Ariane 6 Start - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Ariane 6 is a European expendable launch vehicle developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency CNES. It is designed to be a more cost-effective and flexible successor to the Ariane 5 rocket.
- 2. The Ariane 6 rocket will have two variants: Ariane 62, which will have two solid rocket boosters, and Ariane 64, which will have four boosters. This modular design allows for different payload capacities and mission profiles.
- 3. The Ariane 6 is designed to launch a wide range of payloads, including commercial satellites, scientific missions, and interplanetary probes. It will be capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 21,000 kg (46,300 lbs) to geostationary transfer orbit.
- 4. The rocket will be powered by a new cryogenic engine called the Vinci, which is a restartable upper stage engine that can perform multiple burns to deliver payloads to different orbits. This engine will provide greater flexibility and precision in placing satellites into their desired orbits.
- 5. The Ariane 6 rocket will feature a new payload fairing design that will be larger and more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor, the Ariane 5. This will enable the rocket to accommodate larger and more complex payloads.
- 6. The Ariane 6 program is a collaborative effort involving multiple European countries and industries. The rocket is being developed by a consortium of companies led by Airbus Safran Launchers (now ArianeGroup), with contributions from other European aerospace companies.
- 7. The development of the Ariane 6 rocket is part of ESA's efforts to maintain Europe's competitiveness in the global launch market. The rocket is intended to offer a lower cost per launch compared to its predecessors, making it more attractive to commercial satellite operators.
- 8. The first flight of the Ariane 6 rocket is currently scheduled for 2022 from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. The rocket will undergo a series of test flights before entering regular service, with the goal of achieving a high level of reliability and performance.
- 9. The Ariane 6 rocket will be capable of launching multiple payloads on a single mission, using a new dual-payload dispenser system. This will allow for more efficient use of the rocket's capacity and reduce the cost of launching small satellites.
- 10. The Ariane 6 rocket is expected to play a key role in Europe's future space exploration efforts, including missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Its versatility and reliability make it a valuable asset for a wide range of space missions in the coming years.