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First fully integrated Ariane 6 on its launch pad for combined tests 10-18-2022 | 2 minutes
Suite
The upper composite dedicated to the Ariane 6 combined test campaign has now joined the rest of the launcher on its launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
©ESA/CNES/AE/CSG Service Optique
This composite, which is 20 meters long, consists of the fairing and a structural adapter on which a satellite mock-up has been installed, has been integrated on the launcher’s upper stage at the top of the central core.
The combined test campaign tests all the interfaces for seamless communication between Ariane 6 and its launch pad. Tests will also be carried out on the flight and control bench software, as well as the tank filling and drainage operations, which are essential for a smooth launch sequence. Ariane 6 will then undergo a hot-firing test on the launch pad, serving as a test bench, with a series of different tests including the ignition of the main stage Vulcain 2.1 engine, aborted firings and long firings with interface disconnection.
This milestone marks another step towards qualifying the new Ariane 6 launch system.
