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:
12 April 2024: Upper stage firing test, Lampoldshausen, GermanyThe last hot firing test (HFT-5) of the Ariane 6 upper stage was completed successfully on April 12 at the German Aerospace Center DLR P5.2 test stand in Lampoldshausen. The aim of this test was to gather further data for future Ariane 6 missions after its inaugural flight. The test focused on demonstrating operation of the upper stage under non-nominal conditions (deviations from the normal operating conditions expected during flight), notably of the APU (Auxiliary Propulsion Unit) which is unique hardware that allows Ariane 6 to be a versatile launcher and launch a diverse roster of missions. DLR and ArianeGroup teams carried out a test sequence profile that included loading the stage tanks and preparing it for flight. The test included three long APU boosts that lasted for a total duration of 66 minutes.This test follows from a test in December 2023. The success of this last test concludes the hot-firing test campaign on the upper stage.
24 April 2024: Transfer and verticalisation of central core, Kourou, French GuianaThe Ariane 6 flight model-1 central core was transferred from the launcher assembly building to the launch pad where it was lifted to its vertical launch position for further assembly.
25-26 April 2024: Transfer of the boosters to the launch pad, Kourou, French GuianaThe two boosters for the Ariane 6 flight model-1 were transported on 25 and 26 April to the launch zone, where operations have started to connect them to the central core.
Next milestones: Inaugural launch campaign
End april: Ariane 6 qualification review, Les Mureaux, FranceThe conclusion of final all-encompassing review of the Ariane 6 launcher and launch system is to be delivered after a four-week intensive work.. This is the final qualification review of the complete launcher system and launch system. The results are to be announced at the beginning of May.
May 2024: Payloads arrive in Kourou, French GuianaThe passengers for the first Ariane 6 are set to arrive, ready for integration in May.
First flight periodESA, 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.
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 in French Guiana.
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.
Julie Lenoir appointed Chief Brand and Communications Officer
Maëla Guyomarc’h promoted as new Human Resources Director
They will both join the Arianespace Executive Committee headed by CEO Stéphane Israël
Julie Lenoir new Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Arianespace, begins her duties March 18, 2024. Having initially worked in communications and marketing in consultancy and industry-related sectors, for companies such as Saint-Gobain and Dassault Aviation, Julie Lenoir joined Safran in 2017. In charge of Space communications in the communications department of Safran Electronics & Defense since 2022, she played a key role in promoting Safran’s value as a leading independent manufacturer within the space industry. She also handled managerial events for the CEO, as well as communications strategy for major acquisitions.
Julie Lenoir, 34 years old, obtained a degree from Montpellier Business School. She is a contributor to the “Elles Bougent” (women on the move) association which encourages young women to take up careers in engineering.
As of March 4, 2024, Maëla Guyomarc’h (51) will be the new Human Resources Director at Arianespace. Her 20 years of experience managing HR projects entailed collaboration with a wide range of multi-business companies in France and abroad, such as EDF, Loto-Québec, IFP Energies Nouvelles, and recently Arianespace as Head of HR development, and later deputy Director of Human Resources.
Maëla Guyomarc’h, who is French Canadian, holds a management degree from Université Paris-Dauphine and a doctorate in human resource management from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.
Arianespace CEO Stéphane Israël declared: “Julie and Maëla are joining the Arianespace Executive Committee at a crucial time for the company and its customers, which includes the inaugural flight of Ariane 6 and preparing for a new system of governance with ArianeGroup. Their expertise and energy will be of great value for these changes ahead.”
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:
09 February 2024: Fairing removal from Ariane 6 test model, Kourou, French Guiana
The fairing and dummy payloads were removed from the Ariane 6 test model and transferred to the Batiment Assemblage Final (BAF). With this the test model on the Ariane 6 launch pad has started to be dismantled to make way for the flight model of Ariane 6.
This dismantling also validates the ability to disassemble the launcher in case anomalies would require a change of a stage of the rocket on the launch pad.In addition, a “Dummy Payload Dismounting Test” will be executed in the Hall d’Encapsulation (HE) that is part of the Batiment Assemblage Final (BAF).
21 February 2024: Arrival of Ariane 6 first flight model main and upper stage, Kourou, French Guiana
The main and upper stage for the inaugural flight for Ariane 6 arrived at Europe’s Spaceport from mainland Europe.
NEXT MILESTONES:
Inaugural launch campaign
March: Integration of central core, Kourou, French Guiana
The upper and main stage will be connected in March to form the central core.
Mid March 2024: First booster for inaugural flight ready and stored, Kourou French Guiana.
The first booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight is being integrated at the booster finishing facility.
Early April 2024: second booster for inaugural flight ready and stored, Kourou, French Guiana.
The second booster for the Ariane 6 inaugural flight is being integrated at the booster finishing facility in French Guiana.
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.
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.
Congrats to our teams on the @Erdayastronaut #AstroAwards2024 for the success of the launch of the mission #JUICE, along with our colleagues of @esa (not forgetting @ArianeGroup too)!
Watch the replay of the ceremony here:
🚀 1 day until the @ErdayAstronaut Astro Awards! The anticipation is soaring high as we gear up for a potential award for the JUICE mission. Stay tuned for this one of a kind event in Austin, TX on January 14th! #AstroAwards #ESA
1/2. @Arianespace is very grateful for @ESA and its member States for having confirmed a very strong commitment to the stabilized phases of #Ariane6 & #VegaC .
En direct du salon #exploreespace2023.
Vous êtes déjà nombreux à venir tester l'expérience d'un lancement. "Impressionnant !", "Décoiffant !".
Venez poser vos questions à notre équipe !
Rendez-vous au salon #Explorespace, du vendredi 3 au dimanche 5 novembre, pour vivre l'expérience d'un lancement. Programme et réservation sur le site de
@cieletespace
👉https://afastronomie.fr/festival-explor-espace
We just received confirmation that the two main passengers are successfully separated!
Now waiting another 50 minutes for the 10 auxiliary payloads separation...
#VV23
@GISTDA @TASA_Taiwan @AirbusSpace @TyvakNanoSat @Avio_Group @esa @CNES @EuropeSpacePort
Hello there. In four hours, we will be live from @EuropeSpacePort for #VV23 with 12 satellites under the fairing of #Vega operated by @Arianespace.@EuropeSpacePort @GISTDA #TASA @Avio_Group @esa @CNES 🚀🛰
See you then on #RoadtoSpace 👇
EN : https://youtube.com/live/XknbyH6ipxc?feature=share
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