ATC Space structures for Ariane 6

ATC Space top and bottom protective enclosures for Europe's Ariane 6 rocket boosters, known as the forward and rear skirts at their production plant in Klatovy, Czechia.

At ATC Space, a concentrated stream of water under high pressure is used to cut large aluminium plates into the shapes needed. Each aluminium plate in the process has its own certificate of origin, stating its detailed chemical composition, information on who made it and when, and what production operations the part went through.

The cut aluminium plates are moved to the milling hall, where they are further shaped into their final forms. Sharp edges and other inconsistencies are removed in a process called deburring, after which the parts are inspected and accurately measured.

The finished skirts as well as the individual parts are ready to be assembled into other segments of the rocket then embark on the first part of their terrestrial journey, to Germany.