Europe’s Long-Lasting Ariane 5 Rocket Completes its Final Mission

After an illustrious career spanning over 25 years, Europe’s trusty workhorse rocket, the Ariane 5, took off for the last time. This final mission marks a significant milestone for the powerful rocket, which has carried out an impressive 117 liftoffs since its debut in 1996. The launch took place at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, at 6 p.m. EDT on July 5.

The Ariane 5’s final mission saw it successfully deploy two satellites into geostationary transfer orbit. Approximately 2.5 minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s solid rocket boosters separated, allowing the core stage to continue burning and propel the satellites further into space. Roughly 30 minutes later, the first satellite, named Heinrich-Hertz, was released, followed shortly by the second payload, Syracuse 4B.

Heinrich-Hertz, an experimental communications satellite, will serve as a test platform for scientific and technical experiments conducted by universities and the public sector. Managed by the German space agency (DLR), it is the first German satellite dedicated to such technology demonstration and communications research. Syracuse 4B, on the other hand, will join its predecessor, Syracuse 4A, for military communication relay purposes.

Both satellites are destined for geostationary orbit, located approximately 22,200 miles above Earth’s surface. To reach this orbit, they will undergo a series of engine burns.

The Ariane 5’s retirement puts an end to its nearly three-decade operational career. Throughout its life, it has showcased technical prowess and unmatched reliability. With a success rate of 96%, it has outperformed its four predecessors and delivered a staggering 239 payloads to orbit. This rocket has been a pivotal asset for Europe, ensuring its autonomous access to space.

Development of the Ariane 5’s successor, the Ariane 6, has been ongoing for over ten years. The new rocket, equipped with improved flexibility and cost-efficiency, will be available in two configurations: the A62 and A64. Europe had initially anticipated the launch of Ariane 6 in 2020, but various setbacks have postponed it to late 2023. Consequently, Europe is left with a gap in its launch capability until the new rocket becomes operational.

Despite this gap, the European Space Agency (ESA) has explored alternative options to maintain continuity in European programs. SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket was considered for some of the European Union’s Galileo navigation satellites. However, ESA remains committed to ensuring the timely and reliable inaugural flight of Ariane 6 as the preferred launch option.

The final chapter of the Ariane 5’s story was originally set for June 16 but was delayed due to technical issues. Weather conditions also forced a further postponement on July 4. Nevertheless, the rocket’s swan song was a resounding success, solidifying its legendary status in the world of space exploration.