Firing of Ariane 5 solid-propellant booster

An Ariane 5 solid-propellant booster was test-fired on 24 May 2012 at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to help improve the reliability of Europe’s heavy launcher. The firing was performed in the booster engine stand, specifically designed for the vertical testing of motors at the site.

This firing is part of the Ariane 5 Research and Technology Accompaniment (ARTA) programme, designed to validate modifications for the next production batch of boosters to be flown.