Ariane flight VA256

Last updated

Ariane flight VA256
James Webb Space Telescope Launch.jpg
Ariane 5 containing the James Webb Space Telescope moments after lift-off
Ariane 5 ECA+ launch
Launch25 December 2021 (2021-12-25), 12:20:00 UTC [1]
Operator Arianespace
Pad Guyana Space Centre, ELA-3
Payload James Webb Space Telescope
OutcomeSuccess [2]
Components
Serial no.5113
Ariane launches
←  VA255
VA257  →

Ariane flight VA256 was an Ariane 5 rocket flight that launched the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) into space on 25 December 2021. [3] It was 2021's final Ariane flight, its most valuable payload to date, and the 256th Ariane mission. The launch was described by NASA as "flawless" and "perfect". [4]

Contents

Launch configuration

Rocket

Ariane 5 is a heavy lift two-stage rocket with two solid fuel boosters. It was used in its ECA+ variant, which offers the highest payload mass capacity. The total launch mass of the vehicle is 770,000 kg (1,700,000 lb).

Payload

The only payload on the flight was the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a space-based observatory built by NASA and ESA. The launch is one of the European Space Agency's contributions to the project. [5] [3] The telescope had a launch mass of about 6,500 kg (14,300 lb) and a design lifetime of 5 to 10 years.

Preparation

Unloading the JWST from the MN Colibri The James Webb Space Telescope Unloaded from the MN Colibri (51584657771).jpg
Unloading the JWST from the MN Colibri

JWST Arrival in Kourou

The James Webb Space Telescope arrived at a port in Kourou in French Guiana, on 12 October 2021 where it was unloaded from the MN Colibri cargo ship and transported by truck to the space centre. [6]

Integration incident

On 22 November 2021 an incident was reported by NASA and Arianespace that a clamp band securing the payload to the adapter was released during integration activities, causing vibrations to the telescope. [7] After some tests were performed, a review board concluded on 24 November 2021 that no payload component was damaged, and fuelling operations could be started. [8] [9]

Fuelling operations

JWST launch configuration.png
Drawing of JWST in the payload faring
The James Webb Space Telescope in the Cleanroom at the Launch Site (51604442070).jpg
JWST in the cleanroom in Guiana

Spacecraft fuelling operations began on 25 November 2021, [8] the fuelling system was disconnected on 3 December 2021, and verifications were concluded on 5 December 2021. The telescope's hypergolic fuel system was filled with approximately 168 kg (370 lb) of hydrazine and 133 kg (293 lb) of dinitrogen tetroxide, needed to reach and maintain its orbit after separation from the launch vehicle. [10]

Final assembly

Following the rocket, which had already arrived on 29 November 2021, the telescope was moved to the final assembly building (Bâtiment d’Assemblage Final or BAF) on 7 December 2021. [11] The payload was encapsulated inside the fairing on top of the rocket on 21 December 2021. [12]

Interface communication issue

On 14 December 2021, a joint press release by NASA and Arianespace revealed that "a communication issue between the observatory and the launch vehicle system" was being addressed, further delaying the launch to no earlier than 24 December 2021. [13] [3]

Weather issue

Unfavorable weather forecasts for 24 December 2021 delayed the launch to Christmas Day, 25 December 2021. [1]

Launch

Ariane 5 carrying the JWST at the ELA-3 launch pad Ariane 5 with James Webb Space Telescope Prelaunch (NHQ202112230012).jpg
Ariane 5 carrying the JWST at the ELA-3 launch pad

The rocket was launched from the ELA-3 launch pad of the Guiana Space Centre on 25 December 2021 at 12:20 UTC (09:20 local time, 7:20 am U.S. EST). [14] The DDO (French : Directeur des Opérations, lit.  'Director of Operations') of the launch was Jean-Luc Voyer, who concluded his shift by saying, "Go Webb!" [15]

The launch was described by NASA as "flawless" and "perfect". [4] A NASA systems engineer said "the efficiency or the accuracy with which Ariane put us on orbit and our accuracy and effectiveness in implementing our mid-course corrections" meant that there is "quite a bit of fuel margin ... roughly speaking, it’s around 20 years of propellant." [16] [17]

Orbit

The James Webb Space Telescope was injected into a transfer trajectory that took it to the second Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L2).

The separation of the launch vehicle second stage and the spacecraft occurred approximately 27 minutes after liftoff. [18] The second stage downloaded video, the last known time the telescope will be seen, of the separation and initial deployment of the solar panels. [18] After this separation, the telescope became autonomous and began its deployment sequence. About 29 days after liftoff, it executed a maneuver placing it into a halo orbit around the L2 point, where it can perform its science mission. Its next five months were spent on cooling NIRCam and the Mid-Infrared Instrument down further, calibrating its mirrors while focusing on HD 84406, a bright star in the constellation Ursa Major, and testing the instruments. [19] [20] [21]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ariane 5</span> European heavy-lift space launch vehicle (1996–2023)

