Ariane 6 Heavy-Lift Rocket Set to Launch Maiden Voyage
The European Space Agency’s new heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6, is scheduled to launch its maiden voyage on Tuesday from Kourou, French Guiana. The launch window is from 15:00 to 19:00 local time (18:00-22:00 GMT).
Design and Capabilities
Ariane 6 is designed for versatility and modularity, capable of carrying out a wide range of missions. The rocket has a new design and concentrates its major innovations in the upper stage. The upper stage features a new Vinci engine and an Auxiliary Power Propulsion Unit (APU).
Features and Innovations
Ariane 6 has two versions of its main stage, depending on the thrust required. The A62 version measures 56 meters, has two P120C boosters, and can carry up to 10.3 tons to low orbit and 4.5 tons to geostationary orbit. The A64 version has four boosters, can carry up to 21.6 tons, and 11.5 tons in low and geostationary orbit, respectively.
The fairing, where the payload is located, can be 14 or 20 meters long. The Vinci engine is powered by 30 tons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen and can be ignited up to four times, although it will be ignited three times for the maiden voyage. The re-ignition allows Ariane 6 to launch multiple missions to different orbits in a single flight.
Upper Stage and APU
The upper stage is responsible for putting the payload into orbit and features the new Vinci engine and the APU. The APU is a small system that plays a vital role by pressurizing the fuel tanks during the flight and also provides additional boost to Vinci when needed or to satellites that break away in groups, which is important for constellations.
Maiden Voyage Details
The launch is expected to last 2 hours and 51 minutes, during which time it will put several small satellites and experiments into orbit. The Ariane 6 rocket is intended to replace its predecessor Ariane 5, which was taken out of service a year ago after 117 flights.