ESA Ariane 6

www.dlr.de

DLR – Ariane 6 – DLR ready to test first upper stage

On 14 February 2021, the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) will receive the first upper stage of the European Ariane 6 launcher. The fully functional test module will be subjected to extensive testing at DLR's Lampoldshausen site over the coming months.
www.dlr.de www.dlr.de
 
Interesting bit regarding Ariane 6 and future plans at European level:
Mais avec beaucoup de réticences et d'agacements car l'Allemagne se dit "préoccupée" par "la raison d'être" de ce questionnaire et le "besoin d'ambitions suggéré" de Bruxelles dans le spatial en général, et en particulier dans le domaine des lanceurs. "Contrairement à la logique même du questionnaire, l'Allemagne ne voit pas la Commission européenne et l'UE se charger de la mission d'assurer un accès indépendant, fiable et rentable à l'espace", estime le ministère allemand, qui tire à boulets rouges tout au long d'un document officiel que La Tribune s'est procuré.

L'approche de la Commission européenne "semble non seulement négliger les principes bien établis dans la prise de décision stratégique et la définition des politiques au niveau européen, mais elle est également en contradiction avec la répartition efficace des rôles et des responsabilités en Europe, en particulier du rôle essentiel que l'ESA, l'Agence spatiale européenne, joue dans le secteur spatial européen", explique le ministère allemand des Affaires économiques et de l'Énergie. L'Allemagne souhaite cantonner la Commission à un rôle d'utilisateur des services de lancement d'Ariane 6. Pas plus...

"Les activités spatiales doivent être motivées par les besoins réels et non par le désir de créer une demande de services de lancement", explique l'Allemagne, qui donne une leçon à la Commission.

L'Allemagne s'oppose à Thierry Breton
Très clairement, l'Allemagne n'apprécie pas du tout l'initiative de la Commission européenne, et notamment du commissaire européen en charge du marché intérieur Thierry Breton, qui s'occupe de la politique spatiale européenne. Cette démarche "n'est pas conforme aux attentes de l'Allemagne concernant une politique européenne appropriée des lanceurs. Enfin, au-delà de la gouvernance et des considérations de fond, l'Allemagne a du mal à comprendre l'orientation actuelle que la Commission propose pour les activités spatiales liées à l'UE en général. Du côté de la gouvernance - et contrairement à la logique même du questionnaire -, l'Allemagne ne voit pas la Commission européenne et l'UE se charger de la tâche d'assurer un accès indépendant, fiable et rentable à l'espace", selon le ministère allemand.

Tout comme elle ne voit "aucune nécessité pour l'UE de rechercher une position de leader sur la scène mondiale dans le secteur des lanceurs". D'autant que si Berlin est attachée à l'indépendance européenne en matière d'accès à l'espace, elle continuera à garantir cet accès via l'ESA, soutenue par l'Allemagne. Ambiance. "Il incombe à l'Agence spatiale européenne et à l'industrie de fournir des lanceurs et leurs technologies pour les besoins européens", martèle d'ailleurs le ministère allemand.

Ariane 6 est le lanceur européen pour 15 ans au moins
Il est clair en outre que la France et l'Allemagne ne sont pas du tout alignées sur la stratégie à suivre sur l'avenir des lanceurs européens. Mais pas du tout sur plusieurs sujets vitaux. Autant Paris souhaite tourner la page très rapidement d'Ariane 6 jugée non compétitive en développant un démonstrateur dès 2025, autant Berlin veut "amortir" cet investissement de 4 milliards d'euros, dont 1 milliard financé par l'Allemagne, "pour au moins les 15 prochaines années". Selon l'Allemagne, le successeur d'Ariane 6 ne doit arriver qu'au "milieu des années 2030". Elle estime les coûts de développement pour un nouveau lanceur à "au moins 6 milliards d'euros" et pour une famille de lanceurs complète à plus "de 10 milliards d'euros".
---------------////
But with a lot of reluctance and annoyance because Germany says it is "concerned" by "the raison d'être" of this questionnaire and the "suggested need for ambitions" of Brussels in the space sector in general, and in particular in the field of launchers. "Contrary to the very logic of the questionnaire, Germany does not see the European Commission and the EU taking on the mission of ensuring independent, reliable and profitable access to space," said the German ministry, which draws with red balls throughout an official document that La Tribune has obtained.

The European Commission's approach "seems not only to neglect well-established principles in strategic decision-making and policy-making at European level, but it is also at odds with the effective distribution of roles and responsibilities in Europe, in particularly of the essential role that ESA, the European Space Agency, plays in the European space sector ", explains the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. Germany wishes to confine the Commission to a role of user of Ariane 6 launch services. No more ...

"Space activities must be motivated by real needs and not by the desire to create a demand for launch services", explains Germany, which is teaching the Commission a lesson.

Germany opposes Thierry Breton
Very clearly, Germany does not at all like the initiative of the European Commission, and in particular of the European commissioner in charge of the internal market, Thierry Breton, who is in charge of European space policy. This approach "is not in line with Germany's expectations regarding an appropriate European launchers policy. Finally, beyond governance and substantive considerations, Germany has difficulty understanding the current direction that the Commission proposes for space activities linked to the EU in general. On the governance side - and contrary to the very logic of the questionnaire - Germany does not see the European Commission and the EU taking on the task of ensure independent, reliable and cost-effective access to space, "according to the German ministry.

Just as she sees "no need for the EU to seek a leading position on the world stage in the launcher sector". Especially since if Berlin is attached to European independence in terms of access to space, it will continue to guarantee this access via the ESA, supported by Germany. Atmosphere. "It is the responsibility of the European Space Agency and industry to provide launchers and their technologies for European needs," insists the German ministry.

Ariane 6 is the European launcher for at least 15 years
It is also clear that France and Germany are not at all aligned on the strategy to be followed on the future of European launchers. But not at all on several vital topics. As much as Paris wants to turn the page very quickly on Ariane 6 deemed uncompetitive by developing a demonstrator from 2025, Berlin wants to "amortize" this investment of 4 billion euros, including 1 billion financed by Germany, "for at least the next 15 years ". According to Germany, the successor to Ariane 6 should not arrive until "the middle of the 2030s". It estimates the development costs for a new launcher at "at least 6 billion euros" and for a complete family of launchers at more "than 10 billion euros".
Click to expand...

www.latribune.fr

Stratégie lanceurs : comment l'Allemagne s'oppose fortement à Bruxelles et à la France

En matière spatiale, les coulisses révèlent crument les très fortes oppositions entre les grands acteurs institutionnels (UE, ESA et états membres). C'est ce que révèle le document officiel que La Tribune s'est procuré. Rédigé par le ministère des Affaires économiques allemand et envoyé à la...
www.latribune.fr www.latribune.fr
 
TomcatViP said:
Interesting bit regarding Ariane 6 and future plans at European level:
Mais avec beaucoup de réticences et d'agacements car l'Allemagne se dit "préoccupée" par "la raison d'être" de ce questionnaire et le "besoin d'ambitions suggéré" de Bruxelles dans le spatial en général, et en particulier dans le domaine des lanceurs. "Contrairement à la logique même du questionnaire, l'Allemagne ne voit pas la Commission européenne et l'UE se charger de la mission d'assurer un accès indépendant, fiable et rentable à l'espace", estime le ministère allemand, qui tire à boulets rouges tout au long d'un document officiel que La Tribune s'est procuré.

L'approche de la Commission européenne "semble non seulement négliger les principes bien établis dans la prise de décision stratégique et la définition des politiques au niveau européen, mais elle est également en contradiction avec la répartition efficace des rôles et des responsabilités en Europe, en particulier du rôle essentiel que l'ESA, l'Agence spatiale européenne, joue dans le secteur spatial européen", explique le ministère allemand des Affaires économiques et de l'Énergie. L'Allemagne souhaite cantonner la Commission à un rôle d'utilisateur des services de lancement d'Ariane 6. Pas plus...

"Les activités spatiales doivent être motivées par les besoins réels et non par le désir de créer une demande de services de lancement", explique l'Allemagne, qui donne une leçon à la Commission.

L'Allemagne s'oppose à Thierry Breton
Très clairement, l'Allemagne n'apprécie pas du tout l'initiative de la Commission européenne, et notamment du commissaire européen en charge du marché intérieur Thierry Breton, qui s'occupe de la politique spatiale européenne. Cette démarche "n'est pas conforme aux attentes de l'Allemagne concernant une politique européenne appropriée des lanceurs. Enfin, au-delà de la gouvernance et des considérations de fond, l'Allemagne a du mal à comprendre l'orientation actuelle que la Commission propose pour les activités spatiales liées à l'UE en général. Du côté de la gouvernance - et contrairement à la logique même du questionnaire -, l'Allemagne ne voit pas la Commission européenne et l'UE se charger de la tâche d'assurer un accès indépendant, fiable et rentable à l'espace", selon le ministère allemand.

Tout comme elle ne voit "aucune nécessité pour l'UE de rechercher une position de leader sur la scène mondiale dans le secteur des lanceurs". D'autant que si Berlin est attachée à l'indépendance européenne en matière d'accès à l'espace, elle continuera à garantir cet accès via l'ESA, soutenue par l'Allemagne. Ambiance. "Il incombe à l'Agence spatiale européenne et à l'industrie de fournir des lanceurs et leurs technologies pour les besoins européens", martèle d'ailleurs le ministère allemand.

