This morning marked the final launch of the “Evolution Storable” or ES variant of the amazing Ariane 5 rocket. Without going into great detail on the history of the Ariane 5 launch vehicle and its variants, the “ES” variant combines an improved core stage of the still-flying ECA variant with the older storable propellant second stage of the also retired G+ and GS variants – basically, a newer 1st stage and side booster design blended with an older upper stage design for use in specialty launches – the Automated Transfer Vehicles used to resupply the International Space Station and the Galileo navigation satellite constellation. It’s a slightly less capable variant, but nothing to ignore for what this variation of the Ariane 5 did through the years.
In this case, flight VA244 was delivering Satellites 23-26 of the Galileo fleet. Ariane 5 is designed to more directly insert payloads into their medium and high Earth orbits as compared to other vehicles, and as such is of course well suited for this role. Interestingly, the ES variant was used for the low-earth orbit ATV launches, but with their increased masses over most Ariane 5 payloads it makes sense. The role of a launch vehicle is to get the payload into the correct orbit, after all, and it’s all really a numbers game when you get down to it.
Anyway, with all that discussed, the actual launch itself was fine – nothing special, but that’s good as far as space flight goes. Nominal is the best, after all. As usual, I have videos here for you to enjoy – some mission highlights and, of course, the full live stream.
Enjoy!