Author Topic: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates  (Read 343221 times)

Online catdlr

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #220 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



Tony De La Rosa, ...I'm no Feline Dealer!! I move mountains.  but I'm better known for "I think it's highly sexual." Japanese to English Translation.

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #221 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

Online catdlr

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #222 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.



Tony De La Rosa, ...I'm no Feline Dealer!! I move mountains.  but I'm better known for "I think it's highly sexual." Japanese to English Translation.

Offline bolun

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #223 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
« Last Edit: 02/02/2018 07:15 pm by bolun »

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #224 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

edit to add: Force technology Vulcain 2.1 test press release
« Last Edit: 02/03/2018 12:36 pm by Rik ISS-fan »

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #225 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

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.
« Last Edit: 02/16/2018 01:52 pm by Rik ISS-fan »

Offline calapine

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #226 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
« Last Edit: 02/17/2018 05:57 pm by calapine »

Offline vaporcobra

Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #227 on: 02/28/2018 03:04 am »

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #228 on: 02/28/2018 10:58 am »
And the 7th from February 2018.
« Last Edit: 02/28/2018 11:04 am by Rik ISS-fan »

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #229 on: 03/23/2018 07:16 am »
March 2018 update


Offline bolun

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #230 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

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

Image credit: ArianeGroup

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #231 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

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #232 on: 04/08/2018 06:28 pm »
Quote
MT AEROSPACE SHIPS THE FIRST TANK FOR ARIANE 6 TO ARIANEGROUP IN BREMEN
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.

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #233 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
- 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.
« Last Edit: 04/08/2018 06:44 pm by Rik ISS-fan »

Offline SciNews

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #234 on: 04/14/2018 08:18 am »
Ariane 6: Vulcain 2.1 engine tests

Offline GWR64

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #235 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  )

Offline calapine

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #236 on: 04/23/2018 11:11 pm »

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #237 on: 04/27/2018 09:07 pm »
« Last Edit: 04/27/2018 09:20 pm by Rik ISS-fan »

Offline calapine

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #238 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
« Last Edit: 05/07/2018 11:13 pm by calapine »

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: ESA - Ariane 6 Updates
« Reply #239 on: 05/18/2018 04:00 pm »

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