have functioned for 13,798 seconds, or a total of nearly 4 hours.

The significant milestones achieved during the Vulcain® 2.1 qualification campaigns include:

- a total of 13,798 seconds of operation, or nearly 4 hours;
- a firing test with a controlled engine oscillation of +/- 5 degrees, using Ariane 6 flight
actuators

“Completion of the Vulcain 2.1 engine qualification tests is a major step forward in the development of Ariane 6. Following the qualification of the Vinci engine last year, all the Ariane 6 liquid propulsion engines have now completed their qualification firing tests”, said André-Hubert Roussel, CEO of ArianeGroup. “The last step in the qualification of the Ariane 6 engines will be that of the solid fuel side booster. Its third and final firing will take place in French Guiana at the beginning of 2020”.

The qualifying tests for the Vinci® re-ignitable engine, which will power the launcher’s upper stage, were completed in October 2018. On the solid propulsion side, the P120C solid fuel engine, which will equip the Ariane boosters and the first stage of Vega-C, has already been tested twice successfully in French Guiana. Its qualification will be completed with the third test bench firing at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou.

https://www.ariane.group/en/news/ariane-6-vulcain-engine-successful-qualification-testing/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/29/2019 01:47 pm
https://youtu.be/CD1KK5RKQTM
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: leovinus on 08/21/2019 08:15 pm
Manufacturing engine frames for Ariane 6 at Airbus in Oegstgeest is running at full speed (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=nl&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.astroblogs.nl%2F2019%2F08%2F21%2Ffabricage-motor-frames-voor-ariane-6-bij-airbus-te-oegstgeest-draait-op-volle-toeren%2F)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 08/23/2019 03:47 pm
https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/1164821235802357761
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 08/24/2019 03:09 pm
A video about it:
https://www.facebook.com/CSGCentreSpatialGuyanais/videos/937575359921322/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/03/2019 11:28 pm
https://youtu.be/xync7hC3v7g
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/19/2019 02:43 pm
https://twitter.com/ariane6/status/1174692389128155138

Quote
With only a few months of work left on the #Ariane6 launch complex, technical tests have begun to ensure Europe's Spaceport is ready for its new launch vehicle🌴See pictures below of tests transporting #P120C mock-up boosters... they look real, but are actually filled with water!
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/24/2019 07:00 pm
https://youtu.be/2gT1buL_RjU
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 09/27/2019 06:51 pm
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_s_core_engine_completes_qualification_tests

Ariane 6's core engine completes qualification tests

Quote
Ariane 6, Europe's next-generation launch vehicle, has passed another key development milestone. Its Vulcain 2.1 liquid-fuelled engine has now completed its qualification testing, which means combined tests can now begin.

The main stage Vulcain 2.1 engine will deliver 135 t of thrust to propel Ariane 6 in the first eight minutes of flight up to an altitude of 200 km.

A review last week marked the culmination of two Vulcain static firing test campaigns over 15 months on two demonstration models in test facilities at the DLR German Aerospace Center test facility in Lampoldshausen.

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/21/2019 01:58 pm
twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1197479771082559498

Quote
Up close and personal at the future launch site of the Ariane 6 rocket 🚀

@esa / @Arianespace

https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1197515007069769728

Quote
Stunning morning views from French Guiana at the future launch site of the Ariane 6 rocket. Its first mission, launching 34 @OneWeb satellites, is scheduled to lift off before the end of 2020.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: baldusi on 11/23/2019 11:08 am
https://spacenews.com/five-upgrades-arianegroup-wants-europe-to-consider-for-ariane-6/

ArianeGroup is proposing Continuous Improvement Program, or CIP, for Ariane 6 at the European Space Agency’s ministerial conference this month. They have five techs:
1) Enhanced Payload Adapter: capable of heavier GTO birds or more rideshares.
2) Prometeus Technology Transfer: applying some of the Prometeus technologies (like electric valves and 3D printing) to Vulcain and Vinci to lower costs.
3) Auxiliary Power Unit: extending the running time for longer GEO missions (article confuses propulsion with power generation).
4) Black Upper Stage: improved composites upper stage. Would start by just doing the cylinders with composites.
5) Solid Boosters improvements: unspecified simplifications for lowering the cost.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Chasm on 11/24/2019 02:32 am
These two are the most interesting to me.

3) Auxiliary Power Unit: extending the running time for longer GEO missions (article confuses propulsion with power generation).
4) Black Upper Stage: improved composites upper stage. Would start by just doing the cylinders with composites.

Black Upper Stage
The current stage is heavy. Every bit of weight reduction directly translates into payload.
If you can keep liquid hydrogen and LOX in a carbon fiber tank doing the same with liquid methane and LOX is no problem. Sso the tech once fully developed can be used on many further projects.

APU
It seemed to me that this was an answer to ACES. A very much simplified answer. With the perpetual delay of ACES I want to see something fly. If nothing else such an APU might help with spend stage disposal.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 11/24/2019 08:13 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4SQdInZ-oY

Quote
Introducing Ariane 6's Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)

Fabien leads the team that's developing the Auxiliary Power Unit system for the upper stage of the Ariane 6 launcher. He explains how the APU will allow the stage's Vinci engine to restart, even in a vacuum, and why they are more efficient than earlier technology.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/25/2019 11:50 am
https://twitter.com/alinespacebiker/status/1198912378907303936

Quote
First translation in the forward position for the #Ariane6 mobile gantry at the Guiana Space Center in #Kourou 🚀👍🙏 built by @Eiffage for @ESA and @CNES #ELA4
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 11/25/2019 05:59 pm
Quote
Introducing Ariane 6's Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)

Fabien leads the team that's developing the Auxiliary Power Unit system for the upper stage of the Ariane 6 launcher. He explains how the APU will allow the stage's Vinci engine to restart, even in a vacuum, and why they are more efficient than earlier technology.


The most important point about the APU has not been mentioned:
To have accelleration for the propellants to settle at the bottom of the tank so that you can ignite the engine without having bubbles that are taken to the turbopumps and have a risk of cavitation. That is called ullage thrusters.
An APU for that purpose was already implemented in the third stage of the Saturn V.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: TrevorMonty on 11/25/2019 06:39 pm


These two are the most interesting to me.

3) Auxiliary Power Unit: extending the running time for longer GEO missions (article confuses propulsion with power generation).
4) Black Upper Stage: improved composites upper stage. Would start by just doing the cylinders with composites.

Black Upper Stage
The current stage is heavy. Every bit of weight reduction directly translates into payload.
If you can keep liquid hydrogen and LOX in a carbon fiber tank doing the same with liquid methane and LOX is no problem. Sso the tech once fully developed can be used on many further projects.



One article I read said they hoped to reduce dry mass by 2t, that is huge performance increase.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/29/2019 03:05 pm
Paper from IAC in October:

Quote
IAC-19-D2.1.5
The Ariane 6 Launch System Development Update

Stefano BIANCHIa, Mathieu CHAIZEb, Patrick BONGUETc, Pier Domenico RESTAd, Guy PILCHENe, Alessandro CIUCCIf, Julio APREAg, Guillaume COLLANGEh, Linn BOLDT-CHRISTMASi

a Directorate of Space Transportation. European Space Agency, 52 Rue Jacques Hillairet, 75012, Paris, France, [email protected]
b Ariane 6 Development Program, ArianeGroup SAS, 66 Route de Verneuil, 78133 Les Mureaux, France, [email protected]
c Ariane 6 Development Program, ArianeGroup SAS, 66 Route de Verneuil, 78133 Les Mureaux, France, [email protected]
d Directorate of Space Transportation. European Space Agency, 52 Rue Jacques Hillairet, 75012, Paris, France, [email protected]
e Directorate of Space Transportation. European Space Agency, 52 Rue Jacques Hillairet, 75012, Paris, France, [email protected]
f Directorate of Space Transportation. European Space Agency, 52 Rue Jacques Hillairet, 75012, Paris, France, [email protected]
g Directorate of Space Transportation. European Space Agency, 52 Rue Jacques Hillairet, 75012, Paris, France, [email protected]
h Ariane 6 Development Program, ArianeGroup SAS, 66 Route de Verneuil, 78133 Les Mureaux, France, [email protected]
i Directorate of Space Transportation. European Space Agency, 52 Rue Jacques Hillairet, 75012, Paris, France, [email protected]

Abstract

In December 2014, the European Space Agency (ESA) Council at Ministerial level decided to commence the Ariane and Vega development programme. The Ariane 6 launch system development started with the decision for ESA to procure the development of the Ariane 6 launcher system from ArianeGroup, and the development of the launch base from the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES). ESA acts as procurement entity and launch system architect to coordinate parallel development activities and ensure launcher system coherence.
The aim of developing Ariane 6 is to guarantee independent European access to space at the lowest overall cost. Today, Europe relies on Ariane 5, Vega, and Soyuz to lift payloads off to space. Tomorrow, the European launch vehicle fleet will be composed of Ariane 6 with two different versions – Ariane 62 and 64 – as well as Vega-C that replaces and upgrades the Vega launch system.
Ariane 6’s maiden flight is planned for the second half of 2020, and it will achieve full operational capability by 2023. Major milestones in the accomplishment of this timeline include the first and second static test firings of the P120C solid rocket motor which occurred in July 2018 and January 2019 respectively, with a third test scheduled for 2020; the successful completion of the Vinci re-ignitable engine’s test campaign in October 2018; the successful completion of the Vulcain 2.1 core stage engine’s test campaign in July 2019; and the successful completion of the launch system Critical Design Review in September 2019. The new Ariane 6 launch complex is also on track with a launch base technical qualification review started in September 2019.
The aim of this paper is to present the status of the development of the Ariane 6 launch system as of autumn 2019, as well as some aspects required for its operational use.

Keywords: Ariane 6, Launch System, European Space Agency, Launch Vehicle
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Jakdowski on 11/30/2019 08:57 pm
French Senate Report on Ariane 6 November 2019

In the Report It details the past and future of the Ariane 6 Launcher

Remember to Open both the English and French Versions so you can view the Charts and Graphics as the Translator blocks some of the graphics/charts


English Translation: Edit: Thanks to AnalogMan for the Better Translation: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=31484.0;attach=1597253;sess=59799

The Report In its Original French : https://www.senat.fr/rap/r19-131/r19-1311.pdf
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: AnalogMan on 11/30/2019 11:38 pm
Here's another go at translation using https://www.onlinedoctranslator.com/translationprocess-pdf (https://www.onlinedoctranslator.com/translationprocess-pdf)

It managed all pages, and keeps the charts in place, but seems to have random bolding of text!

Resulting pdf is attached.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/01/2019 08:32 pm
https://twitter.com/ariane6/status/1201249643528704000

Quote
Meanwhile at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, we are testing the systems that will take the #Ariane6 core stages from horizontal to vertical position.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Jakdowski on 12/06/2019 12:07 pm
Ariane 6 - launcher transfer and verticalization tests

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIKXRas9T9U
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/20/2019 03:38 pm
https://youtu.be/LDgik7atVjs
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/24/2020 03:19 pm
https://youtu.be/G0NLEIirKGA
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 01/29/2020 02:29 pm
Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana is almost ready for Ariane 6. Take a tour of the launch complex and its various facilities filmed in January 2020.

The 8200 tonne 90 metre-high mobile gantry has been rolled over the launch pad with the help of bogies that move it along rails. Inside stand two mock-ups of the P120C boosters flanked on either side by work platforms that will enable engineers to access the launch vehicle.

Delve deep under the launch table structure to see engineers working on the launch support systems.

Outside, tour past the water tower that will provide the water to quell the fiery plumes at liftoff. Then, view the inside of the assembly building showing a mock-up of the Ariane 6 core stage.

https://youtu.be/QmrWqxHLvL8
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 02/04/2020 12:26 pm
Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana is gearing up for the arrival of Ariane 6, Europe’s next-generation launch vehicle. This aerial view taken in January 2020 shows the main elements of the new launch complex.

The 8200 tonne 90 metre-high mobile gantry will house Ariane 6 before launch. First in July then again in December 2019, the gantry was rolled along its rails to its prelaunch position over the launch pad. Platforms inside the gantry will allow engineers access to the rocket for integration and maintenance. The mobile gantry is retracted before launch.

Flame trenches on either side of the gantry will funnel the exhaust at liftoff.

Four lightning masts have been erected around the launch pad to protect against lightning strikes. 

The water tower pictured left of the mobile gantry will provide the water that will quell the fiery plumes at liftoff.

The assembly building, on the right, is 20 m tall, 112 m long and 41 m wide and is located 1 km away from the launch pad. This is used for Ariane 6's horizontal preparation and integration before rollout to the launch zone.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/08/2020 01:10 pm
https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1226112592508309504

Quote
Here are a few photos from the last qualification test of 2019 for Ariane 6’s Vinci engine to fire up your weekend!
🔥🔥🔥 #ArianeGroup #Ariane6 #Vinci

I thought Vinci qualification finished in 2018?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: smoliarm on 02/09/2020 09:39 am
...

I thought Vinci qualification finished in 2018?

If I understand the matter right, there are two kinds of qualifications for a new engine:
1. development (or design) qualification tests;
2. production qualification tests;
The first type validates the design of prototype engine; the success here marks the completion of general design phase.
The second type validates the technology for serial production of final design.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 02/14/2020 01:23 pm
...

I thought Vinci qualification finished in 2018?

If I understand the matter right, there are two kinds of qualifications for a new engine:
1. development (or design) qualification tests;
2. production qualification tests;
The first type validates the design of prototype engine; the success here marks the completion of general design phase.
The second type validates the technology for serial production of final design.

It could also be the acceptance test of the first flight engine...
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 02/14/2020 01:34 pm
...

I thought Vinci qualification finished in 2018?

If I understand the matter right, there are two kinds of qualifications for a new engine:
1. development (or design) qualification tests;
2. production qualification tests;
The first type validates the design of prototype engine; the success here marks the completion of general design phase.
The second type validates the technology for serial production of final design.

It could also be the acceptance test of the first flight engine...

Or it is the engine that will be mounted on the Ariane 6 upper stage that will be tested later this year at DLR's new test stand P5.2 in Lampoldshausen/Germany...
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 02/20/2020 04:16 pm
Who else is counting down to the #Ariane6 maiden flight? Check out this month's drone footage showing progress on the new Ariane 6 launch complex at Europe's Spaceport

https://twitter.com/Ariane6/status/1230518410645311494
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/20/2020 06:49 pm
https://youtu.be/rOf-k_ovLRQ
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 03/31/2020 05:55 pm
Cross-post; my bold:
https://ria.ru/20200331/1569375023.html
Google translate:
Quote
MOSCOW, Mar 31 - RIA News. Two Galileo navigation satellites will be launched into space in December on a Russian Soyuz launch vehicle from the Kourou space center in French Guiana, instead of the European Ariane 6 rocket, a source in the space rocket told RIA Novosti.
"It was decided to launch two Galileo satellites with the Soyuz-ST-B rocket from Kuru. The date is tentative - December 15, as it depends on the timing of the launch of the cosmodrome after quarantine due to coronavirus," the agency’s source said.
According to him, initially it was planned to send these satellites into space on the Ariane 6 rocket, but its launch was postponed until mid-2021.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: sts9 on 04/11/2020 01:30 pm
Ariane 6 launch complex - March 2020

http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2020/04/Ariane_6_launch_complex_-_March_2020#.XpHGGgYHZeM.link
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: harrystranger on 04/12/2020 09:53 am
Ariane 6 launch complex - March 2020

http://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2020/04/Ariane_6_launch_complex_-_March_2020#.XpHGGgYHZeM.link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkYcGJI_Df8
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Jakdowski on 04/14/2020 08:40 pm
Ariane 6 Debut delayed to second half of 2021
https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/1249710645676818432
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 04/15/2020 07:33 pm
Cross-post:
<snip>
The last firing of the Vega C/Ariane 6 P120 booster could occur a few weeks/months after the resumption of activities.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 on 04/15/2020 09:32 pm
https://youtu.be/skYUgvBonS4
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 05/12/2020 08:17 pm
Cross-post:
<snip>
The last firing of the Vega C/Ariane 6 P120 booster could occur a few weeks/months after the resumption of activities.

Cross-post:
I've listed the names of the payloads with the missions:

- P120 engine test: August 6
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 05/20/2020 01:54 pm
Ariane 6 maiden flight likely slipping to 2021
https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-maiden-flight-likely-slipping-to-2021/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: TrevorMonty on 05/20/2020 06:40 pm
Ariane 6 maiden flight likely slipping to 2021
https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-maiden-flight-likely-slipping-to-2021/
Looking like 2021 is going be year of maiden launches for new LVs.
A6
Vulcan
OMEGA
NG most likely 2022
Relativity?
Maybe some other smallsat launchers
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jpo234 on 06/02/2020 10:03 pm
Ariane 6 maiden flight likely slipping to 2021
https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-maiden-flight-likely-slipping-to-2021/
Looking like 2021 is going be year of maiden launches for new LVs.
A6
Vulcan
OMEGA
NG most likely 2022
Relativity?
Maybe some other smallsat launchers
Mitsubishi H3

Gesendet von meinem SM-G950F mit Tapatalk

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: TrevorMonty on 06/03/2020 12:33 am


Ariane 6 maiden flight likely slipping to 2021
https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-maiden-flight-likely-slipping-to-2021/
Looking like 2021 is going be year of maiden launches for new LVs.
A6
Vulcan
OMEGA
NG most likely 2022
Relativity?
Maybe some other smallsat launchers
Mitsubishi H3

Gesendet von meinem SM-G950F mit Tapatalk

Forgot about H3, that 5 large LVs.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: dror on 06/03/2020 04:27 am
Ariane 6 maiden flight likely slipping to 2021
https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-maiden-flight-likely-slipping-to-2021/
Looking like 2021 is going be year of maiden launches for new LVs.
A6
Vulcan
OMEGA
NG most likely 2022
Relativity?
Maybe some other smallsat launchers
Mitsubishi H3

Gesendet von meinem SM-G950F mit Tapatalk
With some luck,  also:
Starship
SLS
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 06/03/2020 05:19 pm
The last four posts were informative, but off-topic.
Please return to on-topic = Ariane 6 updates. :)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: starbase on 06/04/2020 06:43 pm
Quote
Europe's #Ariane6 heavy-lift rocket's debut slips to late 2021; Covid-19 is only part of the reason.
https://bit.ly/3csCd52

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1268566155737862146
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Star One on 06/04/2020 07:33 pm
Quote
Europe's #Ariane6 heavy-lift rocket's debut slips to late 2021; Covid-19 is only part of the reason.
https://bit.ly/3csCd52

https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1268566155737862146
Article is hidden behind a paywall.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jpo234 on 06/29/2020 09:03 am
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-space-idUSKBN23Z0JC

European Commissioner Thierry Breton:
Quote
SpaceX has redefined the standards for launchers, so Ariane 6 is a necessary step, but not the ultimate aim: we must start thinking now about Ariane 7
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/09/2020 06:19 pm
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1281291178454003712

Quote
Not sure how widely it's been reported, but the European Space Agency and Ariane Group confirmed today that the Ariane 6 rocket will not make its debut before the second half of 2021.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/10/2020 08:20 pm
We got a statement from ESA:


https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/07/esa-ariane-6-second-half-2021/

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1281684366813519874
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 07/24/2020 11:16 pm
Maiden launch thread (maybe). (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=51544.0)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 08/15/2020 10:44 pm
European launch manufacturer is bagging for beter institutional support; because of delayed introduction of Ariane 6 and Covid-19. (Remember this is for updates, the discussion (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.new#new) there is another topic.)

MT Aerospace: link (https://www.mt-aerospace.de/news-details-en/reduced-production-of-the-ariane-6-european-launcher-industry-in-distress-mt-aerospace-ag-in-augsburg-massively-affected.html)
Quote
Reduced production of the Ariane 6: European launcher industry in distress    MT Aerospace AG in Augsburg massively affected.
STAFF AND MANAGEMENT DEMAND CLEAR POLITICAL DECISIONS
Augsburg, August 5, 2020. “The initial launch of Ariane 6 has been postponed. This means that series production will commence at a later date and on a smaller scale than planned. The fallout from the corona pandemic is additionally exacerbating the situation. We are in a difficult position,” states Hans Steininger, CEO of MT Aerospace AG. “Unless the governments of the European countries involved express their clear commitment to stabilizing the European launcher industries in the near future and arrange full funding of the Ariane 6 development project, MT Aerospace AG faces massive economic problems before the end of the year. There is a threat of further losses of jobs and the valuable expertise that has been built up over decades. If we fail to gain any solid perspective in the early autumn, we will be forced to make unpleasant business decisions.”
...
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 09/17/2020 09:43 am
https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/1306244014514016260
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 10/08/2020 08:15 am
Final hot firing proves P120C booster for Ariane 6

08/10/2020

The qualification model of the P120C motor configured for Ariane 6, has been static fired on the test stand at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana in a final test to prove its readiness for flight.

Advanced features make this new motor a pivotal achievement of European industry. It is an example of innovative thinking and optimisation that allows Europe to equip two very different launch vehicles with the same solid rocket motor.

Depending on the configuration, two or four P120C boosters will be strapped onto the sides of the future Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket, the P120C will also serve as the first stage of the smaller Vega-C launch vehicle.

This huge P120C motor was filled with 142 tonnes of solid propellant inside its 13.5 m long and 3.4 m diameter casing and was moved from the integration building to the dedicated stand used for testing solid propulsion stages.

After ignition it burned for 130 seconds, delivering a maximum thrust of about 4500 kN simulating liftoff and the first phase of flight. No anomalies were seen and, according to initial recorded data, the performance met expectations. A full analysis of these test results and inspection of all components will confirm readiness of this motor for the debut launch of Ariane 6.

“This firing of the P120C motor paves the way for its use on Ariane 6. It is proof of the hard work and dedication of all the teams involved who have made this test possible despite the COVID-19 crisis. This accomplishes an important milestone towards flight,” commented Stefano Bianchi, Head of Space Transportation Development at ESA.

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Final_hot_firing_proves_P120C_booster_for_Ariane_6
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 10/08/2020 08:17 am
The second qualification model of the P120C solid rocket motor, configured for Ariane 6, completed its hot firing on 7 October 2020 in a final test to prove its readiness for flight.

https://youtu.be/Q2hlRxGDwtU
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 10/08/2020 10:26 am
Hot firing of Ariane 6's P120C motor

The second qualification model of the P120C solid rocket motor, configured for Ariane 6, completed its hot firing on 7 October 2020 in a final test to prove its readiness for flight.

Depending on the configuration, two or four P120C motors, developed in Europe, will be strapped onto the sides of the future Ariane 6

launch vehicle as boosters for liftoff. The P120C will also be used as the first stage of Vega-C.

After it was fully loaded with 142 tonnes of fuel, the 13.5 m long and 3.4 m diameter motor was ignited to simulate liftoff and the first phase of flight.

The motor burned for 130 seconds and delivered a maximum thrust of about 4500 kN. The test was performed at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, and was completed with no anomalies.

ESA, France’s CNES space agency, and Europropulsion which is jointly owned by Avio and ArianeGroup, collaborated on this test.

Credits: ESA/CNES/Arianespace/Optique vidéo du CSG - JM Guillon
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 10/08/2020 05:18 pm
https://twitter.com/thivallee/status/1314253165194342405
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 10/09/2020 08:30 am
Translation and photo.

"Not to mention the inside!
The technical qualification of the installations continues with a new presentation of the model of the central body of @Ariane6 on its launch table, between the 2 ESRs."
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 10/22/2020 09:59 am
Upper stage spotted!

https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/1319214279996952576
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWH on 10/22/2020 02:57 pm
Video showing the mating of the two tank assemblies. Full of detailed views of hardware:

https://www.ariane.group/en/news/video-assembly-of-the-first-ariane-6-upper-stage/

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Hobbes-22 on 10/22/2020 04:50 pm
ArianeGroup is proposing a kick stage (https://www.ariane.group/en/news/the-arianegroup-kick-stage-taking-ariane-6s-versatility-to-new-heights/) to be added on top of the second stage.

Quote
The kick stage is an additional stage positioned on top of Ariane 6’s upper stage, which will allow the rocket to place several satellites into different orbits in a single launch, or to inject a satellite directly into its final orbit, optimizing a wide scope of missions.

Proposed missions:
- interplanetary
- dual GEO launch: the first passenger is dropped off in GTO, the second gets delivered into GEO by the kickstage. For this purpose the kickstage can be installed on top of the SYLDA (dual-launch adapter).
- multi-plane launches for constellations



The stage will use a new reignitable storable propellant (https://industryeurope.com/esa-tests-3d-printed-storable-propellant-rocket-engine/) engine called BERTA.

Quote
The kick stage solution and the BERTA engine are proposals made by ArianeGroup GmbH to the European Space Agency (ESA) in the framework of the Astris System Development and Qualification Programme


This is the first I've heard of this, but apparently the program has been running for a while. The engine was tested last year (https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/esa-completes-first-test-fire-of-arianegroup-3d-printed-rocket-engine-149737/).

I've added some screenshots from the video.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Hobbes-22 on 10/23/2020 06:44 pm
I've found references to the BERTA engine as far back as 2011 (https://elib.dlr.de/71266/), as part of studies for a new upper stage for Vega to replace the Russian engine on the AVUM stage.

I don't know yet what the final conclusion of those studies was, but for now Vega-C seems to be proceeding with an upgraded AVUM+, still with a Russian engine.

Space 19+ mentions BERTA:

Quote
For resilience in view of 2022 milestone, help prepare our sector to deliver end to end Space Transportation services.
At Space19+ three objectives:
1. Mid/Long-term competitiveness improvement of launch services for institutional missions:
Prometheus, ETID, Avionics, Themis/Reusability, Advanced Technologies...
2. Increase of the versatility of Space Transportation:
Space Logistics, Kick Stage, Green Propulsion/Berta, Advanced Technologies, In Space PoC mission...
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/29/2020 03:44 pm
twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1321852153149968384

Quote
Joining a call with Jan Wörner, ESA Director General, and Daniel Neuenschwander, Director for Space Transportation, to discuss a potential delay for the debut of the Ariane 6 rocket.

https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1321854958661152770

Quote
ESA will ask member states for an additional 230 million euros to pay for Ariane 6 development, above existing budgets. Now targeting 2022 for debut launch of the new rocket.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 10/29/2020 04:35 pm
ESA lays out roadmap to Vega-C and Ariane 6 flights (http://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/ESA_lays_out_roadmap_to_Vega-C_and_Ariane_6_flights), dated October 29

Ariane 6

ESA, CNES and ArianeGroup have jointly established a consolidated reference planning for Ariane 6 development and are working as an integrated team in their respective roles to make it happen. This schedule is based on analysis of recent achievements, remaining critical milestones and the impact on the programme caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the successful third static fire test of the P120C solid rocket motor on 7 October, all the propulsion elements of the launcher system have completed their qualification tests.

At Europe’s Spaceport, activities for the finalisation of the Ariane 6 launch base are progressing. First integration testing with fullscale ‘mock-ups’ of the P120C strap-on booster and of Ariane 6’s central core took place in the new mobile gantry. Testing of the cryogenic arms that link the launch pad and the launch vehicle are also ongoing at Fos-sur-Mer in France, before shipping to French Guiana.

ArianeGroup is completing the challenging development and qualification of the Ariane 6 Auxiliary Power Unit for the upper stage. This device will allow Europe to offer additional capabilities in satellite deployment for the satellite constellation market.

The first Ariane 6 upper stage has been assembled in Bremen, Germany. Coupling the launcher’s tanks with the equipped engine bay of the re-ignitable Vinci engine for the first time. The upper stage is currently undergoing mechanical, fluid and electrical tests, before leaving for further tests at the DLR German Aerospace Center’s Lampoldshausen facilities in Germany.

There, the complete stage will be hot fire tested on a new test bench specially developed by DLR for the Ariane 6 upper stage. The Ariane 6 upper stage static fire tests are planned to start in the second quarter of 2021.

In parallel, the first Ariane 6 core stage and the second Ariane 6 upper stage are under preparation. These specimen will be shipped to Europe’s Spaceport from Les Mureaux (France) and Bremen (Germany) respectively, for the combined tests campaign. 

In the third quarter of 2021, the Ariane 6 launch base will be handed over from CNES to ESA. At this point the Ariane 6 combined tests campaign can start. These series of tests will bring the launch vehicle and launch base together for the first time for integrated tests of multiple systems. This will include a static fire test of Ariane 6 while standing on the launch pad for the first time.

Following the successful combined test campaign and Ground qualification review of the launch system, the first launch campaign, with the integration of the maiden flight hardware, will start.

When all these steps are successfully completed Ariane 6 will be in a position to perform its maiden flight in the second quarter of 2022.

Ariane 6 is a project managed and funded by the European Space Agency. ArianeGroup is design authority and industrial prime contractor for the launcher system. The French space agency CNES is prime contractor for the development of the Ariane 6 launch base at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Arianespace commercialises Ariane 6.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 10/29/2020 06:47 pm
ESA lays out roadmap to Vega-C and Ariane 6 flights (http://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/ESA_lays_out_roadmap_to_Vega-C_and_Ariane_6_flights), dated October 29

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 10/29/2020 10:18 pm
ESA requests 230 million euros more for Ariane 6 as maiden flights slips to 2022 (https://spacenews.com/esa-request-230-million-euros-more-for-ariane-6-as-maiden-flights-slips-to-2022/), dated October 29

During an Oct. 29 briefing following the 291st ESA Council held over the last two days [article submitted from Valetta, Malta], Daniel Neuenschwander, director for space transportation at ESA:
Quote
...the 230 million euros in additional funding requested by ESA is a 6% increase in the development cost of Ariane 6. This puts the total cost of development at over 3.8 billion euros ($4.4 billion), significantly more than the approximately $400 million spent to develop the SpaceX Falcon 9 against which the Ariane 6 will compete.

ESA hopes to secure the additional funding for development of the Ariane 6 within the next few months.
***

Re: early Ariane 6 flight schedule, also from the article:
Flight 1, A62     Q2 2022     Payload was to be 30 OneWeb satellites (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=47530.0); Arianespace received partial payment before the bankruptcy filing.  Payload options are being actively investigated.

Flight 2, A62                      Galileo satellite [I thought it was 2 Galileo satellites.] (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=51544.0)

Flight 3, A64                      Payload not named.  [Perhaps Eutelsat Hotbird 13F, Eutelsat Hotbird 13G from our launch schedule thread.] (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=6114.msg2143568#msg2143568)
***

Seeking correction or clarification.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 11/10/2020 12:35 pm
https://twitter.com/Ariane6/status/1326084618626457600?s=20
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hektor on 11/11/2020 08:05 am
Europe's New Space Rocket Is Incredibly Expensive (https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/11/10/europe-space-rocket-incredibly-expensive-airbus/)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 11/12/2020 02:00 pm
https://twitter.com/esa/status/1326901446625939457?s=20
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 01/12/2021 12:46 pm
Ariane 6 launch complex – December 2020
12/01/2021

Tour the Ariane 6 launch complex at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The 8200 tonne 90 metre-high mobile gantry has platforms to enable engineers to access the vehicle for integration of the stages. This steel structure protects Ariane 6 before launch and is rolled back prior to liftoff.

At the entrance of the gantry are two mockup Ariane 6 P120C rocket boosters. These are representative of the real boosters, having the same size and mass but filled with water instead of solid propellant and used in mechanical tests.

The hydrogen and oxygen storage facilities are close by. Underground, engineers are preparing the launch support systems.

A pumping station at the reservoir will supply the water to quell the exhaust at liftoff.


https://youtu.be/Ix8ZAFulpB4
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 01/29/2021 07:56 am
Ariane 6 upper stage heads for hot-firing tests

29/01/2021

The first complete upper stage of Europe’s new Ariane 6 launch vehicle has left ArianeGroup in Bremen and is now on its way to the DLR German Aerospace Center in Lampoldshausen, Germany. Hot firing tests performed in near-vacuum conditions, mimicking the environment in space, will provide data to prove its readiness for flight.


Integrated in October last year at ArianeGroup in Bremen, Germany, this ‘hot-firing model’ of the complete upper stage is fully operational having undergone extensive functional tests. Its new reignitable Vinci engine is connected to two liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks and is equipped with all lines, valves and electronic and hydraulic instrumentation and control systems.

On board a barge departing from Neustadt port in Bremen on 29 January, the upper stage will journey to BadWimpfen and then be taken by road to Lampoldshausen. The DLR German Aerospace Center has already tested Ariane 6’s Vinci engine and Vulcain 2.1 liquid propulsion engines.

The complete upper stage will be installed on the new P5.2 test stand. Inside this facility all aspects of the flight are simulated including stage preparation such as the fuelling or draining of its tanks. The building has platforms that give engineers access to all parts of the stage. After final preparations, a countdown marks the start of the test.


Operations inside the P5.2 testing facility are monitored from a remote central control room. During this campaign of tests, the Vinci engine will be ignited up to four times in order to gather data describing the behaviour of the whole upper stage when the Vinci engine is running.

Tests will also provide data on non-propulsive ballistic phases, tank pressurisation to increase performance, Vinci reignitions, exhaust nozzle manoeuvres, ending with passivation where all remaining internal energy is removed.

Weekly tests will typically last 18 hours each.


“We have reached another milestone in the Ariane 6 roadmap to flight. Seeing the elements of Ariane 6 coming together is very exciting. With the upcoming hot-firing tests of the complete upper stage we will gain valuable insights into the technical heart of this new European launch vehicle,” commented Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation.

Karl-Heinz Servos, COO at ArianeGroup, added: “Completion of this stage for the first hot-fire tests is a major step for Ariane 6, for Germany and for European space as a whole.”

Walther Pelzer, Head of the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), commented: “With the first Ariane 6 upper stage hot-fire testing at the new P5.2 test facility at the DLR site at Lampoldshausen, we are now one more vital step closer to Ariane 6’s maiden flight.”

Meanwhile, a further two Ariane 6 complete upper stages are being integrated by ArianeGroup. The Combined Tests Model is intended for tests of the launch vehicle and the launch base at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, and the Flight Model 1 is intended for the inaugural flight of Ariane 6.

Ariane 6 will be capable of carrying out all types of missions to all orbits thanks to its multiple reignition capability and modular design. With two versions: Ariane 62, fitted with two P120C boosters, and Ariane 64, with four, this new launch vehicle further extends and secures Europe’s independent access to space.

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_upper_stage_heads_for_hot-firing_tests
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 01/29/2021 07:57 am
Ariane 6 complete upper stage

28/01/2021

Integrated in October last year at ArianeGroup in Bremen, Germany, this ‘hot-firing model’ of the complete Ariane 6 upper stage is fully operational having undergone extensive functional tests. Its new reignitable Vinci engine is connected to two liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks and is equipped with all lines, valves and electronic and hydraulic instrumentation and control systems.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 01/29/2021 07:57 am
Ariane 6 complete upper stage
28/01/2021

Integrated in October 2020 at ArianeGroup in Bremen, Germany, this ‘hot-firing model’ of the complete Ariane 6 upper stage is fully operational having undergone extensive functional tests. Its new reignitable Vinci engine is connected to two liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks and is equipped with all lines, valves and electronic and hydraulic instrumentation and control systems.

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 01/29/2021 07:58 am
Ariane 6 upper stage heads for hot-firing tests
28/01/2021

The first complete upper stage of Europe’s new Ariane 6 launch vehicle was packed into a container at ArianeGroup in Bremen for its journey to the DLR German Aerospace Center in Lampoldshausen, Germany. Hot firing tests performed in near-vacuum conditions, mimicking the environment in space, will provide data to prove its readiness for flight.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 01/29/2021 11:42 am
So finally some progress on the development of Ariane 6. The ULPM qualification at the P5.2 bench at Lampoldshausen was initially planned for the first quarter of 2020. So it's a year late.
I've not found a good explanation for the year delay. Any sources on this?

Edit to add: Link to Arianegroup:  ARIANE 6: FIRST UPPER STAGE READY FOR HOT-FIRE TESTING (https://www.ariane.group/en/news/ariane-6-first-upper-stage-ready-for-hot-fire-testing/)

And the tweet from Arianegroup with the video that was also on their website.
https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/1355074435468963840 (https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/1355074435468963840)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 01/29/2021 12:42 pm
DLR Press Release, 29 January 2021

First Ariane 6 upper stage leaves the factory premises in Bremen - Milestone for Europe's new launcher

Europe's new launcher, Ariane 6, is nearing completion. Like its predecessor, Ariane 5, the upper stage of the new European Space Agency (ESA) rocket is being built at ArianeGroup in Bremen. On the night of 28 to 29 January 2021, a fully functional, full-size test model, identical to the model that will be used for Ariane 6 launches, began a very special journey to southern Germany in a transport container that is 14 metres long, almost seven metres wide and six metres high. "With the departure of the first upper stage from the factory in Bremen, we have initiated the countdown to the first launch of Ariane 6. The upper stage is the heart of Ariane 6, and it is being both built and tested here in Germany. Independent access to space – which Ariane 6 will ensure after Ariane 5 is phased out – is not only geopolitically important, but also relevant for the future of Germany as a high-tech country," explains Walther Pelzer, Member of the DLR Executive Board and Director General of the German Space Agency within DLR, which manages the funding that Germany provides to ESA on behalf of the German government.

The next two Ariane 6 upper stages are also nearing completion in Bremen. The Combined Test Model (CTM) will be used for joint tests with the main stage at the European spaceport in Kourou in the second half of 2021, and the Flight Model 1 (FM1) will be used for the first flight of Ariane 6, which is expected to take place in the first half of 2022.

A journey across the Weser, Waal, Rhine and Neckar rivers

The first Ariane 6 upper stage is scheduled to arrive at DLR's Lampoldshausen site on 7 February and will be thoroughly tested during the coming months. "The container weighs 57 tonnes including the upper stage. It will first travel via the Weser and the North Sea to the deep sea port of Rotterdam. From there it will continue south via the Dutch river Waal into the Rhine. In Mannheim, the container ship will turn right and enter the river Neckar, before its journey ends in Bad Wimpfen in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. There, the container will be loaded onto a heavy transporter heading for Lampoldshausen," reports Denis Regenbrecht, Ariane 6 Programme Manager at the German Space Agency within DLR in Bonn.

"The fact that progress is being made in the development of the upper stage and the associated tests is an important milestone. After all, the new European launcher – selected at ESA's Ministerial Council meeting in Luxembourg in December 2014 – was due to launch into space in 2020," says Walther Pelzer. With the tests in Lampoldshausen, we will move a significant step closer to the first flight of Ariane 6.

The upper stage – the heart of every rocket

The Ariane 6 upper stage is 11.6 metres high and has a diameter of 5.4 metres. Without it, the rocket could not reach space. This is because its newly developed cryogenic Vinci engine, with its propellant made of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, provides the necessary thrust to release the on-board payload at a precise location in orbit. The burn time lasts more than 14 minutes and Vinci can be fired up to four times. This allows multiple payloads to be placed into different orbits. In addition, the control electronics that set and maintain Ariane 6's course through space are housed in the upper stage.

Ariane 6 – a promising rocket

As with its predecessors, Ariane 6 will be a dynamic launcher that is intended to evolve continuously. At Space19+, ESA's last Ministerial Council, participating states decided on a further development programme to make Ariane 6 even more powerful and cost-effective. A core element of this programme is an additional small kick stage, ASTRIS, which, like the upper stage, will be developed and built in Germany. This special rocket stage should make it possible to carry several satellites with completely different target orbits in one launch, or to reach targets far outside Earth's orbit. For this stage, a new compact engine called BERTA is being developed in Ottobrunn and will also be tested at DLR's Lampoldshausen site.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 02/04/2021 09:39 am
Ariane 6 on the road  :)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 02/10/2021 07:53 am
And now on a barge, with the nice background of dowtown Cologne:

https://mobile.twitter.com/DLR_de/status/1359188594443886596
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Star One on 02/10/2021 10:39 am
And now on a barge, with the nice background of dowtown Cologne:

https://mobile.twitter.com/DLR_de/status/1359188594443886596
Translation of the first tweet in that thread.

Quote
One #Domblick, please! Star-struck Today the first upper stage of the launcher went across the Rhineland
@ Ariane6
. The container with the valuable freight passed #Duesseldorf, #Koeln and #Bonn on the waterway - with the best view of the city's
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 02/14/2021 10:01 am
DLR Press Release, 13 February 2021

The upper stage of Europe's new launcher comes to Baden-Wuerttemberg - Ariane 6 – DLR ready to test first upper stage

On 14 February 2021, the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) will receive the first upper stage of the European Ariane 6 launcher. The fully functional test module will be subjected to extensive testing at DLR's Lampoldshausen site over the coming months. The aim is to verify that the rocket's upper stage is fit for flight – a major milestone on the way to its first launch, which is planned for the second quarter of 2022.

After being manufactured at the ArianeGroup factory in Bremen, on 29 January 2021 the upper stage was dispatched in a specially designed container. With the upper stage inside, the container weighed approximately 57 tonnes. It is roughly 14 metres long, seven metres wide and six metres high. Its journey has been split into several stages – being carried by ship then by heavy transporter – via the Weser, Hunte, Ems and Ijsel rivers, then the Rhine and Neckar rivers, before reaching its final destination of Lampoldshausen, near Heilbronn.

Unique, flexible and efficient – DLR's infrastructure and expertise for future space transport systems

"By launching its test campaign for the upper stage of the future European launcher, Ariane 6, DLR is demonstrating its scientific and technological expertise in space research," says Professor Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board. "Our new P5.2 test rig meets the requirements of modern space transport; it is cost effective and can be quickly adapted. We are harnessing the potential of flexible testing facilities and working alongside industry to lay the groundwork for the future of European space transport."

"Thanks to its test facilities, DLR is able to validate not only engines and individual launcher components, but also entire cryogenic upper stages," says Hansjoerg Dittus, Member of the DLR Executive Board for Space Research and Technology.

Refuelling and hot-firing tests during test campaign lasting several months

Following the arrival of the upper stage, it will be integrated into the new P5.2 test rig. The launcher will be lifted by a crane, hung on the test rig and fastened in place. The upper stage measures 5.4 metres across and is more than 10 metres high. It weighs approximately seven tonnes without fuel, but 38 tonnes once fuel has been added.

P5.2 was specially designed and constructed by DLR for the purpose of testing the upper stage of Ariane 6. The upper stage consists of the Vinci engine, which can be ignited multiple times, the tanks for the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, piping, valves and the electronic and hydraulic control and steering systems.

Cryogenic upper stage – low temperatures, major challenges

Lasting several months, the test campaign will involve a clean fuelling and defuelling test and four 'hot-firing' tests. In the fuelling and defuelling test, the focus will be on filling and emptying the tank safely. The test is designed to build experience and facilitate the development of safe methods for carrying out such processes but also for aborting them if necessary. The fact that this is a cryogenic upper stage makes this no simple task. The hydrogen and oxygen that serve as the fuel must be cooled to extremely low temperatures –minus 183 and minus 253 degrees Celsius respectively. These temperatures require the use of specialist materials that must be handled very carefully. Ariane 6's Vinci engine is ignited up to three times during the hot-firing tests – which simulate different flight scenarios – with the thrust and duration of the ignition varying from test to test. With this flexibility, Ariane 6 will be able to deploy its payloads in different orbits.

"With the P5.2 test rig and the test programme for the Ariane 6 upper stage, DLR has all the test facilities it needs in Lampoldshausen to comprehensively test all the space engines that Europe will require in the future," says Stefan Schlechtriem, Director of the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion, describing the unique test rig. "In addition, new development programmes and standardised acceptance tests of Ariane flight engines can take place in parallel. This makes it the most flexible and efficient test centre for rocket engines in Europe."
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 02/14/2021 10:03 am
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mammutti on 02/15/2021 09:08 am
twitter.com/DLR_en/status/1361249326526259202

https://twitter.com/DLR_en/status/1361249331836256257

Quote from: DLR - English
The @Ariane6 upper stage arrived safely in #Lampoldshausen yesterday. Here are a few more highlights of its night-time journey. 
© DLR CC-BY 3.0

We would like to thank everyone involved! We hope that you were able to warm up again quickly.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 02/17/2021 11:18 am
Upper stage on the stand:

https://twitter.com/DLR_en/status/1361985257164136449
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 03/21/2021 11:35 am
First water deluge tests in the new Ariane 6 pad:

https://mobile.twitter.com/thivallee/status/1371706293971484672
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 04/01/2021 08:15 pm
RUAGSpace
@RuagSpace
Big #milestone: After six years of development, our first payload fairing for the future #Ariane6  is on its way to the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana, to be delivered to @ArianeGroup. The payload fairing will be used for the combined tests of the new #launcher.

https://twitter.com/RuagSpace/status/1376821513366700034
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: sts9 on 04/02/2021 06:18 pm
Ariane 6 - Chantier ELA4 - March 2021 from CNES

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkvvxc5QG4g

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 05/07/2021 07:46 am
First Ariane 6 fairing at Europe’s Spaceport
06/05/2021

Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana is carrying out combined tests to prepare for the arrival of Ariane 6, Europe’s next generation heavy-lift launch vehicle.