Ariane 6 est le lanceur européen pour 15 ans au moins
Il est clair en outre que la France et l'Allemagne ne sont pas du tout alignées sur la stratégie à suivre sur l'avenir des lanceurs européens. Mais pas du tout sur plusieurs sujets vitaux. Autant Paris souhaite tourner la page très rapidement d'Ariane 6 jugée non compétitive en développant un démonstrateur dès 2025, autant Berlin veut "amortir" cet investissement de 4 milliards d'euros, dont 1 milliard financé par l'Allemagne, "pour au moins les 15 prochaines années". Selon l'Allemagne, le successeur d'Ariane 6 ne doit arriver qu'au "milieu des années 2030". Elle estime les coûts de développement pour un nouveau lanceur à "au moins 6 milliards d'euros" et pour une famille de lanceurs complète à plus "de 10 milliards d'euros".
---------------////
But with a lot of reluctance and annoyance because Germany says it is "concerned" by "the raison d'être" of this questionnaire and the "suggested need for ambitions" of Brussels in the space sector in general, and in particular in the field of launchers. "Contrary to the very logic of the questionnaire, Germany does not see the European Commission and the EU taking on the mission of ensuring independent, reliable and profitable access to space," said the German ministry, which draws with red balls throughout an official document that La Tribune has obtained.

The European Commission's approach "seems not only to neglect well-established principles in strategic decision-making and policy-making at European level, but it is also at odds with the effective distribution of roles and responsibilities in Europe, in particularly of the essential role that ESA, the European Space Agency, plays in the European space sector ", explains the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. Germany wishes to confine the Commission to a role of user of Ariane 6 launch services. No more ...

"Space activities must be motivated by real needs and not by the desire to create a demand for launch services", explains Germany, which is teaching the Commission a lesson.

Germany opposes Thierry Breton
Very clearly, Germany does not at all like the initiative of the European Commission, and in particular of the European commissioner in charge of the internal market, Thierry Breton, who is in charge of European space policy. This approach "is not in line with Germany's expectations regarding an appropriate European launchers policy. Finally, beyond governance and substantive considerations, Germany has difficulty understanding the current direction that the Commission proposes for space activities linked to the EU in general. On the governance side - and contrary to the very logic of the questionnaire - Germany does not see the European Commission and the EU taking on the task of ensure independent, reliable and cost-effective access to space, "according to the German ministry.

Just as she sees "no need for the EU to seek a leading position on the world stage in the launcher sector". Especially since if Berlin is attached to European independence in terms of access to space, it will continue to guarantee this access via the ESA, supported by Germany. Atmosphere. "It is the responsibility of the European Space Agency and industry to provide launchers and their technologies for European needs," insists the German ministry.

Ariane 6 is the European launcher for at least 15 years
It is also clear that France and Germany are not at all aligned on the strategy to be followed on the future of European launchers. But not at all on several vital topics. As much as Paris wants to turn the page very quickly on Ariane 6 deemed uncompetitive by developing a demonstrator from 2025, Berlin wants to "amortize" this investment of 4 billion euros, including 1 billion financed by Germany, "for at least the next 15 years ". According to Germany, the successor to Ariane 6 should not arrive until "the middle of the 2030s". It estimates the development costs for a new launcher at "at least 6 billion euros" and for a complete family of launchers at more "than 10 billion euros".
Click to expand...

www.latribune.fr

Stratégie lanceurs : comment l'Allemagne s'oppose fortement à Bruxelles et à la France

En matière spatiale, les coulisses révèlent crument les très fortes oppositions entre les grands acteurs institutionnels (UE, ESA et états membres). C'est ce que révèle le document officiel que La Tribune s'est procuré. Rédigé par le ministère des Affaires économiques allemand et envoyé à la...
www.latribune.fr www.latribune.fr
Click to expand...

So Ariane 6 will be the premier European launcher for at least fifteen years, One question though. What comes next after Ariane 6 is retired? A heavy launcher?
 
Well, Ariane 6 lasting for 15 years is a German wish, not the current plan. After Ariane 6 comes Ariane Next, which will be a reusable launcher. R&D for this is underway in the Future Launcher Preparation Programme FLPP, including Frog and Themis (which investigate landing the first stage), and Prometheus (a methane-LOX engine).
 
Notice that the German point of view is not that Ariane 6 should be the only single launcher but that this is what EU paid for and that this is what the EU should stick with it since a new one will cost more money in development than the loss of using it during that period of time (15 years).

It doesn't exclude private ventures and even suggests the idea that the EU taking the lead would be counter-productive and against the role of the European administration (an evidence to me).

Let's also notice that the present situation was long foreseeable, even at program launch (I vividly remember the gamut of insults I and others received at the time criticizing Ariane 6 architecture! ).
 
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And in effect, same day news:
Airbus contracts Isar (German startup) for sat launch services:
www.latribune.fr

Coup de tonnerre, Airbus Space confie à Isar Aerospace plusieurs lancements de satellites

Airbus Defence & Space a signé avec Isar Aerospace un contrat de lancement ferme pour un petit satellite d'observation de la Terre en orbite basse (LEO) ainsi que plusieurs options. Isar Aerospace, la petite société de services de lancement européenne qui monte, qui monte.
www.latribune.fr www.latribune.fr
 
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Space activities must be motivated by real needs and not by the desire to create a demand for launch services

Berlin wants to "amortize" this investment

It's going to take a long time to amortize the investment if there's no demand. This rhetoric is serving only to save face today.

