Watch the Vulcain 2.1 engine for Ariane 6 roar into action as it performed its acceptance test at ArianeGroup’s testing facility in Vernon, France on 21 July 2020.

The engine and test bench were fitted with 80 specific measurement sensors to characterise acoustics. The data will be used to predict levels that will be observed on the launch pad during upcoming combined tests at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The cryogenic Vulcain 2.1 engine delivers 1371 kN thrust in a vacuum. It will power Ariane 6 for the first eight minutes of flight, alongside the boosters which will operate for about 130 seconds – together these two propulsion systems provide a total lift-off thrust of about 8002 kN in the two-booster A62 configuration.