The first Ariane 6 fairing has arrived at the Spaceport from Europe. It is 20 m high and 5.4 m in diameter and is being integrated with a mockup payload to test equipment and procedures inside the assembly building.

Ruag Space in Emmen, Switzerland manufactures each entire large half-shell in one piece from carbon-fibre composite which is ‘cured’ in an industrial oven. This reduces cost and speeds up production. Fewer parts allow horizontal as well as vertical assembly of the closed fairing and the launch vehicle, which is particularly important for Ariane 6.

A blue metal frame, the ‘strongback’, encases the fairing. There is one for each half-shell to hold each steady and to maintain the shape of the fairing while it is being raised vertical, and during assembly.

The mockup payload stands on its payload adaptor – the black cone. This is the interface between the bottom of the payload and the rocket. The adapter cone is fixed to a permanent dock on the ground.

Before this combined test, the French space agency, CNES, updated the existing Ariane 5 assembly building with a new integration dock, composed of a large white frame, with two mobile platforms adjustable to any level and accessible by fixed stairs and platforms.

This assembly building has two halls: one for integration of the fairing on the Ariane 5 rocket, and an encapsulation hall where the payload is stowed in the fairing. This encapsulation area is a spacious clean room for Ariane 6.

A new door 26 m high has been installed at the entrance of the building to make room for the integrated fairing, payload and adapter to move on its trailer to the Ariane 6 launch zone.

This activity is one of many extensive ‘combined tests’ which are being carried out in a team effort at the Spaceport by ESA, CNES, ArianeGroup, Avio and other industry partners. These tests will prove the systems and procedures that will prepare Europe's new Ariane 6 launch vehicle for flight.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 05/11/2021 09:02 am
The Ariane 6 APU is ready

Paris, May 11, 2021

 The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), at the heart of the versatility of the Ariane 6 upper
stage, has completed its qualification campaign, with a total operating time of 137601
seconds over the course of more than 53 tests

 The APU is a real concentrate of innovations, capable of pressurizing the upper stage
tanks, preparing the Vinci engine in-flight reignitions, and providing additional thrust
on demand, in orbit

 The APU will be used for the first time during the hot-fire tests of the first Ariane 6 upper
stage, currently under preparation at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen, Germany
The Ariane 6 upper stage Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) has just completed its final qualification tests
at ArianeGroup’s Vernon, France site. It has been operated for a total of 137601 seconds over the
course of more than 50 tests since the beginning of development (more than 38 hours).

Once integrated into the upper stage, the main role of this innovative device is to pressurize the
tanks. The APU does this by drawing a small quantity of the liquid oxygen and hydrogen from the
tanks which it heats up by means of a gas generator produced entirely by 3D printing, pressurizes,
and then injects back into the tanks.

The highly versatile APU performs many other roles. In particular, it is used to prepare the Vinci
engine for its multiple reignitions – another first for the European launchers – by settling its
propellants towards the bottom of the tanks to ensure optimal operation of the Vinci engine’s
turbopumps. Because the behavior of fluids is significantly affected by weightlessness, the
propellants would tend to disperse throughout the tanks otherwise.

The APU can also generate additional thrust on demand. For example, to propel the stage once
in orbit, a function that is particularly useful for the separation of satellite “clusters”, a method used
for constellation deployment, or to improve the accuracy of final orbital injection.

Finally, another example of the APU’s versatility is its ability to de-orbit the stage at the end of a
mission in accordance with European space law by powering it towards Earth, so that it burns up
on atmospheric entry.

“This propulsion system is a key factor in enhancing the versatility of Ariane 6, notably for launching
constellations,” said André-Hubert Roussel, CEO of ArianeGroup. “We took the decision of
introducing this innovation during development, and the success of the qualification tests is reward
for the technological boldness shown by our Ottobrunn and Vernon teams who were able to invent
and develop a multi-function instrument which makes a significant contribution to the
competitiveness of Ariane 6.”

Now that this step has been completed, the APU will be tested on the very first complete Ariane 6
upper stage, the purpose-built Hot Firing Model (HFM). It will be a key factor for the success of the
hot-fire tests, currently under preparation at the German Aerospace Center DLR’s dedicated test
bench in Lampoldshausen, Germany.

https://www.ariane.group/en/news/the-ariane-6-apu-is-ready/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=en_US
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/17/2021 07:31 am
Ariane 6 launch pad water deluge system test
16 May 2021

The water deluge system, which is activated at liftoff, was put to the test on the Ariane 6 launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in April 2021. This is one of the qualification tests to prepare for the arrival of Ariane 6, Europe’s next generation heavy-lift launch vehicle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZB9roFqQJU
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 06/19/2021 09:42 pm
Cross-post; my bold:
Quote
ARIANE 6
Access to space for all applications under the best conditions!
https://www.arianespace.com/vehicle/ariane-6/#in-depth
Quote
Ariane 6 will provide Arianespace with new levels of efficiency and flexibility to meet customers' launch services needs across a full range of commercial and institutional missions, with first flight planned for the end of 2022.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 07/09/2021 12:35 am
Cross-post; my bold; first and second flights:
https://insidegnss.com/galileo-update-esas-paul-verhoef-outlines-top-priorities/
Quote
After the November/December launch, Verhoef said, “We will do two more launches relatively quickly, one after the other, at intervals of about six or seven months. At that point we will have six new satellites in orbit. That’s two extra in every orbital plane. And then the remaining three launches, six more satellites, will come after that, to complete the batch-three series.”

According to current plans, if the new Ariane 6 is ready, the big launcher will take the last six satellites into orbit. “There will be an Ariane 6 maiden flight, and then we will be its first normal ‘paying’ customer, so to speak,” Verhoef said.
Soyuz-ST-B/Fregat-MT Galileo pair launches = FM23 & 24 late Nov/early Dec 2021; FM25 & 26 mid-2022; FM27 & 28 late 2022/early 2023.
Second Ariane 6 flight = Ariane 62, Galileo FM29 and 30.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: PM3 on 07/09/2021 07:43 am
Cross-post; my bold:
Quote
ARIANE 6
Access to space for all applications under the best conditions!
https://www.arianespace.com/vehicle/ariane-6/#in-depth
Quote
Ariane 6 will provide Arianespace with new levels of efficiency and flexibility to meet customers' launch services needs across a full range of commercial and institutional missions, with first flight planned for the end of 2022.

"end of" has been removed from the Arianespace website; it now just says "in 2022". The only other clue about first Ariane 6 launch is this:

Quote
Aschbacher suggested that schedule could see more delays. The independent assessment, he said, will “make sure that we can do everything we need to do to launch on time.” He later defined “on time” as being before the next ESA ministerial meeting, which is tentatively scheduled for late 2022.
https://spacenews.com/europe-proposes-launcher-alliance/

Eric Berger - who generally reports agressive against European and Russian space activities - confused the date of the meeting with the date of the launch and wrote "Europe hopes for a late 2022 launch (https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/06/europes-space-chief-appoints-task-force-to-assess-ariane-6-schedule-concerns/)". Which then spread over Wikipedia and other media.

There is no (more) communicated "late 2022" launch target. They try to launch it before the meeting, which in past years happend in October, November or December.

Quote
Soyuz-ST-B/Fregat-MT Galileo pair launches = FM23 & 24 late Nov/early Dec 2021; FM25 & 26 mid-2022; FM27 & 28 late 2022/early 2023.
Second Ariane 6 flight = Ariane 62, Galileo FM29 and 30.

Besides of Ariane 6 availability, Galileo payload readiness might slip as well. So I don't see clear evidence yet that FM27 & 28 switch to Soyuz.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/13/2021 02:23 pm
ArianeGroup wins ESA’s “ASTRIS”

competition for an even more versatile Ariane 6

Bremen / Munich, 13 July 2021

 In the framework of the Ariane 6 Competitiveness Improvement Programme,
the European Space Agency has appointed ArianeGroup as prime contractor
for the development of a complementary stage for Ariane 6, the “ASTRIS” kickstage.

 ArianeGroup development activities are worth €90 million

 Developed by ArianeGroup in Germany, ASTRIS is a true additional stage,
called a “kick-stage”, that will further increase the versatility of Ariane 6 and
enhance performance for new types of mission

Powered by the BERTA engine with storable propellants, ASTRIS will increase
the capability to inject satellites directly into geostationary orbit (GEO), allow
electrically-powered satellites to reach their orbits in a few hours instead of in
a few months, and facilitate missions to the Moon and deep space

 The first Ariane 6 mission equipped with the ASTRIS kick-stage is scheduled
for 2024


The European Space Agency (ESA), as part of its Ariane 6 Competitiveness Improvement
Program, has chosen ArianeGroup to develop and build a complementary stage (kick-stage) for
Ariane 6, called ASTRIS, which will enable Arianespace, operator of the new European launcher,
to place with even greater efficiency a larger number of payloads in different orbits, or to inject
satellites into geostationary orbit (GEO).
This optional stage will also contribute to enhanced performance for certain Ariane 6 missions,
including those to the Moon or deep space, as it will make for reduction in spacecraft complexity
and the risks inherent in orbit injection.
Worth a total of €90 million, the contract follows a decision made at the ESA Ministerial Conference
in November 2019.

The first flight of an Ariane 6 with the new ASTRIS kick-stage is currently scheduled for 2024.
“From the beginning of the Ariane 6 program, the launcher was designed to be scalable and
incorporate innovations throughout its operating cycle. This contract rewards the expertise and
innovation capacity of our Bremen site in the field of launcher upper stages, while our teams near
Munich are currently developing the new BERTA engine. By pooling our skills, this project further
strengthens Germany’s role in the new European launcher, Ariane 6,” said Pierre Godart, CEO of
ArianeGroup in Germany. “This optional small stage will further enhance the versatility of Ariane 6
to meet the needs of Arianespace customers even better. For example, it will enable dual launches
with a first payload to be placed in geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and then inject the second
directly into geostationary orbit (GEO).”

For this development, ArianeGroup will call on a number of SMEs and start-ups, including Berlinbased PTS for the electronics system, RST in Rostock for the mechanical ground support
equipment, electrical harnesses and part of the electrical ground support equipment, and the
Austrian company FACC for the primary structure.
ASTRIS will be powered by an innovative engine called BERTA (Bi-Ergoler
RaumtransporTAntrieb), based on technologies developed as part of ESA’s Future Launchers
Preparatory Program (FLPP).

This type of engine can be reliably reignited several times, making it particularly suitable for
extended missions or for transport to different orbits.
ASTRIS will be placed between the upper stage and the payload or between the Ariane Double
Launch System (DLS) and its payload (which can consist of one or several satellites), reducing the
amount of fuel required for orbit injection.
Even more than with a “standard” Ariane 6, the kick-stage will simplify the orbit injection at different
inclinations of satellites of the same constellation.

Finally, this small additional stage will be particularly useful for launching electrically-powered
satellites. Once placed in their transfer orbit, these satellites may take several months to reach their
final orbit. Thanks to the ASTRIS kick-stage, this phase can be reduced to a few hours, which
constitutes a significant advantage for operators choosing this option. This will reinforce Ariane 6’s
position as the most precise launcher on the market, capable of bringing a satellite to the last
kilometer of its final orbital position.

The ASTRIS system is developed for ESA at ArianeGroup’s Bremen site, the European center of
excellence for upper stages, in close collaboration with its Ottobrunn (engines) and
Lampoldshausen (propellant pipes and valves) sites. ArianeGroup’s unique expertise, acquired
through long and close cooperation between these establishments, is the hallmark of the European
market leader.

Pre-development activities already carried out on the BERTA engine under the FLPP will enable
the engine to be developed at ArianeGroup’s Ottobrunn site south of Munich within the same
timeframe as ASTRIS, to secure its market entry. ArianeGroup has already successfully tested a
prototype of this engine on the test bench of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in
Lampoldshausen. BERTA is an engine in the 4 to 5 kilonewton class, designed to operate with
room-temperature storable propellants.

The funding of the kick-stage and the BERTA engine is provided in the framework of ESA’s
Competitiveness Improvement Program (CIP).

https://www.ariane.group/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Astris-Kickstage-ESA-EN-1.pdf
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Hobbes-22 on 07/13/2021 03:24 pm
More about Astris:
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_targets_new_missions_with_Astris_kick_stage (https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_targets_new_missions_with_Astris_kick_stage)

Quote
Astris will simplify missions by taking over some of the required built-in propulsion capabilities of payloads to move themselves to their final position in orbit. This will reduce the burden on satellite manufacturers to factor this into their design.

The modular architecture of Astris makes it versatile, giving potential for even more capabilities. Structures will include a flight proven family of propellant tanks. This approach makes it possible to develop mission specific kits that offer a tailored solution to each customer.
Attached one of the images from that page.

Astris is a name with a history in European space flight. It was the name of the engine on the third stage of the Europa rocket (https://www.dlr.de/content/de/bilder/galeriebilder/lampoldshausen/Geschichte/la_06_astris_brundhilde.html).


Video about Astris (https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2021/07/Ariane_6_Astris_kick_stage_for_deep_space_exploration)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 07/14/2021 06:16 am
Astris kick stage for Ariane 6
8 Jul 2021

The Astris kick stage is being developed for ESA by prime contractor, ArianeGroup. It is an optional add-on to Ariane 6’s upper stage and will interface directly with the payload. This will enable Ariane 6 to offer a range of new space transportation services by allowing complex orbital transfers.

Astris will simplify missions by taking over some of the required built-in propulsion capabilities of payloads to move themselves to their final position in orbit. Future space missions, especially for telecommunications applications and space exploration, could use Astris to reduce mission cost and risk. ESA’s Hera spacecraft, a planetary defence mission to the Didymos asteroid system, is set to be the first to benefit.

In three types of missions, Astris could enable deep space exploration for ridesharing payloads with destinations such as asteroids, the Moon and Mars; insert a payload directly into geostationary orbit; or augment Ariane 6’s ability to deploy multiple payloads such as a constellation into separate low Earth orbits on a single launch.

Activities for the development of the Astris kick stage are being carried out as part of the Ariane 6 Competitiveness Improvement Programme within ESA’s Directorate of Space Transportation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9EH4vTZhx0
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 09/16/2021 11:24 am
Combined tests start for Ariane 6 at Europe’s Spaceport
15/09/2021

Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana is performing the first combined test in preparation for the inaugural flight of Ariane 6, Europe’s new generation launch vehicle.

This test confirms the operations and electrical and mechanical equipment required for integration of the upper part of the launch vehicle. The procedures are carried out in conditions representative of a launch campaign. A major step of this test involves the closure of the Ariane 6 fairing around the payload.

Preparations started in May 2021 with a de-risking campaign of the mechanical operations.

The fairing, built by Ruag Space in Switzerland, stands 20 m high and 5.4 m in diameter. It protects payloads from the thermal, acoustic and aerodynamic stresses on the ascent to space.

This combined test was performed using a new integration dock, composed of a large white frame, with two mobile platforms adjustable to any level and accessible by fixed stairs and platforms, developed by the French space agency, CNES.

The assembly building has two halls: one for integration of the fairing and another where the payload is stowed in the fairing. This encapsulation area is a spacious clean room for Ariane 6.

These activities are part of extensive ‘combined tests’ at the Spaceport by ESA, CNES, ArianeGroup and other industry partners. They will prove the systems and procedures to prepare Europe's new Ariane 6 launch vehicle for flight.

ESA oversees the implementation and management of verification and qualification activities up to and including the first flight of Ariane 6 before handing over to the exploitation authority.

Ariane 6 is designed to extend guaranteed access to space for Europe and will be capable of carrying out all types of missions to all orbits. It features a modular design with two versions: Ariane 62, fitted with two strap-on boosters, and Ariane 64, with four.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 09/27/2021 02:21 pm
Cold-shocking the new GSE:

https://twitter.com/thivallee/status/1441783855841742849
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: su27k on 09/28/2021 10:46 am
Eutelsat to French parliament: OneWeb’s European; Ariane 6 has a serious launch cadence problem vs SpaceX, Blue Origin (https://www.spaceintelreport.com/eutelsat-to-french-parliament-onewebs-european-ariane-6-has-a-serious-launch-cadence-problem-vs-spacex-blue-origin/)

Quote from: spaceintelreport.com
He [Eutelsat Chief Executive Rodolphe Belmer] also said Eutelsat, a commercial satellite fleet operator, is worried about the competitiveness of Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket, which may never reach the launch cadence of competitors SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 09/28/2021 01:11 pm
https://twitter.com/Thom_astro/status/1442838898393112583
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Zed_Noir on 09/28/2021 07:18 pm
Eutelsat to French parliament: OneWeb’s European; Ariane 6 has a serious launch cadence problem vs SpaceX, Blue Origin (https://www.spaceintelreport.com/eutelsat-to-french-parliament-onewebs-european-ariane-6-has-a-serious-launch-cadence-problem-vs-spacex-blue-origin/)

Quote from: spaceintelreport.com
He [Eutelsat Chief Executive Rodolphe Belmer] also said Eutelsat, a commercial satellite fleet operator, is worried about the competitiveness of Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket, which may never reach the launch cadence of competitors SpaceX and Blue Origin.


The launch cadence of Blue Origin? A company that has zero orbital flights so far and likely remain so for the next couple of years.  ::)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Salo on 09/30/2021 01:50 pm
Skyloom signs contract with Arianespace for first launch (https://www.arianespace.com/corporate-news/skyloom-signs-contract-with-arianespace-for-first-launch/)

Quote
Arianespace will launch Skyloom’s first geostationary lasercom relay node, a telecommunications start up based in Oakland, California.  This innovative satellite will be part of a rideshare mission aboard Arianespace’s next-generation heavy-lift vehicle, the Ariane 64.  This vehicle, set to debut in mid-2022 is capable of reaching more reference orbits due to its re-startable Vinci upper-stage.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Salo on 09/30/2021 02:08 pm
https://spacenews.com/launch-companies-optimistic-about-future-demand/
[dated September 9]
Quote
Between GEO satellites and demand from constellations and other customers, he said he was optimistic about the prospects of the Ariane 6, scheduled to make its first launch in the second quarter of 2022. The business plan for the rocket was based on 11 launches a year. “With the perspective we have now for demand, it’s not a dream to consider that we can make it and maybe go beyond.”
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Salo on 09/30/2021 02:13 pm
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Ariane_6
Quote
The first Ariane 6 flight is planned for the second quarter of 2022
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Yiosie on 09/30/2021 10:29 pm
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1442928296073711616

Quote
France's space agency @CNES turns over to @ESA the @Ariane6 launch pad after 8 yrs & >$700M; 2 yrs late & over budget, but on track relative to ESA's updated plan a yr ago. Goal now: Launch in Q3 2022. @ArianeGroup @Arianespace. bit.ly/3ieK5gn
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: su27k on 10/06/2021 03:12 am
VIDÉO. À Vernon, les salariés d’ArianeGroup « inquiets et exaspérés » (https://www.paris-normandie.fr/id237348/article/2021-10-04/video-vernon-les-salaries-darianegroup-inquiets-et-exasperes)

Google translated: VIDEO. In Vernon, ArianeGroup employees "worried and exasperated"

Quote from: paris-normandie.fr
About 250 employees of the ArianeGroup establishment in Vernon, in the Eure, demonstrated on Monday, October 4, 2021. The site should be set, Friday, October 8, 2021, on the exact number of jobs threatened. The inter-union requests an interview with the general management “to obtain guarantees”.

At the call of the intersyndicale (CFDT, CFE-CGC, CGT, Sud, UNSA), around 250 of the 860 employees of the ArianeGroup establishment in Vernon, in the Eure, mobilized, Monday, October 4, 2021, in in the morning, for a walk from the company to the very symbolic space roundabout.

This social movement follows the announcements of the general management of the aerospace giant, dated September 23, 2021 . No less than 600 positions, on the basis of voluntary departures and transfers to Airbus and Safran, must be eliminated in the group by the end of 2022, in France and Germany . A restructuring to which is added, for Vernon, the transfer across the Rhine of the activity of the Vinci engine.


CFE-CGC newsletter: ARIANEGROUP : NOTRE ENTREPRISE DANS UNE PASSE COMPLIQUÉE (https://www.cfecgc-arianegroup.org/newsletter/newsletter.php?id=500)

Quote from: CFE-CGC
ArianeGroup was decided in 2014/2015 on the basis of at least 11 Ariane 6 flights per year  ; that was the European objective at the time.

But this ambition was shattered:

SpaceX (if it was just him!) Has been there and the market prices for civilian launches have plummeted, diverting even our most loyal customers. It is true that it benefits legally, but in defiance of fair competition, from prices spiked upwards for US government launches.
 
Europe has taken too long to react despite appeals for help from the industrial sector, both companies and unions; in addition, we are witnessing an intensification of national ambitions for independent access to space, notably with initiatives on micro-launchers
 
In 7 years, the space market has changed dramatically and the appearance of constellations is changing the situation
 
The development of Ariane 6 took longer than initially expected (Covid-19 does not explain everything!)

Today the target rate is revised downwards:

This summer's ESA Council validated 4 guaranteed institutional flights per year during the “operational” phase (2025-2030), after the previous so-called “transition” phase. This deal is conditional on the success of Ariane 6 flight 1 around mid-2022 with 2 major challenges:  date  and  success of flight 1 .

In addition to these 4 institutional flights, ArianeGroup expects 3 commercial flights per year, for a total of 7 Ariane 6 flights per year against 11 initially .
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 10/16/2021 06:42 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlR-xnL_grI
Quote
Ariane 6 development: progress on all fronts

These are exciting days at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana and throughout several sites in ESA Member States as the development of Ariane 6 enters its final phase. Ariane 6 parts are being shipped from Europe for combined tests on the new Ariane 6 launch base. These tests rehearse all activities and systems involving the rocket and launch base on an Ariane 6 launch campaign. On the final test, the Ariane 6 core stage will perform a static hot firing while standing on its recently inaugurated launch pad. It will be from this new launch base that ESA’s Ariane 6 rocket will soon be launched for the first time.

