The Ariane launch vehicle - A European program
Abstract
The European Space Agency (ESA) development program for the 3-stage Ariane launch vehicle, designed to place a 1500 kg payload in a 200/36,000 km transfer orbit, is described. Development was initiated in 1973; vehicle performance and configuration and payload interfaces are now well defined, and the launcher is expected to be operational by 1981. Cost and time constraints have led to the incorporation of currently available advanced technology. The first stage design in based on technology used in the French launcher Diamant. The cryogenic upper stage makes use of a previously developed turbo pump and of technology for medium and high pressure thrust chambers developed in Germany. The Europa II launch site at the Guiana Space Center will be adapted to fit the Ariane launcher. Program objectives for 1976 are outlined.
- Publication:
-
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute
- Pub Date:
- April 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976coss.confQ....L
- Keywords:
-
- Ariane Launch Vehicle;
- European Space Agency;
- Launch Vehicle Configurations;
- Multistage Rocket Vehicles;
- Rocket Engine Design;
- Cost Effectiveness;
- European Space Programs;
- Mission Planning;
- Payload Mass Ratio;
- Project Management;
- Stage Separation;
- Transfer Orbits;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles