Ariane 5 – Program Status
- Paper number
IAC-08.D2.1.6
- Author
Mr. Denis Schmitt, Arianespace, France
- Coauthor
Mr. Louis Laurent, Arianespace, France
- Year
2008
- Abstract
While successfully and regularly operating the Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle since 3 years, Arianespace continue to work to improve its ServiceSolutions offer following three main axis: a continuous effort towards improvement of manufacturing and operational processes, the preparation of a new batch order of launch vehicles to industry and its participation in the preparation ESA programs that will be proposed to ESA Council meeting at ministerial level in November 2008. While focusing of Ariane 5 activities, the paper will describe how Arianespace is getting ready to operate the European family of launch vehicles.
1. Recent flights results
In this first part, the paper will describe the results of the Ariane 5 flights performed over the last 12 months. It will address Ariane 5 ECA flights but also the first Ariane 5 ES flight for the European ATV mission. The major launch campaign and flight events will be presented with their lessons learnt.
2. Ariane 5 program drivers
After a brief description on the expected launch services demand for the next years, the paper will discuss the Ariane 5 production programs drivers and more specifically:
- The continuous quality improvement process implemented to ensure regular Ariane 5 operations: configuration stabilization, enlargement of the launcher qualification domain, manufacturing and preparation operations review with the objective to smooth operational processes and control the risks and non conformance number.
- The main characteristics of the next batch order in preparation with the European Industry. Arianespace will order 35 launchers delivered ready for launch in the coming years. It takes into account an increased production rate and the industrialisation process implementation.
3. Next steps
In parallel with the development of Ariane 5 ECA activities, the main challenge for Arianespace for the next years is its transformation as an operator of a family of launchers. The paper will described the preparation of exploitation of Vega and Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in synergy with Ariane 5.
The paper will finally present the Arianespace approach for future European programs expected to be decided for the coming years in Europe.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D2.1.6.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.