Meanwhile in Europe, Ariane 6’s upper stage will experience the conditions of space at a new test bench at @DLR in Lampoldshausen. After this, all is ready for the much anticipated first flight of ESA’s new heavy-lift rocket from Europe’s Spaceport.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 10/19/2021 09:58 am
Cryoarms successfully tested.

https://twitter.com/thivallee/status/1450392034511138816
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/19/2021 02:17 pm
https://twitter.com/Ariane6/status/1448953782910476298

Quote
How to transport and handle an #Ariane6 solid rocket motor? Tests at @EuropeSpacePort let us validate these industrial tools on an inert mock-up before doing it on the real booster. We call this motor the #P120C and it will also be used as the first stage of #VegaC @vega_sts
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hoku on 12/28/2021 09:27 am
First time an upper stage for Ariane 6 is getting ready for shipment to Kourou. ArianeGroup press conference today at 15:00 CET

https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wissen/raumfahrt-bremen-erste-oberstufe-der-neuen-ariane-6-beginnt-reise-nach-kourou-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-211227-99-517787 (https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wissen/raumfahrt-bremen-erste-oberstufe-der-neuen-ariane-6-beginnt-reise-nach-kourou-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-211227-99-517787)


Update: this upper stage is for ground testing in Kourou, i.e. not a flight article
https://www.canewsottawa.ca/testing-upper-stage-of-the-new-ariane-6-goes-on-a-journey-to-kourou/ (https://www.canewsottawa.ca/testing-upper-stage-of-the-new-ariane-6-goes-on-a-journey-to-kourou/)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hektor on 01/04/2022 01:11 pm
The Ariane 6 first stages on their way to Kourou (https://www.ariane.group/en/news/the-ariane-6-first-stages-on-their-way-to-kourou/)
[combined tests stages]
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 01/06/2022 09:53 am
The @Ariane6 core and upper stages intended for combined tests on the launchpad are now en route to @EuropeSpacePort. The two stages are scheduled to arrive in French Guiana later this month..

https://twitter.com/esa/status/1479027483592830978
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 01/06/2022 03:36 pm
Quote
ArianeGroup
@ArianeGroup
·
4. Jan.
RaketeThe #Ariane6 core stage and upper stage intended for the combined tests on the launch pad in French Guiana have left the #ArianeGroup sites in Les Mureaux and Bremen and begun their journey to Europe’s Spaceport.
https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/1478302944231665664

Quote
@AfifRocketMario
·
4. Jan.
When will those 2 arrive at the spaceport?
https://twitter.com/AfifRocketMario/status/1478303744282357760
Quote
Paul Montagne
@AstroPolo_Space
...
Mid-January. Beginning of combined tests (Launcher+Pad) in April
https://twitter.com/AstroPolo_Space/status/1478442106523987973
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: sts9 on 01/12/2022 03:22 pm
Ariane 6 launch complex – December 2021

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2022/01/Ariane_6_launch_complex_December_2021

https://dlmultimedia.esa.int/download/public/videos/2022/01/001/2201_001_AR_EN.mp4
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 01/18/2022 06:33 pm
So Ariane 6 is at CSG!

https://twitter.com/AschbacherJosef/status/1483439950662184972
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: eeergo on 01/21/2022 10:53 am
Both core and upper stages are inside the assembly halls:

https://twitter.com/esa_sts/status/1484478306791694337

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_upper_stage_readies_for_tests_at_Europe_s_Spaceport?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 01/28/2022 09:33 am
Ariane 6 central core set for assembly
28/01/2022

The lower stage of ESA’s next-generation Ariane 6 launch vehicle has been installed on the assembly line at Europe’s Spaceport behind the upper stage. It is now time to join the two horizontally to create the central core of Ariane 6 in readiness for the first combined tests on the launch pad.

The arrival from Europe of Ariane 6’s central core in French Guiana is a major milestone and an exciting step forward in the path to first flight as it allows combined tests to start. From arrival to hot-firing tests on the launch pad, operational procedures will mimic an Ariane 6 launch campaign.

The lower stage is from ArianeGroup’s Les Mureaux site in France. Fitted with an additional two or four solid rocket boosters it is designed to power Ariane 6 in the first 10 minutes of flight to about 200 km, delivering about 135 tonnes of thrust in vacuum. The core stage is powered by the liquid-fuelled Vulcain 2.1 – an upgraded engine derived from Ariane 5’s Vulcain 2.

The Ariane 6 upper stage, built in ArianeGroup’s Bremen factory in Germany, allows Ariane 6 to reach a range of orbits on a single mission to deliver more payloads.

These two stages arrived by boat in French Guiana on 17 January 2022.

The upcoming tests verify all the interfaces and functions between the Ariane 6 launch vehicle and ground facilities of the new Ariane 6 launch complex at the spaceport. Reaching this phase of activities is the result of intense preparation by ESA and its partners in Europe and at Europe’s Spaceport.

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_central_core_set_for_assembly
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 02/11/2022 07:04 am
ESA selects payloads for Ariane 6 first flight
11/02/2022

ESA in close collaboration with ArianeGroup and Arianespace has selected payloads which best fit the profile of the first mission of its new generation Ariane 6 launch vehicle from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

This selection follows ESA’s announcement of opportunity in November 2021, which offered a launch to low Earth orbit for experiments up to a total mass of 80 kg and release of payloads with a combined mass of up to 800 kg. They will be hosted on a ‘mass dummy’ featuring a large platform, inside the 14 m long version of the fairing on an Ariane 6 fitted with two strap-on boosters (A62 version).

This demonstration flight will contribute to the qualification of the Ariane 6 launch system as part of the transition from its highly reliable and successful predecessor, Ariane 5. This launch is an important step in the preparation for future institutional missions planned for Ariane 6, such as Galileo.

For this flight, ESA is responsible for operations from the launch campaign to the payload separation, and then disposal of the upper stage through burn-up during reentry.

“I’m glad that ESA can use the very first Ariane 6 flight as a platform for launching these fantastic payloads, some of which will enable European start-ups to validate their systems and provide future commercial services. The Ariane 6 inaugural launch is a key step towards full qualification of the Ariane 6 launch system,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation.

Experiments on board

Four experiments, ranging in mass from 0.15–12 kg, will be fixed to the platform on top of the mass dummy. These experiments will return valuable data up to the end of the mission when the upper stage reenters Earth’s atmosphere.


Deployers

Two deployers will be arranged on board and will accommodate CubeSats. The RAMI deployer is built by Spain’s UARX Space, and the ExoPOD is built by ExoLaunch in Germany.

With some spaces for CubeSats still available, ESA may add to this collection closer to launch.

Ariane 6 is a modular launch vehicle using two or four P120C strap-on boosters to achieve the required performance. The reignitable Vinci engine powers the upper stage which allows Ariane 6 to reach a range of orbits to deliver more payloads on a single launch. The upper stage engine will typically burn one, two or more times to reach the required orbits. After payload separation a final burn deorbits the upper stage to mitigate space debris.

Ariane 6 is a project managed and funded by the European Space Agency. ArianeGroup is design authority and industrial prime contractor for the launcher system. The French space agency CNES is prime contractor for the development of the Ariane 6 launch base at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Arianespace is the launch service provider of Ariane 6 launches.

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/ESA_selects_payloads_for_Ariane_6_first_flight
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 03/29/2022 06:26 pm
Ariane 6, Vega-C, microlaunchers: ESA looks to full range of launch options for European institutional missions (https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_Vega-C_microlaunchers_ESA_looks_to_full_range_of_launch_options_for_European_institutional_missions)

Quote
... ESA continues to implement the sanctions on Russia decided by its Member States and to assess their impact on ongoing programmes. This work continues in close coordination with industrial and international partners.

For missions affected by Roscosmos’ withdrawal of Soyuz launches from Europe’s Spaceport and for which ESA is the launch service procuring entity, being Galileo M10, Galileo M11, Euclid and EarthCare– ESA is assessing the Ariane 6 and Vega-C launch services, and will propose a baseline and back-up option for each of these missions in anticipation of the ESA Council meeting in June. Regular exchanges between ESA and EC are addressing the Galileo launch services.

ESA Director of Space Transportation Daniel Neuenschwander adds that work continues on mitigation measures to secure the continuity of Vega-C launch services and on ensuring the maximum Ariane 6 launch services for institutional missions in the period 2023/2024.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 03/31/2022 07:40 pm
Cross-post:
ESA-developed P120C solid rocket motor enters production

31/03/2022

ESA’s Ariane 6 and Vega-C will soon join the family of launch vehicles operating from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to guarantee more opportunities for Europe to reach space. The P120C motor, which will power both Ariane 6 and Vega-C, will soon come into operations with the Vega-C inaugural flight.

The ‘C’ stands for ‘common’ as P120C will be used as the first stage of Vega-C and two or four will be used as strap-on boosters for Ariane 6. To successfully develop a motor for use on two very different launch vehicles is a pivotal achievement of European industry. This strategy reduced development costs, benefits from economies of scale, and creates an opportunity for Europe to scale up production.

The P120C motor is ESA’s new solid propulsion workhorse. The P120C will burn for about 130 s using 142 t of fuel to deliver a liftoff thrust of about 4500 kN. It was developed by Europropulsion, which is owned jointly by Avio and ArianeGroup.

P120C is 13.5 m long and 3.4 m in diameter. Its 25 cm-thick monolithic casing is made using carbon composite material at Avio in Italy. ArianeGroup in France developed the advanced P120C nozzle, while Nammo in Norway provided the igniter. Efficient production methods have shortened production cycles and optimised costs.

Increased power for increased competitiveness with P120C+

Plans for a more powerful version of this motor, called the P120C+, are already in motion. The increased performance and competitiveness will better respond to evolving institutional and commercial demand requiring versatility improvements.

With an extra 14 t of solid propellant in a casing that is extended by about one meter, the P120C+ enables extra payload capacity. This would make the Ariane 6 and Vega-C vehicles more competitive and versatile, extending the range of mission opportunities. The new motor would replace the P120C for use on both Ariane 6 and Vega-C.

The P120C+ plan will be part of proposals submitted for consideration at the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level in 2022.

“The P120C solid rocket motor will allow both Ariane 6 and Vega-C to lift off from Earth. With P120C+ we will further improve the launch capability and cost efficiency of both launch vehicles, enhancing the launch services for European institutional missions” commented Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation.

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/ESA-developed_P120C_solid_rocket_motor_enters_production
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 04/01/2022 10:17 am
The ESA-developed P120C solid rocket motor enters production. ESA’s new solid propulsion workhorse will power both Ariane 6 and Vega-C.

https://twitter.com/esa/status/1509470271673098243
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hektor on 04/05/2022 11:27 am
Amazon signs biggest-ever rocket deal with 3 firms, including Bezos’ Blue Origin, to launch internet satellites (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/05/amazon-signs-rocket-deal-with-blue-origin-arianespace-ula-for-project-kuiper-internet-satellites.html)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Blackjax on 04/05/2022 01:04 pm
And another article in more depth.

https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/04/amazon-signs-blockbuster-launch-deal-for-its-satellite-megaconstellation/?comments=1

This really muddies the competitive waters for the launch industry in an exciting way.  Up until a month ago I had serious doubts that the anemic Ariane 6 launch frequency would be enough to prevent its fixed costs from making it irretrievably uncompetitive.  However this announcement combined with the need to find alternate options for payloads on Russian vehicles might be sufficient to boost the launch frequency enough to enable them to make competitive enough bids to land additional business.

Interesting times.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: baldusi on 04/06/2022 04:44 pm
According to Space News (https://spacenews.com/amazon-launch-contracts-drive-changes-to-launch-vehicle-production/) and this article (https://www.nextinpact.com/lebrief/68805/lesa-prepare-moteur-p120c-pour-ariane-6-et-vega-c) ESA and Ariane are going forward with the P120C+ solids. This will have more propellant and allow 2 additional tonnes to LEO on Ariane 64. It will also increase performance for Vega.

Quote
“ Plans for a more powerful version of this engine, called P120C+, are already underway ,” says the European Space Agency. “ With an additional 14 t of solid propellant in a case that is approximately one meter longer, the P120C+ allows for a larger payload ”.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: sts9 on 04/14/2022 05:52 pm
14/04/2022

Ariane 6 cryo-arms mimic liftoff

Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana is preparing for the arrival of Ariane 6, ESA’s new heavy-lift rocket. The latest round of testing aims to validate the system of fuel lines and mechanical supporting arms that will keep Ariane 6 topped up with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in the critical moments before liftoff. This work is part of the final preparations of the new Ariane 6 launch complex and all the systems necessary for a launch.

With the mobile gantry fully retracted – as for a launch – two articulated arms attached to the upper part of the Ariane 6 mast on the launch pad were separated and retracted while filled with hydrogen that is cooled to its liquid state at cryogenic temperatures. This manoeuvre mimics the seconds before liftoff.

The ‘cryo-arms’ are part of the fluidic connection system which connects to Ariane 6 in the final countdown to launch. They support the upper umbilicals which supply cryogenic top-up fuel, maintain the correct pressurisation of the tanks, cool the engines before ignition and generally keep the upper stage in an optimal condition right up to the point of liftoff. The same umbilicals allow the fuel to be drained safely if a launch is aborted.

Each arm is 13 m long and weighs 20 tonnes. One arm supplies liquid hydrogen at -250°C, the other supplies liquid oxygen at -180°C. When Ariane 6 lifts off, these arms will disconnect from the rocket and then pivot away quickly, in just 2.6 seconds, to avoid interfering with the rocket's ascent.

This manoeuvre requires great precision. Almost simultaneously it is necessary to disconnect the arms, protect the supply hoses from gas ejections from the boosters and allow the launch vehicle to pass while avoiding any contact with it.

A 50-tonne counterweight inside the mast speeds up the retraction of the arms. A smart damping system allows the arms to brake before the end of their swing backwards in order to protect the mechanical links with the mast.

Keeping the fluid supplies connected with the rocket until the moment of liftoff guarantees the best availability and simplification of the interface with the launch vehicle.

The disconnection of the cryo-arms from Ariane 6 is much faster than it is from Ariane 5, where the manoeuvre comes six seconds before liftoff. This means the sequence for Ariane 6 can be triggered at the latest possible moment in the countdown, reducing the chance of unnecessary disconnects in the event of an aborted launch.

Technical qualification tests are continuing. The objective now is to complete the qualification process of the hydrogen and oxygen filling lines and launcher interfaces for the lower, core stage.

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2022/04/Ariane_6_cryo-arms_mimic_liftoff
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 04/14/2022 09:27 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGdyOvI70gU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGdyOvI70gU)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 06/02/2022 03:58 pm
Cross-post:
SN, Arianespace narrows Vega C and Ariane 6 maiden flight windows (https://spacenews.com/arianespace-narrows-vega-c-and-ariane-6-maiden-flight-windows/), June 1
My bold
Quote
Vivian Quenet, Arianespace’s managing director and head of sales for the Asia-Pacific region, announced the timetable during a fireside chat at Asia Satellite Business Week in Singapore {on June 1}.

“After that one [Ariane 5 launch] {VA257} we will have the maiden flight of the Vega C” in {the} first week of July, Quenet said, and then “towards the end of the year, we have the maiden flight of Ariane 6, which is our heavy launcher which will replace Ariane 5.”
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: sts9 on 06/14/2022 04:20 am
Ariane 6 launch debut pushed into 2023

https://spacenews.com/ariane-6-launch-debut-pushed-into-2023/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: sts9 on 06/15/2022 08:51 pm
13/06/2022

Ariane 6 cryogenic disconnection systems pass key tests

ESA’s new Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket is a critical step closer to inaugural launch, following completion of tests to validate launch pad/launcher systems that will keep the vehicle topped up with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in the critical moments before liftoff. 

While on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, Ariane 6 relies on a “cryogenic connection system” of umbilical cords carrying its hydrogen and oxygen fuel – liquified at -250C and -180C respectively – as well as helium and nitrogen used for flushing and purging. The tests seen in this video showed that retraction times and mechanical loads meet design expectations for the system which feeds the core stage. Similar tests of the upper stage system were completed earlier.

ESA Launch System Architect Engineer Franck Saingou says: “The great novelty of Ariane 6 is that those connections to the ground systems are released at liftoff. This close timing demands a very carefully synchronised movement of the connection systems, but there are great advantages.

“By remaining connected to the rocket until just a few seconds before liftoff, this system allows us to more easily drain the tanks in the event of an aborted launch.” Last-moment disconnection simplifies preparations for the next launch attempt, improving availability of Ariane 6.

And, adds Saingou, this system does away with some of the ‘purging lines’ needed by Ariane 5 – which reduces recurring costs and the dry mass of the rocket.

Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, emphasised the significance of these tests. “Ground systems are as important as the rocket itself, and it is critical that both work together as a precision system to deliver the game-changing performance we expect from Ariane 6.

“Ariane 6 marks a new era in reliable, competitive and autonomous European spaceflight, and I am delighted to see our teams in Europe and French Guiana making solid progress.”

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2022/06/Ariane_6_cryogenic_disconnection_systems_pass_key_tests

https://dlmultimedia.esa.int/download/public/videos/2022/06/018/2206_018_AR_EN.mp4
https://dlmultimedia.esa.int/download/public/videos/2022/06/018/orig-2206_018_AR_EN.mp4
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 06/27/2022 01:17 pm
Ariane 6 central core for combined tests  has now been assembled
Kourou, June 27, 2022

ArianeGroup teams have completed assembly of Ariane 6’s central core in the all-new Ariane 6
Launcher Assembly Building at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
The Ariane 6 core and upper stages were mechanically and electrically integrated to form the Ariane
6 central core, which is now ready to be transferred to the Ariane 6 Mobile Gantry and lifted into a
vertical position. This step thus paves the way for connecting Ariane 6 with its launch pad, to be
carried out under the responsibility of the European Space Agency (ESA) and executed by an
integrated ESA-ArianeGroup-CNES team.

https://www.ariane.group/en/news/ariane-6-central-core-for-combined-tests-has-now-been-assembled/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=en_US
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 06/27/2022 04:40 pm
@ArianeGroup teams have completed assembly of @Ariane6's central core in the all-new #Ariane6 Launcher Assembly Building at
@EuropeSpacePort in French Guiana..

https://twitter.com/esa/status/1541438946307080192
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 06/27/2022 04:40 pm
#Ariane6 central core assembly complete at @EuropeSpacePort - @esa_sts, @ArianeGroup, @CNES set sights on rocket-launchpad combined tests.

https://twitter.com/Ariane6/status/1541439394258755584
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 06/27/2022 08:23 pm
Later this year we will see a full stack #Ariane6 rocket on ELA-4 for the combined testing.

Even though we won't see a launch this year we will get somewhat of a preview of it.

https://twitter.com/DELTA_V/status/1541486980760014849
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 07/04/2022 10:21 am
#Ariane6 boosters - can't wait for seeing her fly!

https://twitter.com/SpaceIntellige3/status/1543899905428791297
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/12/2022 03:30 pm
First encounter between the Ariane 6 central core and launch pad for combined tests

Kourou, July 12 2022

 The first Ariane 6 central core was successfully transferred to its launch pad
at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana

 This is a decisive step for the combined launch vehicle tests, carried out under
ESA’s responsibility and executed by an integrated ESA-ArianeGroup-CNES
team

 Ariane 6 is a European Space Agency (ESA) program

The Ariane 6 central core (composed of the core stage and upper stage), assembled on 23 June,
left the Launcher Assembly Building for the first time, en route to its new launch pad, which was
built under the supervision of CNES, the French space agency, at Europe’s Spaceport in French
Guiana. This decisive and keenly awaited step was carried out by ESA and executed by an
integrated ESA-ArianeGroup-CNES team.

“The first encounter between Ariane 6 and its launch pad is a particularly important and symbolic
step, after years of parallel development at the factories in Europe and on this exceptional
construction site. We are now entering a phase of high visibility, with the complete launcher on its
launch pad. During these combined tests, we will continue to verify the innovative technologies
developed together, with a view to Ariane 6 qualification. This phase is essential not only for the
development of the launcher, in the run-up to its inaugural flight, but also to guarantee ramp-up in
line with the expectations of Arianespace’s institutional and commercial customers”, said AndréHubert Roussel, ArianeGroup CEO. “During this crucial period, all of the teams at ArianeGroup,
CNES and ESA, are hard at work to ensure that the combined tests are a success, thanks to their
diverse skills and close and fruitful collaboration. I thank them for their efforts and their unparalleled
expertise.”

“The ELA4 launch pad is welcoming the arrival of Ariane 6, a launcher that represents the future of
access to space for a whole continent. A crucial and concrete step in the continuation of the
program is now complete”, said Philippe Baptiste, Chairman and CEO of CNES. “I would like to
congratulate all the teams at CNES, ArianeGroup, and ESA who are contributing to this new
success. Combined tests are continuing within the framework of European space collaboration,
and everything is in place to ensure that the qualification of Ariane 6 leads to the first flight as soon
as possible, beginning an adventure that will ensure Europe continues to rank among the world
leaders in access to space.”

https://www.ariane.group/en/news/first-encounter-between-the-ariane-6-central-core-and-launch-pad-for-combined-tests/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=en_US
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/12/2022 03:31 pm
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/12/2022 03:32 pm
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/12/2022 03:33 pm
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 07/12/2022 04:01 pm
The #Ariane6 core stage at ELA-4 ahead of lifting.

CNES/ESA/Arianespace/Optique Vidéo CSG/JM Guillon..

https://twitter.com/DELTA_V/status/1546873166328479745
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 07/12/2022 04:02 pm
The #Ariane6 core stage is installed between the four boosters.

CNES/ESA/Arianespace/Optique Vidéo CSG/JM Guillon..

https://twitter.com/DELTA_V/status/1546873204358238210
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 09/09/2022 10:28 am
Main achievements for #Ariane 6 Combined Tests in French Guiana: Central Core assembly completed> transfer horizontally> verticalisation> mating to the boosters mockups in the Mobile Gantry..

https://twitter.com/AlineSpaceBiker/status/1568105696272551936
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 09/13/2022 02:07 am
"Will the real [Ariane 6] please stand up, please stand up, please stand up!"

