First rollout of Ariane 6 mobile gantry

Watch the timelapse of the first rollout of Ariane 6 mobile gantry as it moves 97 m on a track towards the launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. 

This 90 metre-high metallic structure is nearly a thousand tonnes heavier than France's Eiffel Tower. It will house Ariane 6 and when fully equipped will weigh 8200 tonnes. Its platforms provide access to the launch vehicle for integration on the launch pad. It protects Ariane 6 until its doors are opened and it is retracted about five hours before the launch.

The mobile gantry stands on 16 bogies, each bogie comprises eight wheels and each wheel is equipped with one electric motor. A total of 128 electric motors synchronise to set the wheels in motion along rails.