Central control room

On 26 February 2019, the DLR German Aerospace Center in Lampoldshausen inaugurated a new test facility that simulates launch for the complete Ariane 6 upper stage. 

Operations inside the test stand are monitored from a central control room located away from the test stand.

After final preparations, a countdown marks the start of the test, simulating an actual rocket launch.

The tests will include the Vinci engine firing, non-propulsive ballistic phases, tank pressurisation to increase performance, Vinci reignitions, exhaust nozzle manoeuvres, ending with passivation where all remaining internal energy is removed.