I'm reminded of this lesson from history:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbinia

Parsons' ship turned up unannounced at the Navy Review for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria at Spithead, on 26 June 1897, in front of the Prince of Wales, foreign dignitaries, and Lords of the Admiralty. As an audacious publicity stunt, Turbinia, which was much faster than any ship at the time, raced between the two lines of navy ships and steamed up and down in front of the crowd and princes, while easily evading a navy picket boat that tried to pursue her, almost swamping it with her wake.

The Admiralty paid attention.
 
Ariane Space new strategy:
- constrain the EU for a minimum number of launch per year
Au coeur de la proposition : une contribution à l'exploitation du lanceur et un engagement sur un nombre minimum de lancements institutionnels, soit un effort supplémentaire de l'ordre de 140 millions d’euros par an durant 6 ans.
Cette résolution doit obtenir l'aval des 22 Etats membres. Elle a le soutien de la France et l’Allemagne, qui contribuent pour respectivement plus de 50% et plus de 20% au financement d’Ariane 6, En cas de vote positif, ce nouveau dispositif serait mis en place au plus tôt à partir de fin 2024.
----------------------
At the heart of the proposal: a contribution to the operation of the launcher and a commitment to a minimum number of institutional launches, ie an additional effort of around 140 million euros per year for 6 years.

This resolution must obtain the approval of the 22 member states. It has the support of France and Germany, which respectively contribute more than 50% and more than 20% to the financing of Ariane 6. In the event of a positive vote, this new system would be put in place as soon as possible end of 2024.
Click to expand...

- Rename contracts won by their competitors as subsidies!

Guerre des prix pour le lancement des satellites géostationnaires, arrivée des constellations, surcapacité dans l’offre de lanceurs… L’ESA évoque même un changement complet de paradigme.


Si les effets se font déjà ressentir, la cause est également bien identifiée. «Dans un passé récent, les parts de marché d’Arianespace ont diminué et l’on doit aujourd’hui se poser la question : quel modèle adopter du côté européen face au soutien massif du gouvernement américain, des acteurs domestiques comme Space X mais aussi ULA (United Launch Alliance, alliance entre Boeing et Lockheed Martin, ndlr)», explique Daniel Neuenschwander, directeur du transport spatial à l'ESA.
------------------------------

Price war for the launch of geostationary satellites, arrival of constellations, overcapacity in the supply of launchers ... ESA even mentions a complete paradigm shift.

If the effects are already being felt, the cause is also well identified. “In the recent past, Arianespace's market shares have fallen and we must now ask the question: what model to adopt on the European side in the face of massive support from the American government, domestic players like Space X but also ULA (United Launch Alliance, alliance between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, editor's note) ”, explains Daniel Neuenschwander, director of space transport at ESA.
Click to expand...

You have to wonder if Ariane Space management didn't divest so much resources in this nonsensical intricate rhetorics if their core business wouldn't see a direct improvement?!

www.usinenouvelle.com

L'Europe joue son va-tout pour sauver Ariane 6 et son industrie spatiale

Pour permettre à Arianespace et ArianeGroup de lutter à armes égales face à leurs concurrents américains SpaceX et ULA, fortement soutenus...-Aéro - Spatial
www.usinenouvelle.com www.usinenouvelle.com
 
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Combined tests start for Ariane 6 at Europe’s Spaceport
15/09/2021

Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana is performing the first combined test in preparation for the inaugural flight of Ariane 6, Europe’s new generation launch vehicle.

This test confirms the operations and electrical and mechanical equipment required for integration of the upper part of the launch vehicle. The procedures are carried out in conditions representative of a launch campaign. A major step of this test involves the closure of the Ariane 6 fairing around the payload.

Preparations started in May 2021 with a de-risking campaign of the mechanical operations.

The fairing, built by Ruag Space in Switzerland, stands 20 m high and 5.4 m in diameter. It protects payloads from the thermal, acoustic and aerodynamic stresses on the ascent to space.

This combined test was performed using a new integration dock, composed of a large white frame, with two mobile platforms adjustable to any level and accessible by fixed stairs and platforms, developed by the French space agency, CNES.

The assembly building has two halls: one for integration of the fairing and another where the payload is stowed in the fairing. This encapsulation area is a spacious clean room for Ariane 6.

These activities are part of extensive ‘combined tests’ at the Spaceport by ESA, CNES, ArianeGroup and other industry partners. They will prove the systems and procedures to prepare Europe's new Ariane 6 launch vehicle for flight.

ESA oversees the implementation and management of verification and qualification activities up to and including the first flight of Ariane 6 before handing over to the exploitation authority.

Ariane 6 is designed to extend guaranteed access to space for Europe and will be capable of carrying out all types of missions to all orbits. It features a modular design with two versions: Ariane 62, fitted with two strap-on boosters, and Ariane 64, with four.
 
Flyaway said:
Combined tests start for Ariane 6 at Europe’s Spaceport
15/09/2021

Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana is performing the first combined test in preparation for the inaugural flight of Ariane 6, Europe’s new generation launch vehicle.

