Europe’s new Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket is set to undergo a crucial test today as it gears up for its operational launch. The test, which will last eight minutes, will be conducted by an Ariane 6 test vehicle and will simulate the engine burn during a real launch. The vehicle will fire its single Vulcain 2.1 engine for 470 seconds as part of the hot-fire test.
The test will take place at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana and is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. EST. The event will be streamed live on Space.com and the European Space Agency’s website, allowing space enthusiasts and industry experts to witness this significant milestone.
The Ariane 6 is Europe’s next-generation heavy-lifter and will replace the retired Ariane 5 rocket. It consists of a core stage powered by a single Vulcain 2.1 engine, an upper stage with a smaller Vinci engine, and two or four solid rocket boosters. The rocket was initially supposed to be operational by 2020 but has faced delays. The latest target for its debut liftoff is now set for 2024.
Today’s test is a crucial step on the path to making the Ariane 6 ready for space missions. It will be the longest “full-stack” run for the rocket’s lower liquid propulsion module equipped with a Vulcain 2.1 engine. During the trial, the Vulcain 2.1 engine will consume nearly 165 tons (150 metric tons) of propellant, including supercold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.
This is not the first time the Ariane 6 has tested its main engine. On September 5, a test-firing was conducted for a duration of four seconds. Today’s test, however, will provide engineers with more comprehensive data to evaluate the rocket’s performance and further refine its design.
The successful completion of this engine test will be a significant achievement for the Ariane 6 project, bringing Europe one step closer to its next-generation launcher. With its improved capabilities, the Ariane 6 aims to enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the commercial space industry and ensure reliable access to space for its customers.
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