Groups from ESA, France’s house company CNES and ArianeGroup efficiently accomplished the disconnection and retraction of the Ariane 6 cryogenic techniques on 30 January 2024.
These operations mark the beginning of dismantling the Ariane 6 take a look at mannequin to make method for its first launch. The mixed take a look at part for Ariane 6 utilizing propellants is now over and the European rocket is on observe for its inaugural launch.
The take a look at mannequin that’s on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, stands 62 m excessive. It’s precisely the identical because the ‘manufacturing mannequin’ Ariane 6 rockets that can quickly be launched, besides that its boosters are usually not examined as a part of the entire rocket.
For this take a look at, the gasoline traces for the higher stage and essential stage have been disconnected. The yellow arms assist the gasoline traces that ship liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the higher stage that’s powered by the Vinci orbital engine.
As a substitute of merely disconnecting the traces, the Ariane 6 groups approached the operations as extra checks, or rehearsals, permitting the groups one other probability to apply forward of launch. Seconds earlier than a liftoff, the cryogenic fuelling arms retract from the higher a part of the rocket, eradicating the fuelling traces. The primary stage is fuelled from the underside of the rocket and these traces have been additionally disconnected within the take a look at.
