The European Space Agency (ESA) is making progress towards the launch of its first Ariane 6 rocket, with an announcement of the target launch period expected in October. The agency is hoping for a launch sometime in 2024, but the exact timing is still uncertain.
To prepare for the launch, two important static-fire tests are scheduled for September 5 and October 3. These tests will involve the rocket’s core stage and Vulcain 2.1 engine. If the second test is successful, it will qualify the core stage as “flight-ready.” ESA director general, Josef Aschbacher, has stated that once these tests are completed, the agency will be able to set a more specific launch period.
However, Aschbacher has not speculated on whether the first launch will take place in the first half of 2024, as there are still some unknown factors to consider. The initial static-fire test, which was originally planned for July, had to be postponed multiple times due to technical issues and a lack of liquid oxygen.
Not all testing has been delayed, though. On September 1, the Ariane 6’s Vinci upper stage engine underwent a successful static-fire test, confirming its performance on a nominal flight. Another static-fire test of the upper stage is planned for this fall, which will evaluate its performance in “degraded” conditions and other mission profiles.
Arianespace, the company responsible for launching Ariane 6 rockets, has already received 28 orders for launches, with Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation being the largest customer. Amazon has ordered 18 launches so far.
The development of the Ariane 6 rocket has come at a cost of approximately 4 billion euros ($4.3 billion). This development cost estimate includes a 20% contingency margin that has not been exceeded to date.
In other news, investigation is still ongoing regarding the December 2022 launch failure of the Vega C small launch vehicle. Arianespace, however, is moving forward with a launch of the original version of Vega, which is scheduled for October 4.
These updates indicate progress and continued work towards the launch of the Ariane 6 rocket, which will be an important milestone for the European Space Agency and the space industry as a whole.
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