Ariane 5 is a retired European heavy-lift space launch vehicle developed and operated by Arianespace for the European Space Agency (ESA). It was launched from the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) in French Guiana. It was used to deliver payloads into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), low Earth orbit (LEO) or further into space. The launch vehicle had a streak of 82 consecutive successful launches between 9 April 2003 and 12 December 2017. Since 2014, Ariane 6, a direct successor system, first launched in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Expendable launch system</span> Launch system that uses a single use launch vehicle

An expendable launch system is a launch vehicle that can be launched only once, after which its components are either destroyed during reentry or discarded in space. ELVs typically consist of several rocket stages that are discarded sequentially as their fuel is exhausted and the vehicle gains altitude and speed. As of 2024, fewer and fewer satellites and human spacecraft are launched on ELVs in favor of reusable launch vehicles. However, there are many instances where a ELV may still have a compelling use case over a reusable vehicle. ELVs are simpler in design than reusable launch systems and therefore may have a lower production cost. Furthermore, an ELV can use its entire fuel supply to accelerate its payload, offering greater payloads. ELVs are proven technology in widespread use for many decades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ariane (rocket family)</span> Family of European medium- and heavy-lift rocket launch vehicles

Ariane is a series of European civilian expendable launch vehicles for space launch use. The name comes from the French spelling of the mythological character Ariadne. France first proposed the Ariane project and it was officially agreed upon at the end of 1973 after discussions between France, Germany and the UK. The project was Western Europe's second attempt at developing its own launcher following the unsuccessful Europa project. The Ariane project was code-named L3S.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ariane 4</span> Rocket

The Ariane 4 was a European expendable launch vehicle, developed by the Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES), the French space agency, for the European Space Agency (ESA). It was manufactured by ArianeGroup and marketed by Arianespace. Since its first flight on 15 June 1988 until the final flight on 15 February 2003, it attained 113 successful launches out of 116 total launches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guiana Space Centre</span> French and European spaceport in French Guiana

The Guiana Space Centre, also called Europe's Spaceport, is a spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a overseas region of France in South America. Kourou is located approximately 500 kilometres north of the equator at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its near equatorial location and open sea to the east and north.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Webb Space Telescope</span> NASA/ESA/CSA space telescope launched in 2021

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope designed to conduct infrared astronomy. As the largest telescope in space, it is equipped with high-resolution and high-sensitivity instruments, allowing it to view objects too old, distant, or faint for the Hubble Space Telescope. This enables investigations across many fields of astronomy and cosmology, such as observation of the first stars and the formation of the first galaxies, and detailed atmospheric characterization of potentially habitable exoplanets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vega (rocket)</span> European Space Agency launch system

Vega was an expendable small-lift launch vehicle operated by Arianespace, produced by Avio, and jointly developed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Development began in 1998 and the first launch took place from the Guiana Space Centre on 13 February 2012. It was the 8th most launched small lift launch vehicle in history. The final flight of the rocket took place on 5 September 2024, after being replaced by the improved Vega C, already in use since 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Launch vehicle</span> Rocket used to carry a spacecraft into space

A launch vehicle is typically a rocket-powered vehicle designed to carry a payload from Earth's surface or lower atmosphere to outer space. The most common form is the ballistic missile-shaped multistage rocket, but the term is more general and also encompasses vehicles like the Space Shuttle. Most launch vehicles operate from a launch pad, supported by a launch control center and systems such as vehicle assembly and fueling. Launch vehicles are engineered with advanced aerodynamics and technologies, which contribute to high operating costs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Payload fairing</span> Nose cone of a rocket used to protect spacecraft during launch

A payload fairing is a nose cone used to protect a spacecraft payload against the impact of dynamic pressure and aerodynamic heating during launch through an atmosphere. An additional function on some flights is to maintain the cleanroom environment for precision instruments. Once outside the atmosphere the fairing is jettisoned, exposing the payload to outer space.

A heavy-lift launch vehicle (HLV) is an orbital launch vehicle capable of generating a large amount of lift to reach its intended orbit. Heavy-lift launch vehicles generally are capable of lifting payloads between 20,000 to 50,000 kg or between 20,000 to 100,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit (LEO). As of 2024, operational heavy-lift launch vehicles include the Long March 5 and the Proton-M.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Falcon Heavy</span> SpaceX heavy-lift launch vehicle

Falcon Heavy is a super heavy-lift launch vehicle with partial reusability that can carry cargo into Earth orbit, and beyond. It is designed, manufactured and launched by American aerospace company SpaceX.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ariane 6</span> European space launch vehicle

Ariane 6 is a European expendable launch system operated by Arianespace and developed and produced by ArianeGroup on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). It replaces Ariane 5, as part of the Ariane launch vehicle family.

