Europe's largest space group Astrium is currently working
on a more powerful version of the Ariane 5 launch rocket. Ariane 5 will, in the summer of
2002, be launched for the first time using the cryogenic ESC-A (étage superieur cryotechnique)
upper stage.
A structural model of the Ariane upper stage was publicly presented in the Space Test Centre
as part of the joint press conference held by Astrium and IABG on 19. 02.2002.
The full-sized structural model of the ESC-A measuring more than seven meters in length
and with a diameter of over five meters is currently being put through its paces in the
IABG Space Test Centre. After modal tests and vibration loads, the next series of tests
are acoustic load tests in which the acoustic level of the genuine rocket launch is simulated.
Regional and national press representatives took the opportunity to be present at the test
preparations for the pending acoustic tests, to inspect the test specimen and to inform
themselves on the significance of the Ariane-5-Plus-Programme, and on the scope and content
of the ESC-A test programme.
Further information can be obtained under Press
Release (PDF/149 KB/ German Version).
02/25/02
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