Building the Ariane 6 launch table

Only a giant 700 tonne steel table — 4 m high, 20 m long, and 18 m wide — could support Ariane 6 in the centre of the launch pad and withstand the baptism of fire, noise, and vibrations at lift-off.

It is so large that it had to be dismantled before it was shipped from Germany to Kourou, French Guiana.

Part of Ariane 6’s launch table

Engineers are now welding together the main structures, and in May, they will install fluid and cryogenic systems, power supply, air-conditioning, and security systems.

In August, the launch table will be moved to the launch pad, ready for a final check.

Read more from our official news article found here.