The Ariane 5 launch system: present status and future challenges

摘要

After the failure of the maiden flight of the Ariane 5 ECA launcher in December 2002, a recovery plan with three cornerstones was established: a complete review of the qualification status of the Ariane 5 ECA, development and qualification of the Ariane 5 GS version based on Vulcain 1, and qualification of the Ariane 5 ES for ATV missions. This paper describes the results of this recovery plan and gives an overview of the programme's current status and future challenges. Ariane 5 ECA qualification has been confirmed by a highly successful qualification flight and no significant anomalies have been detected during the ten flights performed since qualification. The Ariane 5 GS has been developed and qualified and has already successfully flown three times. Three more GS launchers are being ordered for use on a variety of missions. The Ariane 5 ES has been qualified for the ATV mission requiring re-ignition of the upper stage, with a first flight planned for early 2008. A new organisational set-up of the Ariane sector has been established with well-defined roles and responsibilities between Arianespace, Astrium, ESA, and CNES ensuring high reliability and availability of the launch system The Ariane Research and Technology Accompaniment Programme (ARTA) maintains the launcher's qualification status and monitors each launch closely by assessing flight-readiness before launch and detailed post-flight analysis after each flight. Ongoing Ariane developments are addressing design issues known to be critical items, in order to increase robustness and manufacturability. Activities intended to extent the qualified flight domain and studies to prepare for the long-term evolution of Ariane 5 are also being undertaken. The very critical situation faced by the Ariane programme in December 2002 has been fully turned around. Ariane 5 ECA enjoys a leading position on the commercial launch services market ensuring affordable access to space for Europe. A new batch of 35 Ariane 5 EC As is being negotiated to cover needs over 2010-1014. Several scenarios for Ariane 5 upgrading are being analysed. One option would lead to a qualification flight for an Ariane 5 with a new Vinci-based upper stage in 2015 delivering enhanced performance levels and a re-ignition capability.