The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
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Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
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The hot firing model of the Ariane 6 upper stage has been installed on the P5.2 test bench at the DLR German Aerospace Center in Lampoldshausen, Germany.
After arrival from the ArianeGroup facilities in Bremen, this 5.4 m-diameter upper stage was hoisted out of its container, tilted vertical and installed on the test stand.
The upper stage will now undergo a campaign of tests to simulate all aspects of flight including stage preparation such as fuelling with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen and draining its tanks.
In tests lasting about 18 hours each, data will be gathered on non-propulsive ballistic phases, tank pressurisation to increase performance, Vinci engine reignitions, exhaust nozzle manoeuvres, ending with passivation where all remaining internal energy is removed.