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F6BVP > SPACE 29.09.95 04:23l 55 Lines 2006 Bytes #999 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : ESAPR38-95
Read: GUEST DK3EL
Subj: Revised Ariane-5 launch timetable
Path: DB0AAB<DB0KCP<HB9OS<HB9PD<HB9IAP<F6BIG<F6KDC<F1HAQ<F5ROC<F8KKA<F8KIS<
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Sent: 950927/1905Z @:F6BVP.FRPA.FRA.EU #:35330 [Paris] FBB5.15c $:ESAPR38-95
From: F6BVP@F6BVP.FRPA.FRA.EU
To : SPACE@AMSAT
Sender: ESAPRESS list <ESAPRESS@VMPROFS.ESOC.ESA.DE>
From: MAILRP@ESA.BITNET
Nr 38-95 - Paris, 26 September 1995
JOINT ESA/CNES PRESS RELEASE
Revised Ariane-5 launch timetable
Tests on the launcher's cryogenic main stage have been under
way in Kourou for a year and were to have ended in the third
quarter of 1995 with the subassembly's qualification.
Many positive results were obtained over the summer but it
was not possible to achieve some of the objectives set for that
period and a number of malfunctions disrupted the tests,
mainly as a result of problems encountered with operation of
the ground facilities.
In addition, a leak in the oxygen feed line in the upper part
of the stage and a hydrogen leak at thrustframe level made it
necessary to improve the leak-tightness devices in a number
of circuits.
Lastly, an incident on 1 September affecting the actuator
system in the Vulcain cryogenic engine led the board set up
to analyse the problem to conclude that the fault lay in the
high-pressure oil distribution system, which was subject to a
water-hammer effect. Measures were immediately taken to
reinforce the circuit and repair work on the Vulcain engine
was completed.
An overall verification test without a firing will be carried out
early in October to validate the changes made to the stage.
It will also provide an opportunity to check that the test
systems are operating properly.
A detailed review of the time schedule has been carried out
to take account of the qualification objectives that have
already been met and those that remain for the launcher as a
whole (systems, stages, subassemblies and ground facilities).
All this work means that the start of the 501 campaign is now
planned for early February 1996 with a view to the 501 flight
taking place in late April and the 502 flight in September.
The European Space Agency has delegated the management
of its Ariane-5 programme to CNES, the French space
agency.
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