During the combined qualification tests for the Ariane 6 launcher, the ELA-4 launch zone must be equipped with a number ofmeasurementsenabling a static firing test to be carried out on the main stage of the Ariane 6 launcher. "These measurements enable the test to be qualified, while actively contributing to the safety of the launcher. High performance measurement areset up at launcherto monitorsome of the measurements",explained Clemessy project manager Alexandre Batail.

The System for Acquisition, Visualizationand Archiving (SAVA) and the Launch Assembly Measurement System (SYMEL) are connected to test bench Ariane 6, enabling the system to be controlled via start-up commands, acquisitionsand health status feedback. SAVA and SYMEL communicate with the test bench, the nominal meansof preparing and monitoringthe launcher before firing.

SAVA and SYMEL also serve as interfaces for "specific measurements", which are correlated with a set of sensors. "These sensors are used to characterize the Ariane 6 launch pad environment, as well as voltage and currentlevels at the interfaces betweentheground and on-board components," continued Alexandre Batail.

Technical operation of these measurement systems is based on five electrical bays dedicated to measurement acquisition and coordinated around a server bay. A thousand acquisition channels (temperature, TOR, pressure, vibration, acoustic, etc.), associated with the DewesoftData Acquisition System (DAQ), are also required. And the link between SAVA and CBLP is fully secured by our cybersecurity experts.

The Ariane 6 launcher test and qualification flight is scheduled for the beginning of 2024, subject to successful completion of the combined test phase and Vulcain 2.1 engine firing.