This test confirms the operations and electrical and mechanical equipment required for integration of the upper part of the launch vehicle. The procedures are carried out in conditions representative of a launch campaign. A major step of this test involves the closure of the Ariane 6 fairing around the payload.

Preparations started in May 2021 with a de-risking campaign of the mechanical operations.

The fairing, built by Ruag Space in Switzerland, stands 20 m high and 5.4 m in diameter. It protects payloads from the thermal, acoustic and aerodynamic stresses on the ascent to space.

This combined test was performed using a new integration dock, composed of a large white frame, with two mobile platforms adjustable to any level and accessible by fixed stairs and platforms, developed by the French space agency, CNES.

The assembly building has two halls: one for integration of the fairing and another where the payload is stowed in the fairing. This encapsulation area is a spacious clean room for Ariane 6.

These activities are part of extensive ‘combined tests’ at the Spaceport by ESA, CNES, ArianeGroup and other industry partners. They will prove the systems and procedures to prepare Europe's new Ariane 6 launch vehicle for flight.

ESA oversees the implementation and management of verification and qualification activities up to and including the first flight of Ariane 6 before handing over to the exploitation authority.

Ariane 6 is designed to extend guaranteed access to space for Europe and will be capable of carrying out all types of missions to all orbits. It features a modular design with two versions: Ariane 62, fitted with two strap-on boosters, and Ariane 64, with four.
Click to expand...

That’s good news for ESA and Ariane 6 Flyaway, one question though, when is the first flight of Ariane 6 supposed to be scheduled?
 
FighterJock said:
Flyaway said:
Ariane 6 is designed to extend guaranteed access to space for Europe and will be capable of carrying out all types of missions to all orbits. It features a modular design with two versions: Ariane 62, fitted with two strap-on boosters, and Ariane 64, with four.
Click to expand...

That’s good news for ESA and Ariane 6 Flyaway, one question though, when is the first flight of Ariane 6 supposed to be scheduled?
Click to expand...

Launch costs are what an order of magnitude higher than SpaceX?
 
Lascaris said:
FighterJock said:
Flyaway said:
Ariane 6 is designed to extend guaranteed access to space for Europe and will be capable of carrying out all types of missions to all orbits. It features a modular design with two versions: Ariane 62, fitted with two strap-on boosters, and Ariane 64, with four.
Click to expand...

That’s good news for ESA and Ariane 6 Flyaway, one question though, when is the first flight of Ariane 6 supposed to be scheduled?
Click to expand...

Launch costs are what an order of magnitude higher than SpaceX?
Click to expand...
Yes I believe so. I do wonder as a generation of Ariane launchers just how long it will stick around for. Wouldn’t surprise me if it is replaced much quicker than Ariane 4 & 5 were.
 
Flyaway said:
Lascaris said:
FighterJock said:
Flyaway said:
Ariane 6 is designed to extend guaranteed access to space for Europe and will be capable of carrying out all types of missions to all orbits. It features a modular design with two versions: Ariane 62, fitted with two strap-on boosters, and Ariane 64, with four.
Click to expand...

That’s good news for ESA and Ariane 6 Flyaway, one question though, when is the first flight of Ariane 6 supposed to be scheduled?
Click to expand...

Launch costs are what an order of magnitude higher than SpaceX?
Click to expand...
Yes I believe so. I do wonder as a generation of Ariane launchers just how long it will stick around for. Wouldn’t surprise me if it is replaced much quicker than Ariane 4 & 5 were.
Click to expand...

I think that the next Ariane will appear a lot sooner than when Ariane 5 did after Ariane 4 as well Flyaway. I have always have thought that Ariane 6 is just a halfway house rocket.
 
We don't have to guess on that: several R&D projects for a successor are underway already: a methane/LOX engine project and a reusability demonstrator.

Ariane 6 is intended as a stopgap: a lot cheaper than Ariane 5 and available ASAP, to reduce the cost as soon as possible while working on a better solution.
 
The true story is that Arianespace blundered in 2012-2014, at a time when SpaceX success was far from being an evidence.

The European governments dithered at the worse possible moment, plus the French and Italian solid-fuel lobby got an ATK-Shuttle-Ares-SLS creepy moment - and played havoc with early Ariane 6 designs.

Ariane 6 ended partially obsolete compared to Falcon 9, 9R. So its career will probably be rather brief: it may be gone by 2030 and replaced by something with better chance of survival against the SpaceX onslaught - Prometheus, Callisto, whatever.

I wouldn't post that at NASAspaceflight.com because the SpaceX fanbois would happily rip me into pieces... and Arianespace along it.

At times it is rather irritating, really.
 
Archibald said:
I wouldn't post that at NASAspaceflight.com because the SpaceX fanbois would happily rip me into pieces... and Arianespace along it.
Click to expand...
yes the situtation in NASAspaceflight.com there is something like this...
530660_1296077984485_500_296.jpg

...compare to this forum deals with some topics
lil-jons-tank


Just Kidding !
 
