2023 should be the year of Ariane 6's first take-off. We are very proud to have taken part in this exceptional construction site, called ELA-4 (Lunching Ensemble Ariane number 4). This launch pad, dedicated to the Ariane 6 family, differs from previous launch sets due to the horizontal assembly of Ariane 6, a technique inspired by other industries and Russian and American competitors which replaces the vertical assembly as it is practiced today with Ariane 5.
This launch pad is the ninth built at the Guiana Space Center (CSG) and the fourth for Ariane. It is located 3.5 km from the current Ariane 5 ELA‑3, along the “Space Road” which leads to the Soyuz Launch Complex, 6.5 km further on. Its main structures are the launch pad, the mobile gantry and the launcher assembly building. A few figures concerning this huge project: 4.5 years of work, earthworks: 700,000 m3 (7 times the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral), volume of reinforced concrete: 55,000 m3… (Client: Eiffage Génie Civil)
Photos CNES – Arianegroup
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