Faces of Ariane 6: Franck

It takes thousands of people to design, develop, build and operate a complete space launch system. Here we highlight the people from all over Europe working on space transportation to ensure that Europe has independent access to space, to enjoy the benefits from space activities and share them with people of the world.

What is your name and role?

I am Franck Saingou, I’m responsible for the launch base launcher disconnection and  retraction systems that engage during the Ariane 6 liftoff.

How long have you been involved in space transport and what are your tasks?

I have been working in space transport for 24 years. I am currently working in ESA’s Ariane 6 launch system architect team, where I am responsible for the qualification of the connection, disconnection and retraction systems between the launcher itself and the launch pad. These include the cryogenic connection systems for tanking, and the electrical ventilation cables for the launcher itself and for passengers flying on Ariane 6.

What is your educational background and prior work experience?

I have a Master’s degree in space technics, and I worked for a number of space companies (Snecma Propulsion Solide, Europropulsion, Arianespace and ArianeGroup) for 20 years before starting at ESA in 2021.

I came to the space domain at the very end of my studies, after a friend of mine talked to me about a Master’s dedicated to space. I had given up the idea of becoming a commercial pilot as there were very few positions open at the time, and I decided to look for another path… space, why not?

No regrets today: during my career, I had the chance to take part in P80 motor development (used by the first stage on Europe’s Vega launcher), and also as technical authority on several Ariane 5 launch campaigns for the rocket’s upper stage ESC-A. I was also in charge of the P120C motor development programme for the Ariane 6 launcher. The P120C motor is a common motor used in both the Ariane 6, on its boosters, and in Vega-C launchers on its first stage. So many amazing adventures… I feel very lucky.

What is the most notable or memorable moment during your time working on space transport?

The P80 and P120C static firing tests performed at Europe’s Spaceport’s test facility for solid propulsion engines known as BEAP have been tremendous experiences with all the teams around Europe that were involved. The ‘test success’ celebration in the “no man’s land of BEAP” was terrific each time!

Another notable memory I have in mind is the Ariane 5 VA199 flight. Pressure was enormous to perform this launch before the end of the year, and the flight was originally scheduled before Christmas shifted to 29 December. So we spent Christmas in Kourou, French Guiana, the town near Europe’s Spaceport, with our colleagues instead of our families. It was a strange experience… it certainly strengthened our relations and team spirit. Space makes for a big family, doesn’t it?

What does it mean to you to be part of the larger team of rocket scientists and engineers?

When you are involved in day-to-day activities in rocket science, little by little you can start to feel like you are performing a classic job, with the same constraints as other jobs… But then when you explain to people what you do on your job, you can see in their eyes that it’s definitely not a common job.

Pride with humility, space is hard.

What is one thing you’d like the European public to know about your job?

A perfect job doesn’t exist. Mine is not too bad at all.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The collective adventure we are on, and being part of the European team that is taking it all on. The adrenaline rush we get before each major test or during each launch countdown is noteworthy too….

What do you do outside of your job to unwind, what are your hobbies, what do you do for fun?

I practice padel tennis, not just for the sport itself, but also (mainly) for the social event it offers afterwards! And I’m also part of an amateur rock band created with neighbours and friends, with a yearly show at the “fête de la musique” or world music day for the international readers. Tickets are on sale now for 2024 . I’m the singer and my favourite song is Radiohead’s “Creep” (I could have said David Bowie's “space oddity”, but that would have been too expected as an answer).

Do you have any advice for future generations interested in space exploration?

Don’t think you can’t. There are so many ways to be part of the space exploration adventure, whatever your background is and your skills are….just choose and go!