If NASAspaceflight tried to truly moderate the SpaceX fanboism, they would face three options
Option A - losing 80% of their present membership
Option B - moderators having no life and dying of exhaustion
Option C - going bankrupt and out of business

Please note that I really appreciate what SpaceX is doing. Having grown in the Goldin (and boring) Shuttle / pre-ISS days of the 90's; and presently aged 39; I feel it is a good time to be alive and watch SpaceX change the face of human spaceflight. Nobody would have thought this possible only 10 years or 15 years ago.

What really bothers me is the fanboism, cranked not to 11 but well past 22; and the way the fanboys pee on old space.

It becomes more and more unbearable with each passing week.

There is a real lack of respect for the old guard - of course the Jim being the Jim, he doesn't care (ROTFL) - but people like Ed Kyle or others... they are no longer respected.
I've seen some debates between the old guard and the newspace fanatics turn very ugly. People that were posting before 2011 or 2014 are no longer seen...
 
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Archibald said:
The true story is that Arianespace blundered in 2012-2014, at a time when SpaceX success was far from being an evidence.

The European governments dithered at the worse possible moment, plus the French and Italian solid-fuel lobby got an ATK-Shuttle-Ares-SLS creepy moment - and played havoc with early Ariane 6 designs.

Ariane 6 ended partially obsolete compared to Falcon 9, 9R. So its career will probably be rather brief: it may be gone by 2030 and replaced by something with better chance of survival against the SpaceX onslaught - Prometheus, Callisto, whatever.

I wouldn't post that at NASAspaceflight.com because the SpaceX fanbois would happily rip me into pieces... and Arianespace along it.

At times it is rather irritating, really.
Click to expand...
I think it’s obvious to most people that Arianespace got caught flat footed by Space X. But to be fair they were hardly the only ones.
 
Before this topic is dominated by SpaceX FANDOOM
There is a Threat about SpaceX that fit perfect this kind discussion

Back to Topic
ESA/Arianespace din't see the express train that hit them...
In there defence SpaceX was newcomer with crazy Idea "let reuse our Rocket", nobody take them seriously
But things start to change radical in 2010s SpaceX as offers low price launches,
and on 22 December 2015 a rocket stage return to launch site and landed, it changes everything!

2010 ESA/Arianespace was in power-struggle about Ariane 6,won by Solid-Fuel Lobby.
But some ESA member were no very enthusiastic about loosing there contract for ESA rocket and start to complain
The first were the French and Germans manufactures for Ariane 5 Core Stage and Vulcan Engine,
and since the Germans were keen to keep their Aerospace Industry running.
They force a change to second Ariane 6 design that is build, while refused to listen for need for reuse...

Here hit them SpaceX in full force with Falcon Heavy and increase of Falcon 9 launches with lower Prices
pushing the Russians almost out of launch business for Western Satellites, except for a launch site in south America...

now under the express train, ESA/Arianespace try to cope with situation and there response:
Study and testing reuse technology for a Ariane Rocket in 2040 later rescheduled to 2030 !
but this is Elon Musk that drive that express train, and in Texas he build a monster of a Rocket to rule them all: Starship/Superheavy...
 
Archibald said:
What really bothers me is the fanboism, cranked not to 11 but well past 22; and the way the fanboys pee on old space.

It becomes more and more unbearable with each passing week.
Click to expand...
They sacked me for sticking up for SLS (Ares V) years ago.
 
Sometimes I wonder if BFR-Starship is really a threat to Ariane 6, being so giganormous.
 
Archibald said:
Sometimes I wonder if BFR-Starship is really a threat to Ariane 6, being so giganormous.
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At first it's "OH that's big dumb booster!"
then follow by "OOH It's full reusable !!"
with discovery "OOOH it's launch cost is very cheap !!!"
an outcry "OOOOH it can bring large Payload BACK !!!!"

I guess that allot of cargo Starship will have there Payload bay full satellites of various customer
like Ride share, only bigger sat for LEO and GEO and later beyond
once they qualified for Defence purpose Starship will not only carry one reconnaissance satellite, but it's backup too !
or drop a constellation of Satellite or collecting them
Ah yeah there is that thing called Intercontinental ballistic Transport - 150 Tons in 90min to destination world wide.

suddenly, Ariane 6, Vulcan, New Glenn and others launcher look like fireworks rockets...
 
Cryoarms successfully tested:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1450392034511138816
View: https://twitter.com/thivallee/status/1450392034511138816

https://twitter.com/x/status/1448953782910476298
View: https://twitter.com/Ariane6/status/1448953782910476298


How to transport and handle an #Ariane6 solid rocket motor? Tests at @EuropeSpacePort let us validate these industrial tools on an inert mock-up before doing it on the real booster. We call this motor the #P120C and it will also be used as the first stage of #VegaC @vega_sts
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Flyaway said:
The @Ariane6 core and upper stages intended for combined tests on the launchpad are now en route to @EuropeSpacePort. The two stages are scheduled to arrive in French Guiana later this month..
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https://twitter.com/x/status/1479027483592830978
View: https://twitter.com/esa/status/1479027483592830978
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At last some Ariane 6 hardware finally getting ready to be tested, I wonder how long it will be until the first Ariane 6 rocket will be ready for launch.
 
