Validation of the Test Review Commission (TRC) of the type 1 On-Board/Ground transfer systems and start of the combined tests of the lower stage fuelling elements.
Validation of the Test Review Commission (TRC) of the type 1 On-Board/Ground transfer systems
On Wednesday, May 4, the French space agency (CNES) validated the Type 1 Test Review Commission (TRC) for the Ariane 6 launch vehicle’s On-Board/Ground transfer systems. This validation attests that the performance and reliability specifications of the upper and lower stage fuelling elements have been met.
It took six years of hard work on both sides of the Atlantic to achieve this outstanding result.
WHAT’S NEXT: COMBINED TESTS OF THE CRYOGEN CONNECTION SYSTEMS (CCSs) START UNDER THE DIRECT AUTHORITY OF THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA).
These tests simulate a “cold” disconnection of New Generation Refueling Modules chambers and the interface parts (FCB: Fluidic Connection Box) that are attached to the launcher. These tests validate the proper circulation of cryogenic fluids (liquid oxygen = -183°C and liquid hydrogen = -253°C), and check the influence of these temperatures on the stresses undergone by the launcher’s interface parts (FCB), before the launching.
Several setups are tested, in nominal disconnection (automatic separation of the interfaces via pyrotechnic jack), and in emergency disconnection (separation without pyrotechnic release of the interfaces).
These tests are the last operating tests of the firing point on its own.
The next qualification stage will be carried out with the representative Ariane 6 model, currently being assembled in the Launcher Assembly Building.
VERY WELL DONE to all the Latesys teams – Groupe ADF, Air Liquide, Cegelec, and much gratitude to the CNES for its trust and unconditional support.