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Feature story

Ariane 5 solid rocket motor tested during static firing at the Spaceport

November 9, 2004

The Spaceport roared to life today with the sounds of a solid rocket motor test firing that was part of evaluations performed to support the Ariane 5 launcher's development.

This firing was carried out with a full-scale solid rocket motor, which was fixed on a purpose-built test stand at the Spaceport.

Data gathered during the firing will be used to validate improvements to the solid rocket motor that are part of Ariane 5's evolution, and to confirm the motor's performance and reliability.

The test is part of the ARTA program, which is an effort of the European Space Agency and is managed by the French CNES space agency. (ARTA is the French acronym for: research and technology support).

Ariane 5's solid rocket motor is integrated by Europropulsion. Production of the motor is handled by an industrial team of MAN, Avio, SPS, SME and Regulus.

The Ariane 5 is powered by two solid rocket motors, which are ignited prior to liftoff along with the cryogenic central core. The motors operate during ascent and are then jettisoned - after which the Ariane 5 continues under the power of the cryogenic central core.