Skip to content
79,433 pages · 13,741 images · since 1994 Browse A–Z Today in space history
Encyclopedia Astronautica The full story of spaceflight
Encyclopedia entry

Ariane 4

France

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

Ariane 40 V44
Ariane 40 V44
Ariane 40 V44 - COSPAR 1991-050

The ultimate Ariane development. Compared with the Ariane 2/3, the Ariane 4 featured stretched first (61%) and third stages, a strengthened structure, new propulsion bay layouts, new avionics, and the Spelda dual-payload carrier. The basic 40 version used no strap-on motors, while the Ariane 42L, 44L, 42P, 44P, and 44LP versions used various combinations of solid and liquid propellant strap-on motors). Development was authorized in January 1982, with the objective of increasing payload by 90%. Total development cost 476 million 1986 ECU's.

LEO Payload: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) to a 200 km orbit at 5.20 degrees. Payload: 2,175 kg (4,795 lb) to a GTO, 7 deg. Launch Price $: 85.000 million in 2000 dollars.

Stage Data - Ariane 4

  • Stage 1. 1 x Ariane 4-1. Gross Mass: 245,900 kg (542,100 lb). Empty Mass: 17,900 kg (39,400 lb). Thrust (vac): 3,034.100 kN (682,093 lbf). Isp: 278 sec. Burn time: 205 sec. Isp(sl): 248 sec. Diameter: 3.80 m (12.40 ft). Span: 8.30 m (27.20 ft). Length: 23.60 m (77.40 ft). Propellants: N2O4/UDMH. No Engines: 4. Engine: Viking 2B. Other designations: L-220. Status: In Production.
  • Stage 2. 1 x Ariane 2-2. Gross Mass: 37,130 kg (81,850 lb). Empty Mass: 3,625 kg (7,991 lb). Thrust (vac): 804.998 kN (180,971 lbf). Isp: 296 sec. Burn time: 125 sec. Isp(sl): 210 sec. Diameter: 2.60 m (8.50 ft). Span: 2.60 m (8.50 ft). Length: 11.50 m (37.70 ft). Propellants: N2O4/UDMH. No Engines: 1. Engine: Viking 4B. Other designations: L-33B. Status: In Production.
  • Stage 3. 1 x Ariane 4-3. Gross Mass: 12,310 kg (27,130 lb). Empty Mass: 1,570 kg (3,460 lb). Thrust (vac): 62.703 kN (14,096 lbf). Isp: 446 sec. Burn time: 759 sec. Diameter: 2.66 m (8.72 ft). Span: 2.66 m (8.72 ft). Length: 11.85 m (38.87 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 1. Engine: HM7-B. Other designations: H-10-3. Status: In Production.
Country
France

Chronology

1 event

1982 January

LV Family: Ariane. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 4.
  • Development of Ariane 4 launch vehicle authorised. - . Nation: France. The objective of was an increase in payload of 90%. Total development cost 476 million 1986 ECU's..