Throwback to Ariane 6's very first rollout of the main stage to its mobile gantry and vertical station. @es @CNES @Ariane6 @EuropePpaceport #ArianeGroup #Ariane6

https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/1569390216728793093
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 09/13/2022 02:32 pm
It has been an exciting and busy summer at @EuropeSpacePort where a test model of the @Ariane6 launcher's central core was assembled and tested for the first time  Find out more about the launchpad testing here..

https://twitter.com/esa/status/1569662424558493696
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 09/16/2022 03:00 pm
Main steps achieved for #Ariane 6 Combined Tests in French Guiana: Central Core assembly completed> transfer horizontally> verticalisation> mating to the boosters mockups in the Launch Zone..

https://twitter.com/AlineSpaceBiker/status/1570648230454775810
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: TrevorMonty on 09/29/2022 10:06 am
Some cool reuse stuff in here and non reuse that boosts A6 performance considerably along with versatility. I can see Arianespace spending money on constellation deployment improvements. We'll see if ArianeSpace spend their own money on reuseable boosters.

https://www.ariane.group/en/news/ariane-6-a-launcher-designed-to-evolve/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/06/2022 01:20 pm
https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1578011712573276169

Quote
ESA announces progress in Ariane 6 rocket development, following a series of upper stage and Vinci engine tests:

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_takes_next_step_to_first_flight_with_upper_stage_hot_fire_tests
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 10/06/2022 02:01 pm
And here comes DLR's own announcement of the successful first Ariane 6 upper stage test at its test center in Lampoldshausen/Germany:

https://www.dlr.de/content/en/articles/news/2022/04/20221006_first-successful-test-of-the-ariane-6-upper-stage.html

And here also ArianeGroup's press release:

https://press.ariane.group/ariane-6-les-essais-a-feu-de-letage-superieur-ont-commence/?lang=eng

[zubenelgenubi: Edited two posts into one.]
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 10/06/2022 02:45 pm
The video is a little uneventful but it's pretty important for Ariane 6. It's one of a series of integrated Ariane 6 second-stage tests that were conducted on the P5.2 test bench at Germany’s DLR centre in Lampoldshausen this week.

https://twitter.com/AndrewParsonson/status/1578026184083841029
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 10/06/2022 02:46 pm
Ariane 6 Vinci engine test..

https://twitter.com/Ariane6/status/1578015520359559169

https://youtu.be/JYiMwg5vn-s
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 10/06/2022 02:50 pm
Ariane 6 takes next step to first flight with upper stage hot fire tests - specially-built test bench @DLR_de in Lampoldshausen runs restartable #Vinci engine through its paces..

https://twitter.com/Ariane6/status/1578010477619458050
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: scr00chy on 10/10/2022 09:51 am
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1579356750272434176

From the linked paywalled article:

Quote
The lack of clarity has only increased the number of European government and industry officials who now fear that the heavy-lift Ariane 6 will not fly until late 2023 or even early 2024.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/12/2022 03:53 pm
https://youtu.be/NPO24b_TPyc
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/12/2022 06:56 pm
N° 51–2022: Invitation to Media: Ariane 6 Progress and Preparation of Future European Space Transportation (https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Invitation_to_Media_Ariane_6_Progress_and_Preparation_of_Future_European_Space_Transportation)

Quote
Media representatives are invited to a press briefing and question-answer session on progress towards first flight of Europe’s new Ariane 6 launch vehicle. From 16.30 CEST on Wednesday, 19 October 2022 at ESA Headquarters Bertrand in Paris, the heads of ESA, ArianeGroup, CNES and Arianespace will describe the Ariane 6 launcher programme’s current status and next steps, and will outline the broader plan for European space transportation in the latter part of this decade.

Quote
Programme: Wednesday, 19 October 2022

16:00 Arrival and security check-in at ESA HQ Bertrand

16:30 Start of press briefing with panelists:

Josef Aschbacher: ESA Director General

Daniel Neuenschwander: ESA Director of Space Transportation

André-Hubert Roussel: CEO ArianeGroup

Philippe Baptiste: Chairman and CEO CNES

Stéphane Israël: CEO Arianespace

17:00 Q&A, moderated by Ninja Menning, Head of ESA Media Relations

17:30 end of press briefing

Some spokespeople to remain available on site for further, individual interviews.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rondaz on 10/17/2022 09:55 am
Assembled the first test model of the central core of the @Ariane6. With the central core and thrusters in place, combined testing validates compatibility between all launch system components.

https://twitter.com/SpaceNosey/status/1581935800052158464
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/17/2022 03:25 pm
https://twitter.com/ariane6/status/1582011539871379458

Quote
#Ariane6 now fully-stacked on its launchpad in French Guiana; that’s a test model with payload mock-up, to validate the complete rocket-pad-gantry system: esa.int/Enabling_Suppo… photo: @esa + @PedoussautManu
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/17/2022 03:28 pm
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_stands_tall_on_its_launch_pad

Quote
Ariane 6 stands tall on its launch pad

17/10/2022
ESA / Enabling & Support / Space Transportation / Ariane

The Ariane 6 launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana now hosts for the first time a fully assembled example of ESA’s new heavy-lift rocket, following the addition of an upper composite to the core stage and four boosters already in place. The upper composite – consisting of two half-fairings and a payload mock-up with the structural adapter needed to join it to the core stage – made the 10 km trip from the encapsulation building to launch pad on 12 October.

Assembly, transfer and installation of an upper composite validates the Ariane 6 assembly process. Now, over the next several weeks, teams from ESA, ArianeGroup and French space agency CNES will make the mechanical, electrical and fluid connections which join this test model of the Ariane 64 configuration to the launch pad. 

With Ariane 6 fully integrated with the pad, so-called combined tests will validate the rocket, launch pad and shared electrical, fluid and mechanical systems as a complete system. The combined tests include tank filling and drainage operations which guarantee smooth-running of a launch sequence. Flight and control bench software will also be tested.

Then, the launch pad will serve as a test bed for static hot-fire tests of the Vulcain 2.1 core stage engine, including aborted firings and long firings with disconnection. Vulcain 2.1 is derived from Ariane 5’s Vulcain 2. 

Separately, static hot-fire tests of the Ariane 6 upper stage and its all-new Vinci engine began in October on a purpose-built test bed at Germany’s DLR centre for engine and stage testing at Lampoldshausen.

The reignitable Vinci engine allows Ariane 6 to deliver multiple payloads to different orbits on a single launch. After payload separation a final engine burn deorbits the upper stage so that it does not become a debris threat in space.  

ESA Director of Space Transportation Daniel Neuenschwander underscores the importance of Ariane 6 as a successor to Ariane 5, which for more than a quarter century has provided Europe with reliable access to space: “Innovation is the key to maintaining Europe’s capacity to reach space with a fully independent launch system that is competitive and versatile.”

“With Ariane 6 we have Europe’s best engineers developing new technologies and manufacturing methods to build on the success of one of the world’s most reliable launch systems.”

On Wednesday 19 October 2022, a media briefing will be held in Paris at 1700 to detail Ariane 6 progress. Media can attend in person or by Webex; for details and registration here. The briefing will be broadcast to all interested viewers on ESA Web TV. Taking part will be ESA and its Ariane 6 partners: prime contractor ArianeGroup, launch operator Arianespace and French space agency CNES, which operates Europe’s Spaceport and is delivering Ariane 6 ground infrastructure.

Ariane 6 is a modular launch vehicle using either two or four P120C strap-on boosters, depending on mission requirements. The P120C engine does double duty, also serving as the first stage of ESA’s new Vega-C rocket. 

Ariane 6 is project-managed and funded by ESA, which also acts as launch system architect. ArianeGroup is design authority and industrial prime contractor for the launcher system and CNES is prime contractor for the Ariane 6 launch base at Europe’s Spaceport. Arianespace is the launch service provider of Ariane 6.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/19/2022 03:09 pm
Quelle surprise (not)

https://twitter.com/chrisg_nsf/status/1582750512784769031

Quote
#Ariane6 first flight now expected no earlier than "last quarter 2023" according to ESA, ArianeGroup in update to media just now.

(Credit: @brickmack)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/19/2022 03:25 pm
https://twitter.com/alexphysics13/status/1582754153402892288

Quote
"Ariane 6 Block II" is the name Arianespace is giving to the upgraded Ariane 6 rocket they're envisioning for the later half of the decade.

20% increase in performance to LEO with new upper stage and solid rocket motors.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/19/2022 03:27 pm
https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1582755039810318336

Quote
Aschbacher notes the Q4 2023 launch target depends on hitting three milestones by Q1:

1 - Completion of upper stage hot fire test
2 - Start of combined tests in French Guiana
3 - Start of launch system qualification review
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 10/19/2022 09:49 pm
Let's look back in this topic. Source is ESA: Ariane 6 and Vega C begin development (https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_and_Vega_C_begin_development).
I'll write an article, but:

N° 30–2015: ARIANE 6 AND VEGA C BEGIN DEVELOPMENT

12 August 2015

Today, ESA signed contracts for the development of the Ariane 6 new‑generation launcher, its launch base and the Vega C evolution of the current ESA small launcher.

The contracts, signed at ESA’s Paris Head Office with Airbus Safran Launchers (ASL), France’s CNES space agency and ELV, respectively, cover all development work on Ariane 6 and its launch base for a maiden flight in 2020, and on Vega C for its 2018 debut.

“These contracts will allow the development of a family of European launchers, highly competitive in the world market and ensuring autonomous access to space at fully competitive prices for ESA’s Member States,” said Jan Woerner, Director General of ESA.
 ....

I know; the discussion topic.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/20/2022 08:33 pm
N° 51–2022: Invitation to Media: Ariane 6 Progress and Preparation of Future European Space Transportation (https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Invitation_to_Media_Ariane_6_Progress_and_Preparation_of_Future_European_Space_Transportation)

Quote
Media representatives are invited to a press briefing and question-answer session on progress towards first flight of Europe’s new Ariane 6 launch vehicle. From 16.30 CEST on Wednesday, 19 October 2022 at ESA Headquarters Bertrand in Paris, the heads of ESA, ArianeGroup, CNES and Arianespace will describe the Ariane 6 launcher programme’s current status and next steps, and will outline the broader plan for European space transportation in the latter part of this decade.

Press briefing on Ariane 6 progress and preparation (video)

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2022/10/Press_briefing_on_Ariane_6_progress_and_preparation
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: su27k on 10/22/2022 02:50 am
Ariane boss insists Europe’s new rocket can compete with Musk’s SpaceX (https://www.politico.eu/article/ariane-boss-insists-europee-new-rocket-can-compete-with-elon-musks-spacex/)

Quote from: politico.eu
The new Ariane 6 rocket system will be competitive with Elon Musk’s SpaceX despite it lagging behind on reusable technology, said André-Hubert Roussel, CEO of Ariane Group, which runs the aerospace project.

The long-delayed Ariane 6 system should finally launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, and Roussel said that while it won't include such cost-slashing technology as SpaceX it could eventually be possible to carry out a launch every two weeks, though only up to 12 in a full calendar year.

“Ariane 6 is the guarantee of autonomous access to space for Europe,” Roussel told POLITICO, while confirming tentative plans to carry out a maiden launch of the next-generation rocket by the close of next year, though the first full-scale commercial launch will only happen in 2024.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/25/2022 11:57 am
https://twitter.com/delta_v/status/1584624587098423298

Quote
A timelapse of the first #Ariane6 full stack assembly from July to October.

Directed by Manuel Pédoussaut/ZetaPress
Executive Producer: Stéphane Corvaja/ESA
Music: Hubrid-Dust

#ESA #CSG
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/03/2022 06:57 pm
Phoebus concept

Related article: ESA contracts ArianeGroup to press ahead with full-scale demonstrator of carbon fibre “black stage” to boost launch performance (https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Future_space_transportation/ESA_contracts_ArianeGroup_to_press_ahead_with_full-scale_demonstrator_of_carbon_fibre_black_stage_to_boost_launch_performance)

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2022/10/Phoebus_concept

Image credit: ArianeGroup
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/22/2022 07:24 pm
https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1606021880573460481

Quote
🛳We got new pictures from Canopée, the ship that will transport the various pieces of Ariane 6 between Europe and French Guiana. On November 10, the ship was docked in Rotterdam under the Dutch sun. Such a beautiful sight!
#ArianeGroup #Ariane6 #boat
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: calapine on 12/22/2022 08:23 pm
One more:

(https://i.imgur.com/WJeNnrQ.png)

Source: Dennis M.
https://www.marinetraffic.com/cs/photos/picture/ships/4932939/9924120/shipid:7438223
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/16/2023 09:30 am
https://press.ariane.group/le-navire-canopee-accoste-pour-la-premiere-fois-en-guyane-6859/?lang=eng

Quote
PRESS RELEASE
CANOPÉE CARGO SHIP DOCKS IN FRENCH GUIANA FOR THE FIRST TIME
13/01/2023
2 minutes
   
Canopée has completed its very first transatlantic crossing and has reached Pariacabo harbor in French Guiana.

The new-generation sailing cargo ship has been custom-designed to ship Ariane 6 launcher components to Kourou.

Canopée will be fitted with sails by the summer. Its hybrid propulsion uses a combination of sails and traditional engines.

This first crossing is part of a series of sea trials to qualify harbor infrastructure and Canopée’s future shipping route.

The use of Canopée will ultimately halve the costs of shipping Ariane parts and reduce the environmental footprint.


Canopée, the new Ariane 6 transport ship, reached Pariacabo harbor in French Guiana for the first time on January 13, 2023, after leaving Rotterdam in the Netherlands on December 27, 2022, on its very first voyage to French Guiana. This first transatlantic crossing marks the end of sea trials.

“With the sea qualification of Canopée, we have achieved a further milestone in the Ariane 6 adventure. This cargo ship completely meets the program objectives: reducing costs, shortening production cycles, and reducing our environmental footprint,” says Karl-Heinz Servos, ArianeGroup’s Head of Industry. “The success of the sea trials means that qualification tests can now begin in the harbors where Canopée will dock. Canopée will transport the inaugural flight Ariane 6 launcher from this summer, then the following launchers which are already being integrated at ArianeGroup’s sites in France and Germany.”

Canopée has been custom-built to meet the complex requirements of Ariane 6 transport. It is a hybrid-propulsion vessel designed to ship all the launcher stages and sub-assemblies together, to be environmentally friendly, and to halve shipping costs, particularly by the use of wingsails. Canopée’s structure is tailored to be able to carry large, fragile loads and to navigate the shallow Kourou river in French Guiana right up to Pariacabo harbor. Canopée measures 121 metres in length, with a 22-meter beam. Its total displacement tonnage is 10,000 tons, and it can travel at a speed of 17 knots.

Construction of Canopée began in 2020 in the Polish port of Sczezcin, under the direction of maritime company Alizés, a joint venture between offshore services specialist Jifmar and naval architects Zéphyr & Borée, which won ArianeGroup’s tender for the project. The first build stage included assembly of structural elements, installation of engines and control systems, and fitting out the ship. Canopée was first launched in June 2022, traveling from Sczezcin to Rotterdam, where fitting out was completed (cabling, navigation instrumentation, system start-up, router implementation and cabin layout). Sea trials were then undertaken over several days to check that all electrical, propulsion, and safety systems were functioning correctly. Canopée’s seaworthiness certificate was received on December 23, 2022. ArianeGroup began operating Canopée at the end of December 2022, allowing the ship to make its first ocean crossing to French Guiana and complete sea trials. Canopée’s return leg to Europe will provide key data for future voyages. The ship will be fitted with its four articulated wingsails by the summer.

In the Ariane 6 program, ArianeGroup is responsible for transporting the launcher components from Europe to French Guiana, using the first sailing cargo ship designed and developed by the joint venture Alizés for ArianeGroup.
Ariane 6 is a program of the European Space Agency (ESA), which is responsible for the entire launch system architecture. As lead contractor and design authority for the launcher, ArianeGroup is in charge of development and production, with its industrial partners, along with marketing and operation, via its subsidiary Arianespace.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 01/23/2023 03:29 pm
Last week we tested again the upper stage of the Ariane 6 at DLR in Lampoldshausen:

https://twitter.com/DLR_en/status/1617540481574912004?cxt=HHwWiICy4e6f1PIsAAAA
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 01/23/2023 03:48 pm
https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/1617534363561852934?cxt=HHwWjIC8geC70fIsAAAA
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 01/23/2023 03:50 pm
https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/1617554646976847874?cxt=HHwWhICznbPY2vIsAAAA
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 01/23/2023 03:51 pm
https://twitter.com/ArianeGroup/status/1617554277135695875?cxt=HHwWhoCy2e_C2vIsAAAA
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 01/23/2023 07:52 pm
I'll transcript from the ESA DG's annual press briefing 2023, from 41:00 - 44:00
On 5 Oktober the first ULPM firing at P5.2 Lamboldshausen took place. This test was interrupted /cut short.
They had a problem with the octopyro (no clue what that is).
20th Januari the full duration ULPM test took place successfully lasting 900 sec.
Three milestones have to be passed before a fixed maiden launch date can be given.
- The ULPM (upperstage) hot firing test campaign at DLR Lampoldshausen. They have to do two further test with degraded cases. 
- The full sequence of combined test of the ELA4 and Ariane 6 ground segment qualification module.
Currently they are doing the electrical tests. Al electrical and signal communication between the launcher and the ground segment.
In march they will test the fluid interfaces.
Than in may a short first stage (vulcain 2.1 firing test) and
in early June a 500s long full LLPM burn duration test. 
- 3th delivery of the flight hardware in France Guiana. Currently planned for the second semester.
So no specific date before the second half of this year.

And from 1:01:20 - 1:03:10
The budget for launchers between 2023 to 2025. Was raised by 2.851 Billion during the ESA ministerial.
This is on top of the running programs: introduction for Vega C and Ariane 6 development.
Half of the 2.85 Billion will be spent on Ariane 6 and Vega (C/E), the other half is for future launcher development and Launch infrastructure (CSG).
comment:' WTF are they wasting all this public money on?
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: woods170 on 04/14/2023 12:30 pm
From comments during today's JUICE launch: 28 Ariane 6 launches sold so far, of which 18 are for Kuiper.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 on 05/02/2023 01:49 am
Cross Post:
2024
TBD - ViaSat 3 Asia - Ariane 64 - Kourou ELA-4

Due to repeated A6 delays the ViaSat 3 Asia, now called ViaSat-3.3 by the company and in regulation filings, mission left Arianespace for apparent breach of contract since it had no way of reaching orbit and debuting service in 2023 if it had stayed with Arianespace. They are looking at exercising a contract option with SpaceX for a Direct GEO insertion mission profile for VS-3.3. The launch provider for VS-3.4 [spare] remains TBD.

https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/viasat-3.htm
Quote
One satellite is booked on an Ariane-5ECA rocket, while another will be launched on an Atlas-5(551) launch. Another launch contract was awarded to a Falcon-Heavy (Block 5)(ex). The first three satellites will be launched from 2020 to 2022. The Arianespace launch contract was in June 2019 changed to an Ariane-64 rocket for a 2021 launch. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial launch date slipped to 2023. Due to delays of Ariane-6, the third was moved off this launcher.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 05/04/2023 11:25 am
ESA Highlights: May to August 2023

Press Release

Thursday, 4 May 2023


Ariane 6 milestone updates


Dates: May, June and July 2023

ESA and its partners will provide regular updates on Ariane 6’s progress towards its inaugural flight. A first update will be issued in early May 2023 with the next ones planned for early June and early July.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: spacenuance on 05/11/2023 09:33 pm
Key supplier for Ariane 6 projects first launch early 2024.
https://spacenews.com/ohb-expects-first-ariane-6-launch-in-early-2024/ (https://spacenews.com/ohb-expects-first-ariane-6-launch-in-early-2024/)

Quote
In a May 10 earnings call, executives with German aerospace company OHB predicted that the rocket will make its long-delayed debut within the first several months of 2024, the strongest indication yet by those involved with the rocket’s development that it will not be ready for launch before the end of this year.

“It’s not yet launched, but we hope that it will launch in the early part of next year,” said Marco Fuchs, chief executive of OHB, of Ariane 6 during a presentation about the company’s first quarter financial results. A subsidiary of OHB, MT Aerospace, produces tanks and structures for the rocket.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/12/2023 09:40 am
https://twitter.com/aschbacherjosef/status/1656946130691792898

Quote
We are committed to closely reporting on the progress of #Ariane6 in the final stretch towards inaugural launch. The Combined Test Specimen (a functional model in an Ariane 64 config) is assembled on the launch pad for testing. Updates will be posted here:

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_12_May_2023

Quote
Ariane 6 joint update report, 12 May 2023

12/05/2023

ESA / Enabling & Support / Space Transportation

The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management of ESA, launch base prime contractor CNES, launcher system prime contractor ArianeGroup and launch service provider Arianespace. This regular update will follow Task Force meetings, to report on the progress being made towards inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.

The next update is expected on or soon after 8 June.

Key milestones towards inaugural flight:

Starting May 2023: Flight software qualification tests - Software tests in anticipation of the inaugural flight mission, in nominal and degraded conditions.

Starting May 2023: Ground combined tests sequence, at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana - This test sequence notably includes two wet rehearsals and a long firing test of the lower stage on the launch pad. The successful achievement of this sequence is a main prerequisite for the inaugural flight.

Completion of outstanding qualification reviews of the different products and sub-systems.

Starting late-June 2023: Overall launch system qualification review - Unified qualification review of the launcher, launch system and launch base.

Early July 2023: Upper stage additional test at DLR Lampoldshausen, Germany - This test on the P5.2 test bench will simulate a nominal flight profile like the one planned for the inaugural flight, to confirm the expected behaviour of the upper stage. A further test is planned to examine stage behaviour in degraded cases.

Starting November 2023: Launch vehicle assembly and beginning of the inaugural flight launch campaign - Following sea transportation of lower and upper stages from France and Germany to French Guiana, this process will include in a full-fledged flight configuration a final dress rehearsal.

Recent achievements

January 2023: Upper-stage hot firing test was successfully performed on the DLR’s P5.2 test bench at Lampoldshausen. First the Vinci engine was operated for the planned duration, then the Auxiliary Power Unit was fired twice, as expected. The APU is a liquid oxygen/hydrogen engine used to provide small thrust for propellant settlement, velocity increment for end of life manoeuvre and tank pressurisation. Analysis confirmed very good behaviour of this module.

