26.11.2024
In Part 2 of our video series explaining the details of an Ariane 6 launch campaign, we invite you step inside a truly remarkable place – the massive mobile gantry on the Ariane 6 launch zone (ZL4) at Europe’s Spaceport.
This jaw-dropping 90-metre tall multi-platform metallic structure weighing a whopping 8,200 tonnes has been specially designed and constructed for Ariane 6. Its novel concept is bringing a host of efficiency-boosting processes to these final stages of the launch campaign.
Situated directly on the launch pad, the mobile gantry is where the Ariane 6 launcher’s central core (the main and upper stages assembled together) is verticalised, the lateral boosters attached, and the fairing with payloads integrated. Its nine storeys of platforms enable engineers to easily and safely access the launch vehicle at all levels, and it rolls on rails so that it can be retracted just a few hours before lift-off, leaving Ariane 6 in all her streamlined glory on the pad ready for the off.
In the video, our Rocket Makers Philipp, Etienne, Mathurin and Morgane tell us about their activities, and describe how the preparations lead up to a big full-scale “wet” (with real fuel) dress rehearsal, which consists of running a full countdown (stopping just before lift-off, obviously!). We are informed about the incredible cryogenic arms, which supply the upper stage tanks with fuel and pull back, releasing the launcher, at the very moment of lift-off. We learn about the meticulous series of checks to make sure that every single piece of equipment is flight-ready, and changes in production control processes for our new Ariane 6 launcher.
Philipp, Etienne, Mathurin and Morgane: the floor is yours!