Status of Ariane-5 main development tests

The main configuration parameters for the Ariane 5 launcher are currently frozen. The critical design review has already taken place, and the qualification phase is now underway. The launcher qualification consists of (1) test and analysis activities that will permit ground qualification and (2) the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:E.S.A. bulletin 1994-11 (80), p.15-20
Main Author: Gonzelez Blazquez, A L
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The main configuration parameters for the Ariane 5 launcher are currently frozen. The critical design review has already taken place, and the qualification phase is now underway. The launcher qualification consists of (1) test and analysis activities that will permit ground qualification and (2) the first two launches, which will mark the end of the development of the launcher (begun in 1988) and the start of the operational phase. The status of the main testing activities for the various launcher elements is summarized, and the various testing activities are outlined and discussed. They cover booster testing, cryogenic stage testing, upper composite testing, system mechanical testing, and operational deployment. The testing activities required in the ground qualification phase are proceeding without any major problems. The flight elements for the first two models are now being manufactured so as to be ready for the flight part of the launcher qualification in 1995. (AIAA)
ISSN:0376-4265