Ariane 5-me launch facilities development and qualification: managing the transition phase

Paper number

IAC-11,D2,2,9,x11922

Author

Mr. Pier Michele Roviera, European Space Agency (ESA), France

Coauthor

Mr. Jacques Bertrand, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France

Coauthor

Mr. Michel GIRARD, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France

Coauthor

Mr. Pascal Lapeyronnie, Astrium Space Transportation, France

Year

2011

Abstract

The development of a new launch vehicle is always an enormous adventure. A new system design is always challenging but, as in the case of Ariane-5 ME, the need to perform such a development atop an existing system in exploitation while remaining fully compatible with it adds additional complexity and constraints.
In particular, the management of the transition phase between the present operational version (A5-ECA) and the A5-ME one will be a key factor for the programme success.
This paper intends to give an updated overview of Ariane 5-ME facilities development status, at its “Preliminary Design Review” maturity, outlining the challenges related to the specific new vehicle needs, the A5-ECA bi-compatibility and the need to perform a successful transition phase among the two launchers. Both the aspects related to the launch complex and the production facilities will be assessed.

Abstract document

IAC-11,D2,2,9,x11922.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-11,D2,2,9,x11922.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.