Ongoing: The Combined Test specimen of the rocket is a functional model in an Ariane 64 configuration. It is assembled on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, and used for the combined tests. Electrical interfaces have been connected and functional checks have been performed, using the control bench that is part of the launch pad.

Ongoing: In Europe, the assembly of the elements of the first Flight Model (FM1, the launcher for the inaugural flight) is well advanced. Modules integration is progressing in ArianeGroup’s factories in Les Mureaux and Bremen. In French Guiana, the two P120C solid rocket motors have been casted (FM1 is an Ariane 62 configuration).

December 2022 - April 2023: The launch base technical qualification review was started in December. The first part (excluding the control bench) concluded in April. The review did not raise major concerns on the qualification. The control bench qualification will be achieved within June 2023.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hoku on 06/09/2023 05:46 am
https://twitter.com/AschbacherJosef/status/1666889246618144768 (https://twitter.com/AschbacherJosef/status/1666889246618144768)
"As promised, Ariane 6 update - Next expected update: late July."

Quote
Ariane 6 joint update report, 8 June 2023
<snip>
Recent achievements

May 2023: a first batch of documentation has been delivered as planned for the overall launch system qualification review allowing to confirm the beginning of this review end June.

Early June 2023: the configuration of the avionic platform (iron bird) which is used for qualifying the avionic system including flight software with hardware in the loop has been changed and is now ready for the qualification tests in flight configuration. The avionic platform has been used successfully for qualifying the avionic system necessary for the Combined Tests.

Ongoing: The Combined Test specimen of the rocket is a functional model in an Ariane 64 configuration. It is assembled on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou and used for the combined tests together with the qualified ground segment installations. Electrical interfaces have been connected and functional checks have been performed, using the control bench that is part of the launch pad. Fluidic interfaces have been connected in May and functional checks are being completed, as an important step towards loading/de-loading of the launcher model with fluids which is planned before summer break.

Ongoing: In Europe, the assembly of the elements of the first Flight Model (FM1, the launcher for the inaugural flight) is well advanced. Modules integration is progressing in ArianeGroup’s factories in Les Mureaux and Bremen. In Les Mureaux, operations started in the Pre-FAL1 (first step of the Final Assembly Line in mainland Europe for the Lower Propulsive Module) with the integration of the hydrogen tank. In French Guiana, the two P120C solid rocket motors have been cast (FM1 is an Ariane 62 configuration).

Ongoing: The launch base technical qualification review was started in December. The first part (excluding the control bench) concluded in April. The review did not raise major concerns on the qualification. The second step of the technical qualification review dealing with the control bench was started at the end of May and will be concluded mid-June 2023.
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_8_June_2023 (https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_8_June_2023)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 06/14/2023 12:22 am
Cross-post:
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1668191794062938118
Quote
Peter B. de Selding @pbdes
Ariane 6 progress report: Autumn test firing of 2d stage by @DLR_de  added to schedule. Assembly of inaugural-flight vehicle to start in November. @esa  @CNES  @ArianeGroup  @Arianespace .
https://bit.ly/43OrkWe

https://www.spaceintelreport.com/ariane-6-autumn-test-firing-of-upper-stage-added-to-schedule-assembly-of-1st-flight-vehicle-to-start-in-november/
Quote
Ariane 6: Autumn test firing of upper stage added to schedule; assembly of 1st flight vehicle to start in November
written by Peter B. de Selding June 12, 2023

PARIS — Government and industry managers of Europe’s heavy-lift Ariane 6 rocket have added an additional test firing of the vehicle’s upper stage, to occur in the autumn, but otherwise reported apparently nominal progress on the vehicle’s development.

The final Ariane 5 mission is scheduled this month. The successor rocket, Ariane 6, is about two years behind schedule. Its inaugural flight, from Europe’s Guiana Space Center spaceport in South America, is likely to occur in the first half of 2024.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 06/16/2023 06:25 pm
Quote
Ariane 6: Autumn test firing of upper stage added to schedule; assembly of 1st flight vehicle to start in November
written by Peter B. de Selding June 12, 2023

PARIS — Government and industry managers of Europe’s heavy-lift Ariane 6 rocket have added an additional test firing of the vehicle’s upper stage, to occur in the autumn, but otherwise reported apparently nominal progress on the vehicle’s development.

I do not think that there is an additional test. In the early May update there was already one (degraded case) test mentioned  beyond the next one in July - see quote below. This should be the autumn test...

Quote
Early July 2023: Upper stage additional test at DLR Lampoldshausen, Germany - This test on the P5.2 test bench will simulate a nominal flight profile like the one planned for the inaugural flight, to confirm the expected behaviour of the upper stage. A further test is planned to examine stage behaviour in degraded cases.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/19/2023 10:33 am
https://twitter.com/astro_danyboy/status/1670727850926698496

Quote
BREAKING
Take-off of Ariane 6 in 2024: this is what Philippe Baptiste (DG CNES) has just announced at @EmmanuelMacron at @salondubourget
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/21/2023 02:38 pm
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1671524870633541632

Quote
European officials held a briefing this week to "share the current status of the Ariane 6 program." Alas there was little new information, and no revised launch date. This "roadmap" was provided, however.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/22/2023 05:15 am
https://youtu.be/kehe2u-UAFg
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/23/2023 07:45 am
twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1672147520842072072

Quote
As part of the combined tests campaign, the #Ariane6 mobile gantry was retracted on June 22, unveiling the launch vehicle on its launch pad.

Get more pictures here: https://press.ariane.group/strongariane-6-seule-sur-son-pas-de-tir-pour-preparer-les-essais-a-feu-strong-8768/?lang=eng #ArianeGroup @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1672147525443133441

Quote
#ArianeGroup #Ariane6
@esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort
©2023 ESA-CNES-Arianespace-Arianegroup / Optique vidéo du CSG - P Baudon
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 06/23/2023 07:51 am
First view of Ariane 6 on launchpad
23/06/2023

ESA’s new Ariane 6 launch system is being prepared for a round of engine fire tests – with removal of the mobile building that protects the rocket while it sits on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.


The operation, which takes about half an hour, was a trial run in preparation for a series test firings of the Vulcain 2.1 engine. These test firings will be conducted on the launch pad as part of ongoing preparations for the first-ever flight of Ariane 6.
Removing the gantry for the first time – and then returning it – also helped validate the Ariane 6 ground infrastructure.
The Ariane 6 rocket visible here is not intended for flight. It is being used to check assembly procedures, electrical and fuel connections, telemetry, etc. Flight models, including the rocket that will make Ariane 6’s inaugural flight, are being built in Europe and integrated by prime contractor Ariane Group. After shipping to French Guiana, Ariane 6 core and upper stages are assembled horizontally, before being transferred to the launch pad and lifted upright inside the gantry, where the solid-fuel boosters and payload are attached. The horizontal assembly method cuts the time and cost of a launch campaign, and is a first for an Ariane rocket.

Ariane 6 is an essentially all-new design, to succeed Ariane 5 as the heavy-lift vehicle in Europe’s stable of launch systems. This autonomous capability to reach space is only possible because of the hard work and dedication of thousands of talented people, an entourage that we call ‘Space Team Europe’.

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/First_view_of_Ariane_6_on_launchpad
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 06/24/2023 09:24 am
https://www.thalesaleniaspace.com/en/press-releases/thales-alenia-space-signs-contract-arianegroup-start-production-ariane-6-range-0

Quote
Thales Alenia Space signs contract with ArianeGroup to start production of the Ariane 6 range safeguard system

June 22, 2023 — Thales Alenia Space, the joint company between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with ArianeGroup to produce telemetry transmitters for the Ariane 6 launch vehicle. The initial contract will cover the first 15 launchers in a program that will stretch over a period of 30 years, with delivery of 30 transmitters by the fall of 2025 to prepare for the ramp-up in operations.

Europe’s new launch vehicle combines proven and innovative solutions to address changing market requirements, while retaining the recognized reliability of the Ariane family. Thales Alenia Space in Spain is now part of this family, as a supplier on Ariane 6.

Ariane 6 is a European Space Agency (ESA) program designed to maintain Europe’s position as a leader in the fast-changing commercial launch market, while continuing to meet requirements for European government missions. The launcher will be produced in two versions: Ariane 62, fitted with two boosters; and Ariane 64, fitted with four boosters, capable of dual launches (two satellites at once). The critical milestones leading up to Ariane 6’s first launch are being carefully monitored by a special task force.

The two telemetry transmitters on each launcher are primarily designed to send launcher data to the ground throughout the launch, enabling post-launch analysis of all flight data. Rated at 30W, this high-performance transmitter was wholly designed and built by Thales Alenia Space in Spain, creating the basis for a line of spaceborne digital transmitters.

In addition, Thales Alenia Space in Belgium is in charge of the development and production of the range safety system and the electronic control unit for Ariane 6’s nozzle steering system.

    “The contract signed during the Paris Air Show confirms ArianeGroup’s trust in the skills and expertise of Thales Alenia Space’s Spanish teams, who are now part of the European launcher story,” said Stéphane Terranova, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in Spain.

ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE
Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately 2.2 billion euros in 2022 and has around 8,500 employees in 17 sites in 10 countries across Europe and a plant in the USA.

picture: Telemetry Transmitter © Thales Alenia Space
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mamut on 06/26/2023 03:15 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gIql1wyRio
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/25/2023 08:21 am
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1683751447236673536

Quote
Teams preparing Ariane 6 for its inaugural flight successfully completed for the first time a launcher preparation and countdown sequence, on 18 July at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_launch_system_tests_progressing_well

Quote
Ariane 6: launch system tests progressing well

25/07/2023

ESA / Enabling & Support / Space Transportation

Teams preparing Ariane 6 for its inaugural flight successfully completed for the first time a launcher preparation and countdown sequence, on 18 July at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Representatives of ESA, Ariane 6 prime contractor ArianeGroup and launch base prime contractor and test conductor CNES completed important objectives for system qualification and performed a series of actions fully representative of a launch chronology.

The launch simulation included the removal of the mobile gantry, the chill-down of ground and launcher fluidic systems, the filling of the upper and core stage tanks with liquid hydrogen (–253°C) and liquid oxygen (–183°C), and at the end of the test, the successful completion of a launch chronology up to the ignition of the Vulcain 2.1 engine thrust chamber by the ground system.

During the 26-hour exercise, the teams successfully tested many degraded and contingency modes, demonstrating that the launcher and the launch base fit correctly.

Operational procedures, lower and upper stages, avionics, software, launch base and control bench worked correctly together, and the performance of the full launch system was measured with excellent results.

The last part of the test – a short ignition of the Vulcain 2.1 engine – had to be postponed to the next test session as time ran out. The teams are now working towards continuing the exercise, in preparation for a long duration hot firing test later this summer.

The project team is confident about the progress of the test campaign, in light of the results of the 18 July tests.

“The tests which were conducted on 18 July mark a critical achievement on the road to the inaugural flight and were an overall success with key objectives completed.

"I want to thank and congratulate the teams from ESA, ArianeGroup and CNES for their outstanding work and tremendous cooperation,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General and chair of the Ariane 6 Task Force.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GewoonLukas_ on 08/08/2023 08:14 am
Quote
Here below please find the updated schedule for #Ariane6 development. With this, @ESA, @ArianeGroup, @Arianespace and @CNES confirm that the inaugural launch is now targeted for 2024.
Quote
After successful tests including completion of a launch chronology of the core stage up to the ignition of the Vulcain thrust chamber on 18 July in Kourou, we will run a short hot-firing test on 29 August.
Quote
The following milestone will be the third hot-firing test of the upper stage in Lampoldshausen on 1 September.
Quote
A long hot-firing test of the core stage – scheduled for 26 September @EuropeSpacePort – will be open for journalists to attend.
Quote
Furthermore, we will organize a detailed briefing after the long hot-firing test of 26 September, when we will also be able to provide a more precise launch period for 2024. Our next regularly scheduled Task Force report to the public is planned for 4 September.

https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/1688823142741880834

https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/1688823145891766273

https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/1688823148618153986


Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/08/2023 10:13 am
https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Media_invitation_Ariane_6_test_campaign_update

Quote
N° 38–2023: Media invitation: Ariane 6 test campaign update

8 August 2023

Media representatives are invited to attend an online press briefing and question and answer (Q&A) session on 4 September 2023 to follow the progress achieved and outline upcoming steps in the Ariane 6 development test campaign being conducted at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and at the German aerospace agency DLR’s technical centre in Lampoldshausen, Germany.

The press briefing is part of the decision made in early June by the Ariane 6 Task Force to provide regular updates on the Ariane 6 launcher development.

The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management of ESA, launch base prime contractor CNES and test conductor , launcher system prime contractor ArianeGroup and launch service provider Arianespace.

The last update on Ariane 6 progress was provided in July after launch system tests were successfully conducted at Europe Spaceport’s in Kourou, French Guiana, on 18 July. The 18 July tests included core-stage tank filling operations as well as a series of operational procedures verifying the performance of the interactions between the launcher and the ground on the Ariane 6 launch pad.

The article was published together with a series of pictures related to the mobile gantry removal and ignition of the Vulcain 2.1 engine thrust chamber.

At the very last part of the 18 July test,  after reaching 90% of the test sequence objectives, the very last part of the test – a short hot firing of the Vulcain 2.1 engine – could not be conducted. The Streamlined Management Team decided to run a new test on 29 August 2023, after a necessary reconfiguration of the ground system.

The 4 September media briefing will also provide an update on the next important milestones, these being the upper stage Hot Firing Test 3 (HFT3) to be held in Lampoldshausen on 1 September (*) followed later that month, by a long firing test of the core stage and its engine, the Vulcain 2.1, in Kourou, tentatively scheduled on 26 September (*).

The latter will also give engineering teams all the results needed to define a launch period for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight in 2024.

The press briefing will be held online on 4 September 2023 at 12:00 - 13:00 CEST. In the meantime, media are invited to access the following question and answer document which addresses the progress of the tests.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/30/2023 08:03 am
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1696795057519464733

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Ariane 6's short hot firing test at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, was postponed on 29 August 2023 due to a technical issue affecting the control bench governing the critical fluidic operations (the launcher’s filling and the automated countdown). Specialists are working on a solution. The next attempt is planned for 5 September 2023.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 09/01/2023 09:39 pm
Today the Ariane 6 upper stage was tested at DLR Lampoldshausen in Germany. Vinci and the APU fired twice to simulate the profile of the first launch next year.

DLR's press release (in German only today - English version to be issued later):
https://www.dlr.de/de/aktuelles/nachrichten/2023/03/heisslauftest-fuer-ariane-6-oberstufe-ebnet-weg-zum-erststart
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 09/01/2023 09:45 pm
Today the Ariane 6 upper stage was tested at DLR Lampoldshausen in Germany. Vinci and the APU fired twice to simulate the profile of the first launch next year.

DLR's press release (in German only today - English version to be issued later):
https://www.dlr.de/de/aktuelles/nachrichten/2023/03/heisslauftest-fuer-ariane-6-oberstufe-ebnet-weg-zum-erststart

English version on the ArianeGroup page:
https://press.ariane.group/nouvel-essai-a-feu-reussi-de-letage-superieur-dariane-6-9516/?lang=eng

And a PDF version for download:

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/02/2023 08:24 am
Video:

https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1697894813859713383

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Good news this weekend: Ariane 6 upper stage has completed another hot-fire test, representative of the inaugural flight, at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) site in Lampoldshausen :  https://press.ariane.group/nouvel-essai-a-feu-reussi-de-letage-superieur-dariane-6-9516/?lang=eng

#ArianeGroup #Ariane6
@esa @DLR_en @CNES @Arianespace

Edit to add:

Ariane Group removed the original tweet and replaced it with the above, where the only difference was changing ‘successfully completed’ to ‘completed’ !
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/02/2023 11:48 am
https://youtu.be/nvopG_60fLQ
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 09/02/2023 12:21 pm
Here is the ESA version of that second Stage Hot Fire Test video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyNnL3p_T-c
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/04/2023 11:24 am
twitter.com/spcplcyonline/status/1698647106146164894

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At ongoing ESA Ariane 6 press bfg, ESA DG Aschbacher still won't say when the 1st launch might be, even whether it will be in first half of 2024.

https://twitter.com/spcplcyonline/status/1698648029933248626

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The 4-second Vulcain core stage engine test that was supposed to be in July and then last Friday is now set for tmrw. Long duration test next month (was to have been Sept 26). Then will announce launch PERIOD, not a specific date.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/04/2023 11:58 am
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1698661105898336505

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Ariane 6 joint update report, 4 September 2023

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_4_September_2023

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Ariane 6 joint update report, 4 September 2023

04/09/2023

ESA / Enabling & Support / Space Transportation

The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management at ESA, the overall Ariane 6 procuring entity and launch system architect, launch base prime contractor and French space agency CNES, launcher system prime contractor ArianeGroup and launch service provider Arianespace. This group reports regularly on progress being made towards inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.

The next update is expected in October.

Key milestones towards inaugural flight:

18 July 2023: Combined tests, hot firing test of the main stage with Vulcain 2.1 engine ignition - At Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, engineers from ArianeGroup, CNES and ESA, successfully completed for the first time a launcher preparation and countdown sequence.

The 26-hour test included the removal of the mobile gantry, the chill-down of ground and launcher fluidic systems, the filling of the upper and core stage tanks with liquid hydrogen (–253°C) and liquid oxygen (–183°C), and the successful completion of a launch chronology up to the ignition of the Vulcain 2.1 engine thrust chamber by the ground system.

During the exercise fully representative of a launch chronology, the teams successfully tested many degraded and contingency modes, demonstrating that the launcher and the launch base fit correctly. Operational procedures, lower and upper stages, avionics, software, launch base and control bench worked correctly together, and the performance of the full launch system was measured with excellent results.

1 September 2023: Upper stage hot firing test, Lampoldshausen - At German aerospace agency DLR’s rocket engine test centre in Lampoldshausen, Germany, engineers from DLR, ArianeGroup and ESA completed another hot-fire test, representative of the inaugural flight.

Assembled at ArianeGroup’s site in Bremen, Germany, the Ariane 6 upper stage incorporates some of the launcher’s main innovations, enabling it to carry out the widest possible range of launch missions, including complex ones such as large-scale deployment of satellite constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO), or successive injection of payloads into different orbital planes. At the end of its mission, the stage is de-orbited.

The stage includes two main tanks for cryogenic propellants (liquid hydrogen and oxygen) to power the Vinci engine which can be re-ignited up to four times, and the innovative Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).

The upper stage test sequence was representative of its full operating phase during Ariane 6’s inaugural flight.

It involved more than 11 minutes (680 seconds) of operation of the Vinci re-ignitable engine in two boosts in parallel with operation of the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) which was in operation for a cumulative period of nearly 30 minutes.

The APU makes it possible for Vinci to restart in space, by maintaining adequate pressure in the fuel tanks and preventing bubbles in the fuel lines. The APU uses small amounts of liquid hydrogen and oxygen from the main tanks – replacing a system which relied on large quantities of tanked helium. 

Next milestones:

5 September 2023: Combined tests, hot firing test of the main stage with Vulcain 2.1 engine stabilized operation, Kourou – This second hot-fire test of the main stage will be very close to the previous one (18 July), but will end with 4 seconds of stabilized operation of the Vulcain 2.1 engine.

This test is a key milestone in the combined tests campaign. Its success will enable qualification of all the operations of an Ariane 6 launch countdown. It is part of the overall qualification of the launch system, comprising the launcher and its ground installations, notably the ELA4 launch complex dedicated to Ariane 6, and its ZL4 launch zone.

3 October 2023: Combined tests, long-duration hot firing test of the main stage with Vulcain 2.1 engine stabilized operation, Kourou – This long-duration test will end with about 8 minutes (470 seconds) of stabilized operation of the Vulcain 2.1 engine.

This test will cover the entire flight phase of the core stage and will contribute to “flight-ready” qualification of the main stage.

End-2023: Upper stage hot firing test, Lampoldshausen – Further hot-firing test of the upper stage planned to examine stage behaviour in degraded cases. The objective is to deliver a more robust Ariane 6.

Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hektor on 09/04/2023 01:34 pm
Ariane 6 media briefing – September 2023 (https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2023/09/Ariane_6_media_briefing_September_2023)

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: hoku on 09/05/2023 06:58 pm
Eric Berger's new article `JE PEUX FAIRE UNE FUSÉE? - European official on Ariane 6 debut: “Please allow me to not speculate at this time”'

https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/09/no-firm-date-on-ariane-6s-debut-and-no-public-talk-on-prices-either/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 09/05/2023 07:47 pm
Ariane 6 media briefing – September 2023 (https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2023/09/Ariane_6_media_briefing_September_2023)

If data consumption and bandwidth are not an issue, it is best to watch the source video. Download: SOURCE mp4
The compressed mp4 has a poor quality and a audio offset.
Unfortunately, the pointless blue "picture frame" remains.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/05/2023 08:17 pm
https://twitter.com/stephenclark1/status/1699153642278834382

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I'm told the Ariane 6 short-duration hotfire test was successfully completed this afternoon in Kourou. ESA will be releasing an update with imagery early tomorrow (European time).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: harrystranger on 09/06/2023 12:48 am
https://twitter.com/stephenclark1/status/1699153642278834382

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I'm told the Ariane 6 short-duration hotfire test was successfully completed this afternoon in Kourou. ESA will be releasing an update with imagery early tomorrow (European time).
I looked into this, and sure enough, the mobile gantry had rolled back leaving the rocket exposed and venting was visible near the pad!
https://twitter.com/Harry__Stranger/status/1699222078921306211
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 09/06/2023 08:00 am
News release: Fuelled-up dress rehearsal for Ariane 6

06.09.2023

At Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, ESA’s new Ariane 6 launch vehicle, consisting of its upper and core stage has been fuelled up and its core stage engine fired. With the rocket standing on its launch pad, the Vulcain 2.1 engine was ignited, fired for four seconds as planned and switched off before its liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuels were drained to their separate underground tanks. These tests are the continuation of an earlier test on 18 July.



The exercise, conducted by CNES and ArianeGroup under the lead of ESA, checked pre-launch procedures and ignition, and showed again, that the system can be kept safe in the event of a launch abort, as already demonstrated during the 18 July test. Fuelling and ignition was the latest in an ongoing series of tests to validate that the rocket, launch pad, protective gantry and all related fluid and electrical connections work properly as a combined system.