Space launch market competition is the manifestation of market forces in the launch service provider business. In particular it is the trend of competitive dynamics among payload transport capabilities at diverse prices having a greater influence on launch purchasing than the traditional political considerations of country of manufacture or the national entity using, regulating or licensing the launch service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liquid fly-back booster</span> Launch vehicle study

Liquid Fly-back Booster (LFBB) was a German Aerospace Center's (DLR's) project concept to develop a liquid rocket booster capable of reuse for Ariane 1 in order to significantly reduce the high cost of space transportation and increase environmental friendliness. lrb would replace the existing liquid rocket boosters, providing main thrust during the countdown. Once separated, two winged boosters would perform an atmospheric entry, go back autonomously to the French Guiana, and land horizontally on the airport like an aeroplane.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the James Webb Space Telescope</span>

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is an international 21st-century space observatory that was launched on 25 December 2021. It is intended to be the premier observatory of the 2020s, combining the largest mirror yet on a near-infrared space telescope with a suite of technologically advanced instruments from around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 in spaceflight</span>

The year 2021 broke the record for the most orbital launch attempts till then (146) and most humans in space concurrently (19) despite the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 in spaceflight</span>

The year 2022 witnessed the number of launches of SpaceX's Falcon rocket family surpassing the CNSA's Long March rocket family, making the United States the country with the highest number of launches in 2022 instead of China. This year also featured the first successful launch of Long March 6A, Nuri, Angara 1.2, Vega C, Kinetica-1, and Jielong-3. National space agencies' activities in this year is also marred by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to tension between Roscosmos and Western space agencies, threats of ending collaboration on the International Space Station (ISS), and delays on space missions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ARIEL</span> Space telescope

The Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey (ARIEL) is a planned space telescope and the fourth medium-class mission of the European Space Agency's Cosmic Vision programme. The mission is aimed at observing at least 1000 known exoplanets using the transit method, studying and characterising the planets' chemical composition and thermal structures. Compared to the James Webb Space Telescope, ARIEL will be a much smaller telescope with more observing time available for planet characterisation. ARIEL is expected to be launched in 2029 aboard an Arianespace Ariane 6 together with the Comet Interceptor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Launch and commissioning of the James Webb Space Telescope</span> Beginnings of the infrared astronomical observatory

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope designed primarily to conduct infrared astronomy. Its complex launch and commissioning process lasted from late 2021 until mid-2022.

References

  1. 1 2 Loff, Sarah (21 December 2021). "James Webb Space Telescope Launch Update". NASA. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  2. ↑ Strickland, Ashley. "The most powerful telescope ever built has successfully launched". CNN. CNN. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 "Ariane Flight VA256". arianespace.com. Arianespace. 25 December 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  4. 1 2 Tereza Pultarova (25 December 2021). "'It's truly Christmas': James Webb Space Telescope's yuletide launch has NASA overjoyed". Space.com.
  5. ↑ "European agreement on James Webb Space Telescope's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) signed". esa.int. European Space Agency. 10 June 2004. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  6. ↑ Fisher, Alise (28 October 2021). "The Journey to Kourou". NASA Blogs. NASA. Retrieved 1 December 2021.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  7. ↑ Fisher, Alise (22 November 2021). "NASA Provides Update on Webb Telescope Launch". NASA Blogs. NASA. Retrieved 1 December 2021.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  8. 1 2 Fisher, Alise (24 November 2021). "Testing Confirms Webb Telescope on Track for Targeted December 22 Launch". NASA Blogs. NASA. Retrieved 1 December 2021.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  9. ↑ "Testing Confirms Webb Telescope on Track for Targeted December 22 Launch". arianespace.com. Arianespace. 25 November 2021. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  10. ↑ Fisher, Alise (6 December 2021). "NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Fully Fueled for Launch". NASA Blogs. NASA . Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  11. ↑ Garner, Rob (9 December 2021). "Webb Moved to Meet its Rocket". NASA Blogs. NASA . Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  12. ↑ Clark, Stephen (18 December 2021). "Webb telescope encapsulated inside Ariane 5 rocket's nose cone". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  13. ↑ Fisher, Alice (14 December 2021). "Webb Space Telescope Launch Date Update – James Webb Space Telescope". NASA Blogs. Retrieved 15 December 2021.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  14. ↑ "Ariane 5 goes down in history with successful launch of Webb". arianespace.com (Press release). Arianespace. 25 December 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  15. ↑ "Vidéo. Télescope James Webb : revivez en vidéo le lancement historique d'un titan de l'espace". Le Monde .
  16. ↑ Carter, Jamie (10 January 2022). "The Webb Space Telescope is fully deployed and 'could now last 20 years' says NASA. But what happens next?". Forbes. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  17. ↑ Berger, Eric (10 January 2022). "All hail the Ariane 5 rocket, which doubled the Webb telescope's lifetime". www.arstechnica.com. Ars Technica . Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  18. 1 2 James Webb Space Telescope separation, 25 December 2021, retrieved 10 January 2022
  19. ↑ Boyle, Alan (24 January 2022). "Webb Telescope fires thrusters to settle in at destination, a million miles from Earth". GeekWire. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  20. ↑ Grush, Loren (25 January 2022). "What's next for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope now that it's reached its parking spot". The Verge. Vox Media LLC. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  21. ↑ "Orbit – Webb/NASA". NASA. Retrieved 12 December 2021.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.