Successful Launch of Ariane 6, the First Rocket with Oledcomm LiFi Technology
Image credit to European Space Agency
ESA and Oledcomm
On this day, July 09th July 2024, the Ariane 6 rocket has successfully been launched into space. Ariane 6 is the first rocket to integrate LiFi technology.
The search for cost and weight reduction is all the more important in the aerospace sector, which is why Arianegroup has decided to embark LiFi among its first experiments on board its new Ariane 6 rocket. Quoted by the Next website, the European Space Agency (ESA) explained that LiFi brings "significant weight savings by eliminating the need for radiation-resistant space-grade cables".
A big congratulation to the European Space Agency, Oledcomm and all the parties that worked greatly in this amazing project.
You can watch the live coverage of the launch on the link below:
Image credit to Oledcomm
Ariane 6 Overview
Ariane 6, Europe's latest rocket, offers versatility for a broad spectrum of missions.
Two configurations are available:
Ariane 62: Features two boosters
Payload capacity: ~4.5 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit, or 10.3 tonnes to low Earth orbit
Ariane 64: Equipped with four boosters
Payload capacity: ~11.5 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit, or 21.6 tonnes to low Earth orbit
Key specifications:
Height: Over 60 meters
Launch weight: Nearly 900 tonnes with full payload (comparable to 1.5 Airbus A380 aircraft)
ESA collaborates with an industrial network spanning 13 European countries, led by ArianeGroup, for the development of Ariane 6. The French space agency CNES is responsible for managing the launch facilities at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, where they built, run, and maintain the Ariane 6 launch complex.
Ariane 6 demonstrates remarkable versatility, supporting various missions including Earth observation, telecommunication, meteorology, science, and navigation. Its design allows for the accommodation of both heavy and light payloads to diverse orbits, making it a flexible solution for a wide range of space applications.
The rocket also incorporates additional features to enhance its capabilities and accessibility. Payload carriers have been developed to allow small satellites under 200 kg to ride as secondary cargo, a concept developed through ESA's Light satellite Low-cost Launch opportunity initiative. Furthermore, Ariane 6 offers cost-effective rideshare options for small companies entering the space industry, providing a "multiple launch" service for small satellites and thereby fostering growth and innovation in the sector.
Ariane 6 Components
Ariane 6's structure consists of three main components: a central core (comprising a main stage and an upper stage) and two or four boosters.
The initial flight phase relies on the main stage and solid rocket boosters. The main stage uses an upgraded Vulcain 2.1 engine, a liquid-fueled successor to Ariane 5's Vulcain 2. P120C boosters provide extra thrust at launch.
For the upper stage, Ariane 6 employs the reignitable Vinci engine, which runs on cryogenic liquid oxygen and hydrogen. This enables multiple orbit insertions in a single mission, increasing payload capacity. The upper stage typically fires several times to achieve desired orbits. A final burn after payload separation deorbits the stage, reducing space debris.
Ariane 6 features a protective nose cone (fairing) available in two lengths: 20 m and 14 m. Both versions are 5.4 m in diameter and constructed from carbon fiber-polymer composite. This fairing shields satellites from thermal, acoustic, and aerodynamic stresses during ascent.
Image credit to LiFi Tech News
Launch zone
Ariane 6 will operate from a new launch complex at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, situated 4 km west of the Ariane 5 facility. The complex features three key components: the launcher assembly building, the mobile gantry, and the launch pad.
Europe's Spaceport spans 170 hectares, with structures occupying 18 hectares. Its location offers significant advantages:
Minimal flight safety constraints due to open sea to the north and east, and Kourou town 17 km away.
Proximity to the equator (5° north) maximizes the Earth's rotational speed boost, enhancing payload capacity more than launches from higher or lower latitudes.
Key structures:
Launcher Assembly Building
Dimensions: 20 m tall, 112 m long, 41 m wide
Located 1 km from the launch zone
Used for horizontal integration and pre-launch preparations
Mobile Gantry
Height: 90 meters
Weight: 8,200 tonnes (over 8 million kg)
Comparison: Nearly 1,000 tonnes heavier than the Eiffel Tower, equivalent to over 1,600 elephants
Features: Moves on rails, equipped with work platforms
Purpose: Stores and protects Ariane 6 until launch
Launch Pad
Depth: Extends 28.5 m below Ariane 6
Width: 200 m
Concrete volume: Equivalent to 67 Olympic-sized pools (approximately 167,500 cubic meters)
Key components:
a) 700-tonne steel launch table
b) Steel deflectors to channel exhaust
c) Four lightning protection masts
d) Water tower for sound suppression