The Ariane 6 rocket now installed on the launch pad is not intended for flight – the solid rocket boosters are inert – but it is almost identical to a flight model for purposes of testing. Flight models, including the rocket that will make Ariane 6’s inaugural flight, are being manufactured and assembled under the responsibility of ArianeGroup, the prime contractor in Les Mureaux, France and Bremen, Germany. The solid rocket boosters for the first flight are being aseembled in Kourou, French Guiana.



Coming soon will be a longer-duration firing of the Vulcain 2.1 engine, of about 470 seconds to simulate an actual flight. This test will also be done on the launch pad.

ESA Director of Space Transportation Toni Tolker-Nielsen remarked: "We have a fantastic team working on this programme. We can all feel it - we are taking the final steps towards entering into the Ariane 6 era.”



Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage and its reignitable Vinci engine, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payloads, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/06/2023 08:53 am
https://twitter.com/esa/status/1699343946739302714

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🎥 Fuelled-up dress rehearsal for #Ariane6 launch with ignition and startup of the core stage’s Vulcain 2.1 engine, followed by four seconds of firing. See https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2023/09/Hot-fire_test_of_Ariane_6_core_stage_on_launch_pad @CNES @ArianeGroup @ESA_transport
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/06/2023 08:58 am
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1699331027372560613

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Fuelled-up dress rehearsal for #Ariane6 with ignition of Vulcain 2.1 engine 🔥: esa.int/Enabling_Suppo…
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 09/06/2023 09:52 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_RXvywHK5w
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 09/13/2023 12:04 pm
Not sure where to post this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkceAJcaFxs
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mamut on 09/16/2023 12:04 pm
https://twitter.com/ESA_transport/status/1702701873147310195
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/21/2023 04:56 pm
https://twitter.com/aschbacherjosef/status/1704875460000129370

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Ariane 6 task force update: great data and results from the hot-fire September tests for #Ariane6 both in French Guiana and Germany. However, an anomaly was detected in the thrust control vector hydraulics when preparing for the next test and the long-duration hot firing test will no longer take place on 3 October as teams investigate the causes. We will come back to you with more updates when available.

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_21_September_2023
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/01/2023 09:11 pm
https://www.ariane.group/en/news/ariane-6-cargo-ship-canopee-spreads-its-wings/

Ariane 6 cargo ship Canopée spreads its wings

Credits: Tom Van Oossanen
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/02/2023 05:14 am
https://twitter.com/beyondgravity_s/status/1707748944132939958

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The first payload fairing of #Ariane6 from @ArianeGroup, which will take off next year, will soon leave our production hall in Emmen 🇨🇭 and make its way to Kourou. Today, the first half-shell was prepared for transport and packed into the container. 🚀
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 10/11/2023 08:40 pm
Cross-post:
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/ariane-6-vers-un-premier-vol-en-avril-mai-2024-977533.html
[Oct 11]

-ESA is aiming for a April-May launch windows of the first Ariane 6
-Anomaly that delayed Long test fire is caused by an impermeability issues in the hydraulic systems of the Vulcan's TVC, Arianegroup expects a quick fix that should not affect the first launch's schedule
-WDR in deteriorated conditions planned for October 24-25
-Long test fire is planned for Late november, pending repairs of the Vulcain's nozzle.
-First launch A6's fairing arriving in Kourou on November 3, its core stage and upper stage on December 10
-Planned launch rate: 2 A6 in 2024, 6 in 2025, 8 in 2026, 10 in 2027; First 4 will be Ariane 62
-2 of the 18 kuiper launches seem to have been shifted to Ariane 62 (instead of the previous 16 A64+ plus 2 A64)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/17/2023 05:54 am
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1714149484677018073

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🔑The keys to the #Ariane6 launchpad @EuropeSpacePort. A symbolic handover ceremony occurred this summer between @esa and @cnes to signal the end of qualification for the launch site and it being ready for use 🤝🔑
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/19/2023 12:28 pm
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1714981419129200824

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One item of note from the ongoing ESA Council media briefing: the Ariane 6 long-duration hotfire test has been rescheduled for Nov. 23. The announcement of the launch date for the first Ariane 6 mission will come after that.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/19/2023 02:54 pm
https://twitter.com/aschbacherjosef/status/1715009136205680825

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🚨Ariane 6 update🚨
In order to optimise the #Ariane6 testing schedule, the test sequence has been inverted. This allows us to anticipate the launch rehearsal test, followed by the long-duration firing test of the main stage Vulcain 2.1 engine, and ultimately reduces any impact on the overall schedule.

*Next milestones*
October: Combined test, launch rehearsal with ignition of the main stage, Kourou, French Guiana

November: Combined test, long-duration firing of the main stage with Vulcain 2.1 engine, Kourou, French Guiana

December: Upper stage firing test, Lampoldshausen, Germany

Read the full update here:

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_19_October_2023

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Ariane 6 joint update report, 19 October 2023

19/10/2023

The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management of ESA, as the overall Ariane 6 procuring entity and launch system architect, of the French space agency CNES, as the launch base prime contractor, of ArianeGroup as the launcher system prime contractor and of Arianespace as the launch service provider. This group reports regularly on progress being made towards inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.

Key milestones towards inaugural flight:

On the way towards the inaugural flight of Ariane 6 two important tests have already been implemented. On 18 July the hot firing test of the main stage with the Vulcain 2.1 engine ignition in Kourou was successful, completing for the first time the launcher preparation and countdown sequence. On 1 September the upper stage hot firing test in Lampoldshausen was also a success, representing the full operational phase during Ariane 6’s first flight.

During the preparatory operations for the next test, the long-duration firing test, initially planned on 3 October in Kourou, an anomaly has been detected on the core stage’s hydraulic group. This equipment made by SABCA (Belgium) is part of the Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system of the core stage. The role of the TVC system is to maintain the launcher's correct attitude by gimballing the Vulcain 2.1 engine during its operation. Activation of the TVC is part of the long duration firing test.

A group of experts has been tasked to analyse and propose solutions to resolve the anomaly, characterised by an abnormal internal pressure of the hydraulic group. Because of the time needed by the experts to disassemble the equipment, assess the problem and determine the root cause, the schedule for Ariane 6 launch rehearsals has been adapted. In order to optimise the schedule the test sequence has been inverted leading to the anticipation of the launch rehearsal test under different environmental conditions followed by the long-duration firing test of the main stage Vulcain 2.1 engine.

The modification of the test sequence allows the Ariane 6 teams to keep the pace on the progressive achievement of qualification objectives and to reduce any impact on the schedule.

Next milestones:

October 2023: Combined test, launch rehearsal with ignition of the main stage, Kourou, French Guiana

As part of the test sequence reconfiguration, the Ariane 6 Task force decided to bring forward to end of october a rehearsal test originally planned to be held after the long firing test.

This full-scale 36-hour long test is compatible with the parallel resolution of the anomaly on the hydraulic group. It consists in the execution of a full launch chronology enriched by qualification tests on several launch system functions including ventilation of cavities, launch range interfaces, and environmental characterisation. This time, operations will be executed during the coolest hours of the day at dawn time. 

The test results will be part of the Ariane 6 qualification.

November 2023: Combined test, long-duration firing of the main stage with Vulcain 2.1 engine, Kourou, French Guiana. 

Similar to the previous hot-firing rehearsals, this test will end with a full eight minutes (470 seconds) of firing of the Vulcain 2.1 engine, representing the entire flight phase of the core stage.

The anomaly affecting the hydraulic group of the TVC system resulted in a change of the test schedule. ArianeGroup as prime contractor and SABCA as supplier already prepared a replacement specimen of the hydraulic group, without waiting for the results of the technical investigation. Once the equipment is integrated on the Ariane 6 launcher specimen, teams will finish preparations for the test which is now planned on 23 November.

As per standing plan, the Ariane 6 first flight launch period estimate will only be given when the combined long firing test will have been carried out and the test results are analysed.

December 2023: Upper stage firing test, Lampoldshausen, Germany

It is planned to examine stage behaviour in degraded cases.

The adaptation of the test sequence keeps the Ariane 6 development on track for a launch in 2024.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mamut on 10/25/2023 02:09 pm
https://twitter.com/ESA_transport/status/1717152063530926362
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/25/2023 04:50 pm
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Nighttime_rehearsal_for_Ariane_6_towards_first_flight

Quote
Nighttime rehearsal for Ariane 6 towards first flight

25/10/2023
ESA / Enabling & Support / Space Transportation / Ariane

Yesterday, a team of CNES, ESA, Arianespace and ArianeGroup personnel at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, completed a full-scale wet rehearsal of the new Ariane 6 rocket that was fuelled and then drained of its fuel. The test lasted over 30 hours with three teams working in shifts of 10 hours each.

The goal was to increase the robustness of the launch system and to test emergency safety procedures with an interruption of the countdown from simulated anomalies.

The wet rehearsal – called combined test loading, abbreviated to CTLO2.1 – is the third time the Ariane 6 ground teams have practiced a full launch countdown, after a first rehearsal on 18 July and a first ignition of the main engine on 5 September. Yesterday’s test concentrated on system robustness and how well Ariane 6 and the teams handle situations at the edge of the operational parameters. This time, the operations were performed at night to test operations in cooler ambient temperatures, while the July and September tests were run in daylight.

“The whole team performed this CTLO2.1 countdown to near perfection,” exclaims Jean-Michel Rizzi, ESA Ariane 6 launch base manager, “it was a very long operation but the dedicated teams and efforts put in achieved a complete success, bravo to everybody involved.”

Cold liquid fuel – and lots of it

Ariane 6 uses liquid oxygen and hydrogen as its fuel to power into space. These power-dense liquids are great fuels but need to be chilled to extreme temperatures below -250°C, making them hazardous to work with. At these temperatures the liquids will instantly expand if it heats up and can cause condensation or even ice on the rocket as it cools down in the surrounding tropically humid air.

Ariane 6 tanks hold 180 tonnes of propellant, which is why fuelling and then draining operations take so long – it took over seven hours to drain the liquid hydrogen from its tanks alone. Engineers are constantly adapting flow rate and monitoring temperatures, pressure in the tanks and pipes, and the ground systems underground pipelines that extend through hundreds of meters to transport the fuel to the rocket.

The core stage of the Ariane 6 now standing on its launchpad is identical to the real thing, but it is not meant to leave Earth. The rocket boosters are inert as they use solid propellant and don’t require fuelling, but the rest is the real deal – including the Vinci upper stage that would only fire its engines once separated from the core stage in space. The fuelling of the upper stage is also included in all rehearsals.

“We prepare for a launch, or in this case a rehearsal, many days in advance,” says Tony dos Santos, ESA’s Ariane 6 ground systems operations manager at Kourou, “the ground tanks where we store the liquid hydrogen and oxygen need to be replenished, the launchpad needs to be primed and prepared: it’s an all-hands operation working in shifts that is a major collective effort involving teams from ESA, CNES, Arianegroup and Arianespace based on both sides of the Atlantic, both in Les Mureaux, France, and Kourou.”

“This night-time rehearsal allowed the teams to practice loading the rocket with fuel when the temperature outside is lower – without the tropical sunlight shining on the Ariane 6 tanks the fuel inside behaves noticeably different and we need to consider and accommodate for condensation and ice formation.”

Rehearse for launch

“As these operations are so delicate, and Ariane 6 is an all-new launch system, the more rehearsals we can do, the better, because we need to explore the robustness of the systems.” explains Pier Domenico Resta, ESA’s Ariane 6 launch system and engineering manager, “Through simulations of off-nominal situations the CTLO 2.1 has given the operational teams more confidence in launch countdowns and more test data for analysis and smooth operations to liftoff.”

After this successful rehearsal, the next major test will turn up the heat: a full eight-minute firing of the Ariane 6 rocket’s main engine that would normally propel the rocket and its passengers into space. For this test, scheduled before the end of November, the Ariane 6 test model will continue to stay firmly fixed to the ground.

“We are working all out to get Ariane 6 off the ground and looking forward to see it rise from the launchpad soon,” concludes Pier Domenico.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mamut on 11/20/2023 01:09 pm
Seems like the long duration test of main engine will be streamed live.
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Watch_live_Ariane_6_eight-minute_hot-fire_test
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/20/2023 04:51 pm
Time info:

https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1726640478677074119

Quote
📺 Watch live: #Ariane6 launch rehearsal with 8-minute core stage engine firing.

📅 23 November 20:10 GMT (21:10 CET, 17:10 local time) on #ESAWebTV: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/ESA_Web_TV/(offset)/2

Learn more about the test: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Watch_live_Ariane_6_eight-minute_hot-fire_test

Here's the Vulcain 2.1 engine firing last time 🔥👀
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 05:57 am
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1727581322426638720

Quote
Overnight, @CNES, @ArianeGroup and @esa personnel have been preparing the #Ariane6 helium pressurisation system for tanking.

Weather is favourable for today's hot-fire test 🔥

Watch live from 21:10 CET (20:10 GMT, 17:10 local
time @EuropeSpacePort):

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Watch_live_Ariane_6_eight-minute_hot-fire_test
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 02:02 pm
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1727698399485440489

Quote
Ariane 6 combined hot-fire test update: and it's looking good ❗

🏢 Mobile building rolled away✅
🚀 Ariane 6 standing alone on the launch pad ✅
☁ Weather forecast✅
🥶 Ground systems prepared for chill-down and pressurisation of the fuel lines ✅
⛽ Ready for filling the tanks✅

📺 Watch live from 21:10 CET (20:10 GMT, 17:10 local time in Kourou, French Guiana) on #ESAWebTV: esa.int/Enabling_Suppo…
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 03:39 pm
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1727725314413834378

Quote
Who says buildings shouldn't move? Earlier today @EuropeSpacePort, personnel from @ArianeGroup, @CNES and @esa rolled the mobile building away from #Ariane6 in preparation for tonight's combined hot-fire test. 🔥
It takes takes 22 minutes to move the 820 000 kg building 144 m. #timelapse
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 05:32 pm
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1727755118467014819

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Things are going smoothly over @EuropeSpacePort in preparation for tonight's core stage hot-fire test of #Ariane6. 🔥
The liquid oxygen turbo pump chill-down has begun.
The turbo pumps push the super-chilled liquid propellants to the Vulcain 2.1 engine, the hydrogen turbo pump alone produces more power than a high-speed TGV train! 🚄🚀
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 05:47 pm
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1727760461234368770

Quote
New times, we are 30 minutes ahead of schedule:
📺Livestream starting at 20:40 CET (19:40 GMT, 16:40 local)
🔥 Vulcain 2.1 engine ignition now scheduled at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT, 17:00 local)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Ken the Bin on 11/23/2023 06:34 pm
ESA Web TV Two has this YouTube video embedded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGoQhepVUio
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 07:01 pm
An unplanned hold at T-02:42
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 07:10 pm
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1727781224251306261

Quote
We are paused at -02:42 before engine ignition, Ariane 6 is in safe waiting mode.

The #Ariane6 launcher itself has taken control as planned in the countdown and its software takes decisions for ignition, engine control, and safety.

We are waiting for a new time for ignition.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 07:41 pm
Count has resumed
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 07:44 pm
Ignition!
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 07:47 pm
Gimballing
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 07:49 pm
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 07:50 pm
https://twitter.com/stephenclark1/status/1727791537646370892

Quote
Ignition of Ariane 6's Vulcain 2.1 engine for a major 8-minute hotfire test in French Guiana. You can see the engine gimbal early in the burn. youtube.com/watch?v=HGoQhe…
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 07:52 pm
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 07:53 pm
MECO

Edit to add: when MECO was called, but happened earlier
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 07:56 pm
https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1727790561162125588

Quote
Ignition! Ariane 6's Vulcain 2.1 engine full-duration static fire begins!

youtube.com/watch?v=HGoQhe…

Quote
No sound, but going well and some TVC wiggle.

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1727792384887382347

Quote
Aborted early, at least a minute before scheduled shutdown.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 08:48 pm
https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1727806234600878396

Quote
Arianespace class the Ariane 6 test as a success!

Lots of references to "Firing for more than seven minutes." So it's now likely it was a misrepresentation from Arianespace/ESA ahead of the test that claimed it would be for eight minutes (twitter.com/esa/status/172… for example), as there is no reference to an abort or a shorter-than-planned duration in the post-test press release.

"Once ignited, the Vulcain 2.1 engine ran for more than 7 minutes of stabilized operation."

"The test ended with the ignition of the core stage Vulcain 2.1 engine, followed by more than 7 minutes of stabilized operation covering the entire core stage flight phase."
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/23/2023 09:07 pm
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Hot_fire_Ariane_6_ready_to_rumble

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Hot fire: Ariane 6 ready to rumble

23/11/2023
ESA / Enabling & Support / Space Transportation / Ariane

In brief

ESA’s new Ariane 6 rocket passed a major full-scale rehearsal today in preparation for its first flight, when teams on the ground went through a complete launch countdown followed by a seven-minute full firing of the core stage’s engine, as it would fire on a launch into space.

In-depth

For this rehearsal, the boosters were not ignited so Ariane 6 stayed firmly on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, as planned.

The engine-fire trial reenacts how the Ariane 6 core stage will fire during a normal flight into space. Once complete the main engine would shut down and the core stage would separate from the upper stage, which would then take over propulsion and complete its mission.

The trial, conducted with a test model on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, was the longest ‘full-stack' run yet for Ariane 6’s lower liquid propulsion module with a Vulcain 2.1 engine.

“The teams from ArianeGroup, CNES and ESA have now run through every step of the rocket's flight without it leaving Earth,” says ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher.

“This milestone rehearsal comes after years of designing, planning, preparing, building and hard work from some of the finest space engineers in Europe. We are back on track towards resecuring Europe’s autonomous access to space. Well done to all involved!”

The Vulcain 2.1 engine burnt through almost 150 tonnes of propellant in the Ariane 6 core stage tanks – liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, the latter supercooled to temperatures below -250°C. Vulcain 2.1 is an evolution of the Vulcain 2 engine which made Ariane 5 Europe's most successful launch system to date. The upgrade has a simplified and cheaper design, and new technology in the engine nozzle and ignition system has been moved from the engine to the launch pad structure, to make the stage perform better and cost less.

It took just over two hours and required teams of people and delicate operations to load the rocket’s central core with fuel. The filling operations were performed during a long countdown that included other qualification tests, similar to the previous rehearsals this year. For fidelity and to guarantee launcher stability, the upper stage tanks were also fueled – even though the upper stage engine only kicks in once in orbit after separation from the main stage and so was not fired during this ground test.

The launch pad – operated by France’s space agency CNES – used its water deluge system to temper the heat from the engine.

ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, Toni Tolker-Nielsen, added his vote of confidence in the teams across Europe working to bring Ariane 6 to service: "A huge thanks to all of our dedicated colleagues who are committed and working tirelessly to see this rocket fly.”

The test followed a shorter burn in September (known as CTLO1) when Ariane 6's tanks were filled and its Vulcain 2.1 engine briefly ignited and switched off, and the filling and draining test executed in October (known as CTLO2.1) to check the launch system functions such as draining fuel in the presence of multiple simulated failures.

A last hot-fire test of the upper stage is being prepared and planned for December 2023 at the Lampoldshausen test centre from Germany's DLR aerospace agency.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/24/2023 11:19 am
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1728013324376310006

Quote
Ariane 6 was not supposed to have pierced the clouds yesterday, but it brought them down to Earth.
☁🌎
Impressive drone views from the #Ariane6 main stage test. As the stage uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as propellant, the clouds you see are H20: water vapour! ☁🚀
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/24/2023 03:27 pm
https://twitter.com/esa/status/1728083154798252299

Quote
😉 You wanted 'sound'? We got sound...

🚀 Feel the noise on these highlights of yesterday's #Ariane6 core stage hot-fire test

🔊 Pump up the volume, as they say...

🔗esa.int/ESA_Multimedia… @ESA_transport @CNES @ArianeGroup @EuropeSpacePort
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/24/2023 03:47 pm
https://twitter.com/esa/status/1728091817999036866

Quote
#MediaInvitation: journalists are invited to a briefing on the latest #Ariane6 task force meeting, on 30 November 2023, at 08:00 GMT/09:00 CET. @AschbacherJosef will outline the progress achieved with the successful hot-firing test on 23 November. Details & registration 👇
🔗

https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Media_invitation_Updates_on_Ariane_6_task_force_meeting

Quote
N° 55–2023: Media invitation: Updates on Ariane 6 task force meeting

24 November 2023

The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force, will brief on the conclusions reached at its latest meeting during a media briefing from ESA Headquarters in Paris, France, on 30 November 2023 at 09:00 CET.

Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General will outline the progress achieved after the successful hot firing test on 23 November 2023 at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, as well as the upcoming steps in the Ariane 6 development test campaign, including the tentative launch period for Ariane 6 together with:

Martin Sion, CEO, ArianeGroup.
Philippe Baptiste, President, CNES.
Stéphane Israël, CEO, Arianespace
Also present will be senior experts such as

Toni Tolker-Nielsen, Director of Space Transportation, ESA.

On 23 November 2023, Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket went through a successful full-scale rehearsal in preparation for its inaugural flight, when teams from ArianeGroup, France’s space agency CNES, and ESA on the ground completed a launch countdown rehearsal. The test included the ignition of the core stage Vulcain 2.1 engine, followed by seven-minute full firing of the core stage’s engine, as it would function on a launch into space.

Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force

The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management at ESA, the overall Ariane 6 procuring entity and launch system architect, launch base prime contractor CNES, launcher system prime contractor ArianeGroup and launch service provider Arianespace. This group reports regularly on progress being made towards the inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.

Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. On-going development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.

Media Accreditation

The media briefing will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Media representatives are invited to register to attend either on site at ESA HQ, or remotely, at the following link: https://blogs.esa.int/forms/esa-media-briefing-form the latest by 28 November, Tuesday at 17:00 CET. Registered media to attend the media briefing remotely will receive the link to join the interactive online session shortly before the briefing (WebEx platform).

The press conference will also be streamed at esawebtv.esa.int, but only registered media will be able to ask questions within the WebEx system.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 11/25/2023 03:13 pm
Thank you, FST, for this test firing coverage.  I missed following live due to (enjoyable) Thanksgiving duties. 🦃🪶🙏
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/28/2023 06:09 pm
https://twitter.com/arianegroup/status/1729556234271875465

Quote
🚀 #Ariane6 soars to new heights with a groundbreaking 7-minute hot-fire test at @EuropeSpaceport. A key step towards its inaugural flight, this achievement validates the core stage's entire flight phase. Watch the test with us again and celebrate with our teams. #ArianeGroup
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/30/2023 03:25 pm
https://twitter.com/nikproxima/status/1730151717273006208

Quote
Breaking: ESA’s Director General announces a launch window for Ariane 6 - June 15th to July 31, 2024.

