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The sound vibrations of a spacecraft launch: a look back on ArianeGroup’s collaboration with Devialet 01-06-2023 | 3 minutes
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From different business environments but with similar visions, ArianeGroup and Devialet share an appeal for technological feats and outstanding performance, and are ever eagaer to explore new frontiers. Enter the Sound Journey to Space.
The ArianeGroup/ Devialet cube at La Samaritaine in Paris
© ArianeGroup – MIP – Vincent Leloup
Equipped with a 3D microphone, a Devialet engineer travelled to Kourou to record the 170 decibels of an Ariane 5 lift-off, the launch vehicle’s 249th flight. The powerful sensation of the July 2019 launch was then reproduced by eight synchronized Phantom speakers in a soundproof cube of around 20 m2. At its peak, the sound reaches 105 decibels.
An immersive, dreamlike sound journey
Until now, witnessing an Ariane lift-off meant travelling to the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Now, the auditory, but also visually immersive experience, is available to everyone. Motion graphics and 360° lighting effects dazzle viewers during every step of the vehicle launch.
“The idea to collaborate came rather naturally. Acoustics, and the propagation of sound are main focus areas in the space industry. During the Ariane 5 lift-off, a “flood of water” is poured onto the launch pad at the base of the vehicle.
Contrary to common belief, the water isn’t meant for cooling or flame-reduction purposes, but rather to damper the huge sound wave that the Vulcain motor and solid rocket boosters produce when they launch. The wave could otherwise spread along the vehicle and damage the payload.”
Hervé Gilibert, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at ArianeGroup
Contrary to common belief, the water isn’t meant for cooling or flame-reduction purposes, but rather to damper the huge sound wave that the Vulcain motor and solid rocket boosters produce when they launch. The wave could otherwise spread along the vehicle and damage the payload.”
Hervé Gilibert, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at ArianeGroup
The first Sound Journey to Space took place at Expo Dubai in October 2020, where throngs of visitors were rendered starstruck. As a result of its resounding success, the cube was then set up at La Samaritaine department store in Paris. After that, it went on a world tour, with stops in Germany and the United Kingdom, to the delight of sensation seekers across the globe.
The ArianeGroup/ Devialet cube at La Samaritaine in Paris
© ArianeGroup – MIP – Vincent Leloup
“We grapple with similar issues regarding sound waves. The most intense aspect of a lift-off is the sound it generates. Even at a five-kilometer distance from the launch pad, the image is tiny but the sound is intense. ArianeGroup aims to dampen the launch-induced sound waves; our goal is to enhance them, to heighten them.”
Marie Olivereau, Partnership and Events Manager at Devialet
Marie Olivereau, Partnership and Events Manager at Devialet
Six people at a time can enter the cube and experience what an Ariane launch feels like for three and a half minutes. Also available in Devialet stores near you.
This initial successful collaboration between ArianeGroup and Devialet will be sure to make space lovers starry-eyed.
