Ariane 6 engine test postponed again
August 31, 2023
By Chris Forrester
The European Space Agency (ESA) has again postponed a test-firing of the rocket’s main stage.
A statement on August 30th said that a planned test on August 29 was scrubbed because of problems which the Agency described as a “technical issue affecting the control bench” that handles propellant loading and the automated countdown.
The key – but short – test has now been put back to September 5th, The longer test-firing of the rocket’s giant Vulcain 2.1 engine has been scheduled for September 26th.
The short firing test was supposed to happen in July but the technicians ran out of time to complete a test firing.
ESA is due to hold an exceptional Press Briefing on September 4th to update journalists on the progress – or lack thereof – on its Ariane 6 rocket.
ESA had been promising a debut launch of the new rocket in Q4 this year but that has already slipped to 2024. The September 4th briefing might provide a more specific date.