Quote
The first year of A6 operations will see two flights, the first in the summer and the second hopefully prior to the end of the year, before the ramp up period in 2025 begins.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/30/2023 03:46 pm
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_30_November_2023

Quote
Ariane 6 joint update report, 30 November 2023

30/11/2023
ESA / Enabling & Support / Space Transportation / Ariane

The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management of ESA, as the overall Ariane 6 procuring entity and launch system architect, of the French space agency CNES, as the launch base prime contractor, of ArianeGroup as the launcher system prime contractor and of Arianespace as the launch service provider. This group reports regularly on progress being made towards inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.

Key milestones towards inaugural flight:

On the way towards the first flight of Ariane 6 two more rehearsals have been conducted since the last joint update:

23 October 2023: Combined test loading, Kourou, French Guiana

The combined loading test 2.1 (CTLO 2.1) was the third time the Ariane 6 teams practiced a full launch countdown, this test concentrated on system robustness and how well Ariane 6 and the teams handle situations at the edge of the operational parameters with operations performed at night to test operations in cooler ambient temperatures. The test lasted over 30 hours and consisted of a full launch chronology enriched by qualification tests on several launch system functions including ventilation of cavities, launch range interfaces, and environmental characterisation.

23 November 2023: Combined test, long-duration firing of the core stage with Vulcain 2.1 engine, Kourou, French Guiana

The combined hot-firing test (CTHF) was conducted with the test model of Ariane 6 on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. It consisted of a major full-scale rehearsal of a complete launch timeline, followed by more than seven minutes of stabilised operation covering the entire core stage flight phase. The planned operations took around 24 hours with an engine ignition 12 hours after starting operations. 

The test was a complete success as all functional aspects were tested and functioned as expected, it covered all aspects required for qualification.

Next milestones:

7 December 2023: Upper stage firing test, Lampoldshausen, Germany

This hot-firing test of the upper stage (HFT4) is planned at the German Aerospace Center, DLR, Lampoldshausen test centre, to examine stage behaviour for different kind of missions, with the exploration of alternative functioning and flight conditions and stage’s operating limits in degraded conditions.

15 December 2023: Combined test loading 3 (CTLO3), Kourou, French Guiana

Teams are working towards another combined test loading (CTLO3) that is set to take place on 15 December. It is again a test representative of a launch chronology, meant for anticipating degraded cases to ensure launcher robustness and for preparing launcher exploitation. The test will end with a short core stage engine ignition.

First flight period

ESA, CNES and ArianeGroup are targeting the first launch of Ariane 6 between mid June and end of July 2024.

Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 12/01/2023 02:15 am
Ariane 6 media briefing – November 2023
30-11-2023 10:00 AM CET

Video: 01:00:00

Watch the replay of the media briefing on Ariane 6 during which ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher outlines the progress achieved after the successful hot firing test on 23 November 2023 at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, as well as the upcoming steps in the Ariane 6 development test campaign, including ESA, CNES and ArianeGroup targeting the first launch of Ariane 6 between mid June and end of July 2024. Participants also includes Martin Sion, CEO, ArianeGroup ; Philippe Baptiste, President of CNES and Stéphane Israël, CEO, Arianespace.

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2023/11/Ariane_6_media_briefing_November_2023
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/01/2023 08:06 pm
https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1730691304164589736

Quote
The long-awaited maiden flight of Ariane 6 is scheduled to take place between June 15 and July 31, 2024, European Space Agency (ESA) Director General Josef Aschbacher announced at a press conference on Thursday.

Karin Sturm (@sturmf1) with the details ⬇️

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/12/ariane6-2024-launch/
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 12/04/2023 05:47 am


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iIIFCCEcmU
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/19/2023 10:33 am
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_18_December_2023

Quote
Ariane 6 joint update report, 18 December 2023

19/12/2023
ESA / Enabling & Support / Space Transportation / Ariane

The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management of ESA, as the overall Ariane 6 procuring entity and launch system architect, of the French space agency CNES, as the launch base prime contractor, of ArianeGroup as the launcher system prime contractor and of Arianespace as the launch service provider. This group reports regularly on progress being made towards inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.

Key milestones towards inaugural flight:

On the way towards the first flight of Ariane 6, two more rehearsals have been conducted since the last joint update:

15 December 2023: Combined test loading 3 (CTLO3), Kourou, French Guiana

On 15 December, 2023, teams from ArianeGroup, the French Space Agency (CNES), and the European Space Agency (ESA) successfully carried out another launch sequence of Ariane 6 on its launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport, French Guiana, for the combined test campaign.

The combined test loading (CTLO3) tested a launch countdown aimed to qualify the launch system in degraded conditions to ensure its robustness and prepare for operations. It was run the same way as the previous ones, with a launch sequence and final countdown representative of a launch, including removal of the mobile gantry as well as filling and draining of the launcher’s upper and core stage tanks with liquid hydrogen (-253 °C) and liquid oxygen (-183 °C). This test sequence included qualification tests of several launch system functions in case of aborted launch and included one ignition of the Vulcain 2.1 engine thrust chamber.

This was the fifth countdown run to include loading Ariane 6 with cryo-propellants since July.

The rehearsal was very well executed, and the countdown ran exactly as planned. The test was a full success and the task force thanks all teams involved.

The launch operations for Ariane 6 are mastered, we are ready to go.

7 December 2023: Upper stage firing test, Lampoldshausen, Germany

Having already qualified for flight after rigorous tests under routine conditions, Ariane 6's upper stage was pushed to its limits last week. The goal of the hot-fire test (HFT-4) on 7 December at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) test facility in Lampoldshausen, Germany, was to reproduce a normal start of a flight with the restartable Vinci engine and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), and then to introduce degraded conditions to assess the robustness of the stage and how it would behave in extreme and unexpected conditions.

Two minutes after the Vinci engine and APU were fired up, the test was automatically aborted when sensors detected that some parameters had gone beyond predetermined thresholds. The engines were shut down with the nominal sequence, the upper stage test model and test bench entered a safe condition, and the tanks were emptied.

This HFT-4 test went beyond the normal flight profile for Ariane 6. The stage will not operate in such a test configuration on the inaugural flight. Teams are analysing test hardware and investigating possible root causes of the abort, with results expected mid-January 2024. More details will be given after the next Task Force meeting. We are confident that these investigations will not impact the schedule to Ariane 6 inaugural flight.

Next milestones:

End January 2024: disconnection tests of the cryo-connection system

A rehearsal of disconnecting the upper and lower fuelling arms that support the umbilicals that supply Ariane 6 with liquid hydrogen and oxygen. The same umbilicals allow the propellant to be drained safely if a launch is aborted.

Mid-February: Arrival of first flight elements in French Guiana

The stages for the first Ariane 6 flight will arrive by Canopée ship in Kourouin French Guiana.

First flight period

ESA, CNES and ArianeGroup are targeting the first launch of Ariane 6 between mid-June and end of July 2024.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/19/2023 01:37 pm
https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1737115108428706264

Quote
If rocket building were a game, #Europe’s heavy-lift launcher Ariane 6 passed a final test on hard mode.
Last Friday, @CNES, @ArianeGroup and @esa completed the last of the super-cool propellant-loading tests for #Ariane6 including a four-second ignition of the main stage 🧵

Quote
The combined test loading, called CTLO3, was the last in a series of rehearsals on the full-scale rocket to practice launch operations for #Ariane6, and the final one before its first flight next year. It included tests of "ultimate contingency modes".

https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1737115119379992806

Quote
The test moved the Vulcain 2.1 engine nozzle to simulate extreme ignition conditions and degraded modes of liftoff. This video from a previous test shows how the nozzle can move to keep Ariane 6 on course as it heads up to space. 🚀

Quote
A second part of the rehearsal operations focused on safe unloading of the rocket’s tanks after an emergency launch abort. The control bench was put in a double failure and the operational teams worked with very limited control resources.

https://twitter.com/esa_transport/status/1737115128838111532

Quote
The simulated emergency abort was a real stress case for the command and control systems, but the launch system showed excellent performance and resilience to anomalies. This was the first and only time we test the emergency system, so it was tense and required full concentration. The teams at @EuropeSpacePort and the #Ariane6 designers, builders and operators have proven the system and themselves capable in all scenarios. 👏
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/21/2023 03:25 pm
https://youtu.be/mv82nEMHHZI
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 01/27/2024 08:33 am
Shipment of the rocket stages for the inaugural flight of Ariane 6 has begun - Canopée is underway...
https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/9924120
Quote
The current position of CANOPEE is at North East Atlantic Ocean reported 1 min ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to FRBDX, sailing at a speed of 12.0 knots and expected to arrive there on Jan 27, 17:00.

https://europeanspaceflight.com/arianegroup-prepare-to-ship-ariane-6-flight-hardware-to-kourou/
Quote
ArianeGroup Prepare to Ship Ariane 6 Flight Hardware to Kourou

ArianeGroup is preparing to ship the Ariane 6 core stage and upper stage that will be used for the vehicle’s first flight towards the middle of this year to the launch site in French Guiana. Although the development of Ariane 6 has been hit with several years of delays, ESA and ArianeGroup are on the final stretch to the vehicle’s maiden launch.

According to a 17 January ESA press call, journalists will be given one last look at the upper stage in Bremen, Germany, on 26 January and the core stage in Les Mureaux, France, on 30 January. Once the pomp and circumstance have been completed, the two Ariane 6 stages will be loaded onto the transport vessel Canopée for its 10-day transatlantic crossing to the port of Pariacabo in French Guiana.

The 121-metre Ariane 6 transport ship is fitted with four rigid sails that each measure 37 metres in height. The sails will supplement two diesel engines while also enabling the vessel to reduce its fuel consumption and, thus, its carbon footprint. Canopée is capable of traveling up to 17 knots, or around 31 km/h.

Typically, Canopée would have five stops before embarking on its journey to French Guiana. Its first stop would be Bremen in Germany, where it would collect the Ariane 6 upper stage. It would collect the rocket’s fairing halves from Rotterdam in The Netherlands. Then, it would be on to Le Havre, France, for the core stage. Finally, it would make one last stop in Bordeaux, France, for solid propulsion elements. For this voyage, however, Canopée will not need to make as many stops.

Beyond Gravity, the company responsible for the rocket’s fairing, announced on 6 October 2023 that it was preparing to ship the fairing halves for the maiden flight aboard its own transport ship. On 17 October, EUROPROPULSION, a joint venture owned by ArianeGroup and Avio, announced that it had delivered the first of two P120C boosters for the flight. The company hasn’t yet announced anything about the second booster, but integration activities are likely currently taking place in French Guiana.

The core and upper stages are expected to arrive in French Guiana in mid-February, after which integration activities can commence. The maiden flight of Ariane 6 is currently expected to take place between 15 June and 31 July. While preparations do appear to be continuing smoothly, ArianeGroup has still not announced the results of its investigation into why an Ariane 6 upper stage test conducted on 7 December was aborted early.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/31/2024 03:12 pm
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_31_January_2024

Quote
Ariane 6 joint update report, 31 January 2024

31/01/2024

ESA / Enabling & Support / Space Transportation / Ariane

The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management of ESA, as the overall Ariane 6 procuring entity and launch system architect, of the French space agency CNES, as the launch base prime contractor, of ArianeGroup as the launcher system prime contractor and of Arianespace as the launch service provider. This group reports regularly on progress being made towards inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.

Key milestones towards inaugural flight:

The combined test phase using propellants is over. There is no need for additional tests on the Ariane 6 flight model. We are on track for inaugural launch.

On the way towards the first flight of Ariane 6, these milestones have been conducted since the last joint update:

30 January 2024: Fuel line and umbilical disconnections, Kourou, French Guiana

Teams successfully completed  the disconnection and retraction of the cryogenic systems.

These operations are needed to start dismantling the test model and make way for Flight Model 1.

HFT-4 Upper stage firing test report, Lampoldshausen, Germany

Technical investigations are still ongoing concerning the test abort that occurred after two minutes of the upper stage hot-fire test on the Vinci engine (HFT-4) that was performed on 7 December 2023.

Based on the results of the analysis performed, we can confirm that the launch period for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight is unchanged.

Next milestones:

Combined test campaign

The combined test campaign will continue with dismantling operations. This will validate the ability to disassemble the launcher in case anomalies would require a change of a stage of the rocket on the launch pad. These operations include:

Combined Tests Launcher Dismounting (CTLD) that is required for the launch pad preparation for the Inaugural Flight campaign;

Dummy Payload Dismounting Test that will be executed in the Hall d’Encapsulation (HE) that is part of the Batiment Assemblage Final (BAF).

February: Departure of first flight elements to French Guiana

The stages for the first Ariane 6 flight will leave Europe and arrive by Canopée ship in French Guiana in February.

First flight period

ESA, CNES and ArianeGroup are targeting the first launch of Ariane 6 between 15 June and 31 July 2024.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 02/02/2024 01:31 pm
Shipment of the rocket stages for the inaugural flight of Ariane 6 has begun - Canopée is underway...
https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/9924120
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The current position of CANOPEE is at North East Atlantic Ocean reported 1 min ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to FRBDX, sailing at a speed of 12.0 knots and expected to arrive there on Jan 27, 17:00.

Update:
Canopée is on the way to Bremen to pick up the Ariane 6 upper stage (use link above).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 02/05/2024 08:34 am
The flight upper stage of the first Ariane 6 was transported last night from ArianeGroup to the port in Bremen where it will be loaded onto Canopée (see the following article in German: https://www.butenunbinnen.de/nachrichten/ariane-verlaesst-bremen-raumfahrt-102.html)
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/05/2024 06:21 pm
https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1754585683782774899

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Local media is reporting that the very first Ariane 6 upper stage was due to be loaded onto the dedicated transport ship Canopée in Germany today.

Delayed to Tuesday due to strong winds but will eventually sail across the Atlantic to French Guiana
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: DT1 on 02/07/2024 10:20 am
Shipment of the rocket stages for the inaugural flight of Ariane 6 has begun - Canopée is underway...
https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/9924120
Quote
The current position of CANOPEE is at North East Atlantic Ocean reported 1 min ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to FRBDX, sailing at a speed of 12.0 knots and expected to arrive there on Jan 27, 17:00.

Update:
Canopée is on the way to Bremen to pick up the Ariane 6 upper stage (use link above).

Update:
With the upper stage now on board, Canopée has arrived in Rotterdam to pick-up the fairing halves (use link above).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 02/10/2024 02:46 pm
https://twitter.com/AndrewParsonson/status/1755906192717512753

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Andrew Parsonson
@AndrewParsonson
Interesting note from the president of Airbus Netherlands, Rob Postma, on LinkedIn. During its stopover in Rotterdam, the cargo ship Canopée picked up Flight Model 6 of the Vulcain 2.1 engine aft bay (VuAB).
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/13/2024 06:40 am
https://twitter.com/andrewparsonson/status/1757295549693190243

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And here's a look at the stage in the container. Image credit: ESA / ArianeGroup / Stephane CORVAJA
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mamut on 02/21/2024 05:56 pm
Looks like the first flight model has just arrived  :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gQ9GzKSqI4
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mamut on 02/22/2024 03:38 pm
Ariane 6 joint update report, 22 February 2024

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_22_February_2024

Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: catdlr on 02/27/2024 06:25 pm
Ariane 6 arrives at Europe’s Spaceport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIv0dhFncRM

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Feb 27, 2024  GUIANA SPACE CENTRE
The largest components for the first flight model of Europe’s new rocket Ariane 6 arrived at the port of Pariacabo in Kourou, French Guiana on 21 February 2024 via the novel ship, Canopée (canopy in French).

The Ariane 6 stages and components are all manufactured across Europe. On this trip, Canopée brought the central core for Ariane 6’s first flight. The main engine and the main stage were integrated in Les Mureaux, France, while the upper stage and insulation for the rocket’s exterior were built up in Bremen, Germany.

The various Ariane 6 components are then offloaded and transported by road to the new Ariane 6 launch vehicle assembly building just a few kilometres away. Here, the launcher stages are unpacked and installed on the assembly line for integration, and finally, liftoff.

The Ariane 6 boosters are already in Europe’s Spaceport after their production in Italy, they are the same P120C solid propulsion boosters as used for Europe’s Vega-C rocket.

First the central core will be assembled horizontally after which it is transported to the launchpad. Here it will be lifted into the upright position after which Boosters and the upper stage will be added inside the mobile gantry.

This summer Flight Model-1 will be ready to let its engine rumble and fly.

Credits: ESA/CNES/Arianespace/Arianegroup
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/05/2024 01:22 pm
https://press.ariane.group/le-corps-central-du-vol-inaugural-dariane-6-en-cours-dassemblage-13128/?lang=eng

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The stages for the inaugural Ariane 6 flight currently being assembled
05/03/2024

The main stage and the upper stage for the inaugural Ariane 6 flight are currently in the central core final assembly line in the Launcher Assembly Building (BAL) at the ELA4 launch complex. The central core is made up of the main stage and the upper stage, assembled together with an inter-stage interface structure. Once assembled, the central core will then be transferred from the BAL to the launch pad.

On the launch pad, the central core will be raised to the vertical position and placed on the launch table. The two boosters will then be added, one on each side, to form an Ariane 62. Finally, the upper composite consisting of the fairing and the payloads will then be added to the launcher on the launch pad.

The main stage and the upper stage arrived in French Guiana on board the transport ship Canopée on February 21, traveling from ArianeGroup’s sites of Les Mureaux (France) and Bremen (Germany).
The Ariane 6 program is managed and funded by the European Space Agency (ESA). As industrial lead contractor and design authority for the launcher, ArianeGroup is responsible for its development and production with its industrial partners, as well as for its marketing through its Arianespace subsidiary. The French Space Agency, CNES, and its contractual partners are responsible for the construction of the Ariane 6-dedicated launch pad in Kourou, French Guiana. CNES in partnership with ArianeGroup also conducts the combined tests under the responsibility of ESA.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 03/10/2024 03:50 pm
Video: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2024/03/Ariane_6_stages_having_a_BAL

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Ariane 6 stages having a BAL
06/03/2024

The two central stages for Ariane 6’s first flight are being assembled in the launcher assembly building (BAL) at Europe’s Spaceport. The core stage and the upper stage for Europe’s new rocket Ariane 6 are set to fly in the Summer of 2024. Once assembled, the stages will be transferred to the launch pad.
...

or on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/aeOlXKbvH7c
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mamut on 03/17/2024 01:46 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcizhpxTFF0
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Mamut on 03/20/2024 11:28 am
https://twitter.com/AndrewParsonson/status/1770387971423797527
https://twitter.com/ESA_transport/status/1770381714717540565
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: Ken the Bin on 03/21/2024 02:52 am
ArianeGroup press release:

https://www.ariane.group/en/news/first-booster-for-the-ariane-6-inaugural-flight-is-ready/

Quote from: ArianeGroup
First booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight is ready

A further step on the way towards the first Ariane 6 flight: ArianeGroup teams have completed integration of the first booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight. It has been moved from the booster finishing facility at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to a storage building, awaiting transfer to the launch pad.

The strap-on boosters (technically called lateral solid rocket motors) with the P120C engine provide most of the thrust at lift-off.

21 meters tall with a girth of 3.4 meters, these impressive boosters each carry 142 tons of solid propellant to feed the P120C engine, which can deliver a thrust of up to 4,500 kN during take-off. They operate for a little over two minutes (135 seconds); once they are empty, they detach from the rocket.

An Ariane 6 launcher can be equipped with either two or four boosters, depending on the thrust needed for a specific space mission.

Ariane 6’s inaugural flight will be an A62 configuration, with two boosters. Integration of the second booster is currently underway at the booster finishing facility at the Spaceport.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 03/23/2024 12:36 pm
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_joint_update_report_22_March_2024
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Ariane 6 joint update report, 22 March 2024
22/03/2024

The Ariane 6 Launcher Task Force consists of top management of ESA, as the overall Ariane 6 procuring entity and launch system architect, of the French space agency CNES as the launch base prime contractor, of ArianeGroup as the launcher system prime contractor and of Arianespace as the launch service provider. This group reports regularly on progress being made towards inaugural flight of the new Ariane 6 launcher.
Key milestones towards inaugural flight:

On the way towards the first flight of Ariane 6, these milestones have been conducted since the last joint update:

28 February 2024: Main and upper stage at the launcher assembly building, Kourou, French Guiana

The main and upper stage for the inaugural flight for Ariane 6 were unloaded at the launcher assembly building and integration started.

11 March 2024: First booster for inaugural flight ready, Kourou, French Guiana

The first booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight was integrated at the booster finishing facility  and moved to the launcher integration building for storage.

13 March 2024: Test model disassembled, Kourou French Guiana

The Ariane 6 test model that stood on the launch pad for over a year and was used for qualification of the new rocket has been completely dismantled and the launch pad is now clear and ready to prepare it for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight.

14 March 2024: Start of integration of second solid booster at the booster finishing facility, Kourou, French Guiana

The second booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight has started to be integrated at the booster finishing facility in French Guiana.

15 March 2024: Integration of central core, Kourou, French Guiana

The upper and main stage are being connected to form the central core. The Upper Liquid Propulsion Module (ULPM) and Lower Liquid Propulsion Module (LLPM) were mated horizontally at the Bâtiment d’Assemblage Lanceur (BAL) to form the central core of Ariane 6.
Next milestones:

Inaugural launch campaign

Early April 2024: second booster for inaugural flight ready, Kourou, French Guiana.

The second booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight will be integrated at the booster finishing facility.

April 2024: Verticalisation of central core, Kourou, French Guiana

Transfer of the central core from the launcher assembly building to the launch pad where it will be lifted to its vertical launch position for further assembly.

May 2024: Payloads arrive in Kourou, French Guiana

The passengers for the first Ariane 6 are set to arrive, ready for integration in May.

First flight period

ESA, CNES and ArianeGroup are targeting the first launch of Ariane 6 between 15 June and 31 July 2024.

Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage restart capability, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payload missions, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.
Title: Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/26/2024 04:31 pm
https://twitter.com/emmanuelmacron/status/1772628109340111113

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With the new generation of space which is building Ariane 6, French pride!