Ariane 6 is at CSG:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1483439950662184972
View: https://twitter.com/AschbacherJosef/status/1483439950662184972


Both core and upper stages are inside the assembly halls:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1484478306791694337
View: https://twitter.com/esa_sts/status/1484478306791694337


www.esa.int

Ariane 6 upper stage readies for tests at Europe's Spaceport

The central core of ESA’s new generation Ariane 6 launch vehicle arrived at Europe’s Spaceport on 18 January and is now inside the launch vehicle assembly building.
www.esa.int
 
However, while the Vega C appears set to launch in May, Aschbacher was more tentative about the prospects of an inaugural Ariane 6 launch this year.

“Today, I’m not in a position to give you an exact maiden flight launch date,” he said, because of two upcoming series of tests: hot-fire tests of the upper stage at a facility in Lampoldshausen, Germany, scheduled to start in February as well as combined tests of the core and upper stages of the rocket at the spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Those two stages arrived in Kourou this week.

Those tests, he noted, could result in additional work on the vehicle before it is cleared for its first launch. “If everything goes according to plan, we launch this year,” he said, “but as I said, there two milestones are critical and, only after having passed them, we can consolidate a maiden flight launch date for sure.”
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spacenews.com

ExoMars on schedule for September launch

After missing its initial launch window in 2020 in part because of the pandemic, ESA’s ExoMars mission is on schedule for a launch in September.
spacenews.com spacenews.com
 
ESA selects payloads for Ariane 6 first flight
11/02/2022

ESA in close collaboration with ArianeGroup and Arianespace has selected payloads which best fit the profile of the first mission of its new generation Ariane 6 launch vehicle from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

This selection follows ESA’s announcement of opportunity in November 2021, which offered a launch to low Earth orbit for experiments up to a total mass of 80 kg and release of payloads with a combined mass of up to 800 kg. They will be hosted on a ‘mass dummy’ featuring a large platform, inside the 14 m long version of the fairing on an Ariane 6 fitted with two strap-on boosters (A62 version).

This demonstration flight will contribute to the qualification of the Ariane 6 launch system as part of the transition from its highly reliable and successful predecessor, Ariane 5. This launch is an important step in the preparation for future institutional missions planned for Ariane 6, such as Galileo.

For this flight, ESA is responsible for operations from the launch campaign to the payload separation, and then disposal of the upper stage through burn-up during reentry.

“I’m glad that ESA can use the very first Ariane 6 flight as a platform for launching these fantastic payloads, some of which will enable European start-ups to validate their systems and provide future commercial services. The Ariane 6 inaugural launch is a key step towards full qualification of the Ariane 6 launch system,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation.

Experiments on board

Four experiments, ranging in mass from 0.15–12 kg, will be fixed to the platform on top of the mass dummy. These experiments will return valuable data up to the end of the mission when the upper stage reenters Earth’s atmosphere.


Deployers

Two deployers will be arranged on board and will accommodate CubeSats. The RAMI deployer is built by Spain’s UARX Space, and the ExoPOD is built by ExoLaunch in Germany.

With some spaces for CubeSats still available, ESA may add to this collection closer to launch.

Ariane 6 is a modular launch vehicle using two or four P120C strap-on boosters to achieve the required performance. The reignitable Vinci engine powers the upper stage which allows Ariane 6 to reach a range of orbits to deliver more payloads on a single launch. The upper stage engine will typically burn one, two or more times to reach the required orbits. After payload separation a final burn deorbits the upper stage to mitigate space debris.

Ariane 6 is a project managed and funded by the European Space Agency. ArianeGroup is design authority and industrial prime contractor for the launcher system. The French space agency CNES is prime contractor for the development of the Ariane 6 launch base at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Arianespace is the launch service provider of Ariane 6 launches.

www.esa.int

ESA selects payloads for Ariane 6 first flight

ESA in close collaboration with ArianeGroup and Arianespace has selected payloads which best fit the profile of the first mission of its new generation Ariane 6 launch vehicle from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
www.esa.int
 
Ariane 6, Vega-C, microlaunchers: ESA looks to full range of launch options for European institutional missions

... ESA continues to implement the sanctions on Russia decided by its Member States and to assess their impact on ongoing programmes. This work continues in close coordination with industrial and international partners.

For missions affected by Roscosmos’ withdrawal of Soyuz launches from Europe’s Spaceport and for which ESA is the launch service procuring entity, being Galileo M10, Galileo M11, Euclid and EarthCare– ESA is assessing the Ariane 6 and Vega-C launch services, and will propose a baseline and back-up option for each of these missions in anticipation of the ESA Council meeting in June. Regular exchanges between ESA and EC are addressing the Galileo launch services.

ESA Director of Space Transportation Daniel Neuenschwander adds that work continues on mitigation measures to secure the continuity of Vega-C launch services and on ensuring the maximum Ariane 6 launch services for institutional missions in the period 2023/2024.
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It's fun if not weird to think Arianespace managed to grab a megaconstellation launch contract against SpaceX - despite being classic rocketry, more expensive, and expendable. :cool:

That the megaconstellation is Bezos' Kuiper makes it even more delightful. :D

Then again, Oneweb has just handled a launch contract to SpaceX despite Starlink being a rival system. o_O

So bizarre, if not absurd.
 
Ariane 6 cryo-arms mimic liftoff

Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana is preparing for the arrival of Ariane 6, ESA’s new heavy-lift rocket. The latest round of testing aims to validate the system of fuel lines and mechanical supporting arms that will keep Ariane 6 topped up with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in the critical moments before liftoff. This work is part of the final preparations of the new Ariane 6 launch complex and all the systems necessary for a launch.

With the mobile gantry fully retracted – as for a launch – two articulated arms attached to the upper part of the Ariane 6 mast on the launch pad were separated and retracted while filled with hydrogen that is cooled to its liquid state at cryogenic temperatures. This manoeuvre mimics the seconds before liftoff.

The ‘cryo-arms’ are part of the fluidic connection system which connects to Ariane 6 in the final countdown to launch. They support the upper umbilicals which supply cryogenic top-up fuel, maintain the correct pressurisation of the tanks, cool the engines before ignition and generally keep the upper stage in an optimal condition right up to the point of liftoff. The same umbilicals allow the fuel to be drained safely if a launch is aborted.

Each arm is 13 m long and weighs 20 tonnes. One arm supplies liquid hydrogen at -250°C, the other supplies liquid oxygen at -180°C. When Ariane 6 lifts off, these arms will disconnect from the rocket and then pivot away quickly, in just 2.6 seconds, to avoid interfering with the rocket's ascent.

This manoeuvre requires great precision. Almost simultaneously it is necessary to disconnect the arms, protect the supply hoses from gas ejections from the boosters and allow the launch vehicle to pass while avoiding any contact with it.

A 50-tonne counterweight inside the mast speeds up the retraction of the arms. A smart damping system allows the arms to brake before the end of their swing backwards in order to protect the mechanical links with the mast.

Keeping the fluid supplies connected with the rocket until the moment of liftoff guarantees the best availability and simplification of the interface with the launch vehicle.

The disconnection of the cryo-arms from Ariane 6 is much faster than it is from Ariane 5, where the manoeuvre comes six seconds before liftoff. This means the sequence for Ariane 6 can be triggered at the latest possible moment in the countdown, reducing the chance of unnecessary disconnects in the event of an aborted launch.

Technical qualification tests are continuing. The objective now is to complete the qualification process of the hydrogen and oxygen filling lines and launcher interfaces for the lower, core stage.

www.esa.int

Ariane 6 cryo-arms mimic liftoff

www.esa.int

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGdyOvI70gU
 
The maiden launch of Ariane 6 has been delayed to sometime in 2023.

The source said an issue with the "cryogenic connection system" had been a critical item requiring a lot of focus for development efforts and a driver of delays. However, that test was recently completed, with the cryogenic lines carrying liquefied hydrogen and oxygen to the Ariane 6 rocket right up until liftoff, demonstrating a successful release at the correct moment.

Due to development issues, other critical tests have been long-delayed as well, such as a hot-fire test of the rocket's second stage, which features a single Vinci engine. The official said he expected the second stage test to occur soon at Lampoldshausen, Germany.

As is often the case, European Space Agency officials and the rocket's developer, Ariane Group, are also struggling to complete ground systems and flight software. "It's the ground systems coming together with the launcher, and they need to talk to each other in a very accurate way," the official said. "This is a source of challenge in every launcher development."

The official declined to provide a new, specific launch target for Ariane 6's debut flight. (A separate source has told Ars the working date is no earlier than April 2023). The new launch target is expected to be revealed on July 13 during a joint news conference with European space officials.

The Ariane 6 program's management has also been streamlined, the official said. Development of the rocket has been funded by the European Space Agency, with Ariane Group as the primary contractor. The goal of reconfiguring the project's management is both to ensure the smoothest path to orbit, as well as prepare to "ramp up" production for the vehicle. So far, development of the Ariane 6 rocket has cost about 3.8 billion euros (US $4 billion).
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arstechnica.com

Europe’s major new rocket, the Ariane 6, is delayed again

"This is a source of challenge in every launcher development."
arstechnica.com arstechnica.com
 
As a German and by extension European citizen as well as an aerospace engineer it truly saddens me to see ESA firmly stuck in the 20th century. I guess industry interests rule.
 
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martinbayer said:
As a German and by extension European citizen as well as an aerospace engineer it truly saddens me to see ESA firmly stuck in the 20th century.
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Totally agree with you martinbayer, I wanted the Ariane 6 to be something special. Hopefully the next Ariane will be a better designed rocket.
 

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