![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]()
Kourou - Oct 18, 2002 Arianespace's increased-lift "10-ton" Ariane 5 successfully passed a major milestone with its successful full dress rehearsal yesterday, which included an ignition of the launcher's Vulcain 2 main engine. The evening rehearsal included several simulated countdowns, one of which proceeded through a planned ignition and momentary startup of the Vulcain 2 engine (see photo series at left, provided by an infrared camera on the launch pad). Vulcain 2 is an increased thrust version of the Vulcain main engine used on the basic Ariane 5. Flight 157 is set for liftoff in November, marking the first flight of the "10-ton" Ariane 5 - which will further increase Arianespace's competitiveness in missions with heavyweight dual satellite payloads. Improvements to the "10-ton" Ariane 5 include the use of Vulcain 2 and the ESC-A cryogenic upper stage (which is powered by the same HM-7B engine that has provided years of reliable service as the Ariane 4's third stage propulsion system). Two satellites will be carried by Flight 157: Eutelsat HOT BIRDTM 7 satellite and the French CNES Stentor telecommunications technology demonstrator. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Arianespace SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com
![]() ![]() Flames, smoke and a deafening noise accompanied the first firing test of Vega's Zefiro 9 third-stage solid rocket motor. A first examination of the data indicates that everything went well at the test carried out yesterday at Salto de Quirra in southeast Sardinia. |
![]() |
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |