Ariane 5 Booster Test Successful

Successful test firing of an Ariane-5 full-scale rocket motor at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. (ESA/CNES/Arianespace photo)

Kourou, French Guiana, Nov. 15/Satnews Daily/ ¾ The Ariane-5 booster’s solid rocket motor was test fired in the Booster Engine Test Stand at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on November 9, 2004, the European Space Agency (ESA) said.

The test, which is part of ESA’s Ariane research and technology support program, better known as ARTA, was aimed to confirm the modifications to be implemented on the next production batch of Ariane-5 boosters to be flown in 2006. Previous to this, two other tests had taken place: ARTA 1 in 2000 and ARTA 2 in 2001.

The test firing was successful, ESA said, and the first results show a good correlation with predictions.

ESA said there were five main modifications to the booster fired Tuesday as follows:

• configuration of the welded rings of the solid rocket motor segments (a new manufacturing process)
• new nozzle incorporating modifications in the design and type of materials
• new thermal protection of the inner face to reduce pressure oscillations and acoustic levels
• a mixed configuration of propellant loading from two different suppliers
• increased propellant loading of segment S1

 
According to ESA, inspections carried out immediately after the test showed no degradation of the different elements of the specimen solid rocket motor. A detailed examination has started and the results will be known within two weeks. Once all the results are received a decision will be taken on whether to accept the modifications tested, ESA revealed.

As always, immediately after the trial the impact on the local environment was assessed. Firing only takes place when meteorological conditions are favorable, to ensure that any impact is limited, ESA added.

Altogether 12 ESA member-states participate in ESA’s ARTA program. Its main objectives are to maintain the qualification level of the Ariane-5 launcher during its production phase by carrying out regular sampling tests on the most sensitive elements of the launcher. ARTA also contributes to improving Ariane-5 performance by testing modifications, deciding on which elements are now obsolete and qualifying improved manufacturing processes to reduce costs.

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