It was on the same date, precisely 29 years ago. For the first time, the famous spacecraft Ariane 4 was launched from Kourou, Guyana. Several (successful) attempts had already been made during the previous years in order to develop an efficient and innovative space program. The French Center for Space Studies, in close cooperation with the European Space Agency designed a brand new model of rockets, more used mostly for commercial satellites. This is what it looked like.
 |
| Copyright: ESA |
Compared to previous models, its structure was improved and the whole rocket was less heavy (for a better propulsion capacity). It was used until 2003, and then replaced by Ariane 5, more modern and adapted to communication satellites' evolution.
Eleven European coutries have been involved in this ambitious project, that cost around 476 European Currency Units (since euros didn't exist at that time). It has, later, inspired other projects such as the ukrainian Tsyklon-4, that is planned to be in service in 2020. Incredible, isn't it?
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire