Test firing of an Ariane 5 solid propellant booster. Photo: ESA

[Via Satellite 09-21-2016] The European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency CNES completed a test firing of the Ariane 5’s solid-propellant booster on Sept. 8 in Kourou, French Guiana. The burn lasted 128 seconds with the motor delivering a mean thrust of more than 500 tons, simulating the firing time of an Ariane 5 flight.

ESA and CNES conducted the burn to ensure that the launcher’s qualification, reliability and performance levels are maintained. The test demonstrated the motor’s capabilities and qualified improvements in design resulting from obsolescence or changes in technology.

The space agencies found no anomalies and report that performance met expectations, though full analysis will take about a year. The testing is performed under ESA’s Launchers Exploitation Accompaniment Program (LEAP) to guarantee independent access to space for Europe. ESA reports this was the sixth test firing of an Ariane 5 booster, which are typically carried out every three years.