Ariane 5 on the launch pad

An Ariane launch campaign lasts five weeks. It involves preparation of the launcher stages, their erection and inspection, encapsulation of the payloads, transfer between the various buildings and the final countdown.

The launch campaign can be divided into three specific campaigns that progress in parallel:

• the launcher campaign
• the satellites preparation campaign
• the spaceport preparation campaign

All three are performed independently by different teams, but the campaigns are carefully synchronised to ensure that all the components are ready in time.

The satellite and launcher campaigns converge in the Final Assembly Building 12 days before the launch date. Work then begins on mounting the satellite(s) on top of the launcher.

The next step takes place three days before launch when the joint launcher and satellite campaigns converge with the spaceport campaign. Now the final rehearsal for liftoff can take place.

Final countdown

Ariane 5 moves to the launch pad

One day before liftoff the Ariane-5 launcher, containing its payload, is transferred from the Final Assembly Building to the launch pad along the rail track. Once the mobile launch table is connected to the launch zone final countdown can begin.

During the final countdown:

• the main stage cryogenic tanks are filled
• the various launcher subsystems are activated and checked
• the flight program is loaded

Finally, at HO –6 min 30s the automatic sequence covering the final checks and launcher activation procedures begins, ending at H0 +7.5 s with ignition.

Liftoff

Liftoff

“10, 9, 8, …” from behind security glass in the Jupiter Control Centre, 12 km away from the launch pad, the Director of Operations announces the final countdown in the presence of representatives of ESA, Arianespace, CNES, the satellite clients and VIPs.

“… 3,2,1, décollage” the launcher lifts off from the launch table. The Ariane 5 is on automatic pilot and is carefully monitored as it carries its payload into orbit.

Finally, 40 minutes after liftoff, the satellite client receives confirmation that their spacecraft has arrived in the correct orbit. Now, the Ariane-5 mission is complete.