Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana is preparing Ariane 6's launch pad for extensive ‘combined tests’. These tests will prove the systems that will support Europe's newest launch vehicle before flight.

On the launch pad, engineers are installing the steel mini-mast structures that will protect the liquid oxygen cryogenic connection systems that feed the lower umbilicals connected to Ariane 6's core stage. The mini-mast seen here is some 9.6 m high and will weight 110 tons when full equipped.

Over the last few months, Latesys under CNES responsibility and with the support of ArianeGroup, have performed tests in France to validate the disconnection and retraction functions of the launch pad mechanical systems and the mounts between launch base and rocket, and verified mechanical loads. These components will soon arrive at the Spaceport for integration on the launch pad.

Engineers will then validate the interfaces and mechanical behaviour of the umbilicals which will be connected to fluidic supplies during upcoming tests.