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Ariane 5 August 12, 2004

Giving a “boost” to the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA

The second of two solid propellant boosters for Flight 164's heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA has been transferred from its assembly building at the Spaceport to the launcher integration facility.

This rollout, which occurred yesterday, involved the booster’s movement along a rail line that connects the booster assembly building with the large integration center where Ariane 5 launchers are built up.

The second solid propellant booster for Flight 164 makes its way from the assembly building to the Ariane 5 launcher integration facility.

The second solid propellant booster for Flight 164 makes its way from the assembly building to the Ariane 5 launcher integration facility.

All the elements are now in place for integration of the Ariane 5 ECA’s lower propulsion segment. The two pallet-mounted boosters will be rolled directly onto the Ariane 5 launch table, where they will be locked in place and mated to each side of the cryogenic main stage.

Developing nearly 1.5 million pounds of thrust each, the boosters operate with the Ariane 5’s main cryogenic stage during the initial minutes of flight. After the boosters’ burnout and jettison, the launcher continues its ascent with the power of the main cryogenic stage’s Vulcain 2 engine.

The Ariane 5 boosters are produced under the lead manufacturing responsibility of EADS Space Transportation. Europropulsion, a jointly-owned subsidiary of France’s Snecma and Avio of Italy, handles development and production of the booster’s solid rocket motor.

Snecma Propulsion Solide is responsible for the booster’s nozzle, as well as the motor casing – which the company subcontracts to MAN Technologie of Germany. Avio is in charge of the booster solid propellant, internal fittings, igniter and thermal protection system.

Ariane 5 July 23, 2004

Launcher elements arrive for Flight 164's heavy-lift Ariane 5

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