An Ariane 5 solid rocket motor (MPS) is to be test-fired at the Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana, on 16 May as part of the European Space Agency's Ariane 5 Research and Technology Accompaniment (ARTA-5) programme.
ARTA-5 is intended to ensure that Ariane 5 launcher qualification, reliability and performance levels are maintained and to qualify modifications to the launcher. CNES is the prime contractor for ARTA, which focuses on the solid rocket motors built by Europropulsion.
The motor test is due to qualify the Ariane 5 improvements designed to increase launcher lift capability and reduce production costs. The test's main objectives are to qualify new procurement processes for one constituent of the propellant, evaluate the effect of ageing on a six-year-old nozzle and other parts, qualify an increased load factor in the forward segment of the three-segment motor, and validate repairs to the third segment. The test will also include simplifying the boosters' electrics ducts and conducting stretched nozzle testing.
An extra 2.4t of propellant will increase capability by 200kg.
Source: Flight International