Ariane 6 launch complex processing

Ariane 6 is an all-new design, created to succeed Ariane 5 as Europe's heavy-lift launch system. With Ariane 6's upper stage and its reignitable Vinci engine, Europe's launch capability will be tailored to the needs of multiple payloads, for example to orbit satellite constellations. This autonomous capability to reach Earth orbit and deep space supports Europe's navigation, Earth observation, scientific and security programmes. Ongoing development of Europe's space transportation capabilities is made possible by the sustained dedication of thousands of talented people working in ESA's 22 Member States.

Ariane 6 will be launched from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana from a dedicated launch site 4 km west of the Ariane 5 launch pad. The main structures include the Launch Vehicle Assembly Building, the mobile gantry and launch pad.

The Spaceport covers 170 hectares, with buildings on 18 hectares. Its location is ideal; with open sea to the north and east, and the town of Kourou 17 km distant, flight safety constraints are minimised. And, because the Spaceport is just 5° north of the equator, flights to the east gain very nearly the maximum possible speed boost from the Earth's rotation, increasing payload performance for any rocket – much more than from more northerly or southerly locations.

The Launch Vehicle Assembly Building – a structure 20 m tall, 112 m long, and 41 m wide, located 1 km away from the launch zone. It is used for horizontal integration and preparation before rollout to the launch zone.

The mobile gantry – a 90 metre-high mobile metallic structure weighing 8200 tonnes when fully equipped, that rolls on rails. 8200 tonnes, which is over 8 million kilograms, is nearly one thousand tonnes heavier than the Eiffel Tower and is equivalent to the mass of more than 1600 elephants. The mobile gantry is equipped with platforms to give access to the launch vehicle for integration on the launch pad. It stores and protects Ariane 6 until it is retracted before launch.

The launch pad is 28.5 m deep and 200 m wide, formed with enough concrete to fill 67 Olympic sized swimming pools – approximately 167,500 cubic metres. It comprises a 700 tonne steel launch table that supports Ariane 6. Steel deflectors unnel the fiery plumes of Ariane 6 at liftoff into the exhaust tunnels buried deep under the launch table. Four lightning protection masts and a water tower for deluge systems are also part of the launch pad.