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Ariane 2

Ariane 2
Function Medium launch vehicle
Manufacturer Aérospatiale for
ESA and Arianespace
Size
Height 49.13 m (161.2 ft)
Diameter 3.8 m (12 ft)
Mass 215,000 kg (474,000 lb)
Stages 3
Capacity
Payload to GTO 2,175 kg (4,795 lb)
Associated rockets
Family Ariane
Launch history
Status Active
Launch sites Guiana Space Centre ELA-1
Total launches 6
Successes 5
Failures 1
First flight 31 May 1986
Last flight 2 April 1989
Notable payloads Tele-X
First stage - L-140
Length 19.09 m (62.6 ft)
Diameter 3.80 m (12.5 ft)
Gross mass 165.89 tonnes (182.86 tons)
Engines Viking 2B
Thrust 2,580 kN (580,000 lbf)
Specific impulse 2376 N·s/kg
Burn time 138s
Fuel UH 25 / N2O4
Second stage - L-33
Length 11.47 m (37.6 ft)
Diameter 2.60 m (8 ft 6 in)
Gross mass 39.41 tonnes (43.44 tons)
Engines Viking 4B
Thrust 784.8 kN (176,400 lbf) (vacuum)
Specific impulse 2851 N·s/kg
Burn time 128.9s
Fuel UH 25 / N2O4
Third stage - H-10
Length 9.89 m (32.4 ft)
Diameter 2.60 m (8 ft 6 in)
Gross mass 12.74 tonnes (14.04 tons)
Engines HM7B
Thrust 64.2 kN (14,400 lbf)
Specific impulse 4336 N·s/kg
Burn time 729s
Fuel LOX / LH2

Ariane 2 was a European expendable carrier rocket, which was used for six launches between 1986 and 1989. It was a member of the Ariane family of rockets, and was produced by Aérospatiale in France.

The Ariane 2 is similar to Ariane 3, without additional solid rocket boosters. Its payload capacity was increased to 2,175 kilograms (4,795 lb) to a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

Ariane 2 first flew on 31 May 1986 carrying the Intelsat-5A F-14 satellite. The third stage had a partial ignition followed by another ignition above nominal pressure which led to the engine failure. Because upper stage was shared with other Ariane rockets all flights was suspended until 16 September 1987. As a result of investigation more powerful igniters were installed. Following this, five more launches were conducted, all of which were successful. The last Ariane 2 launch occurred on 2 April 1989, successfully placing Tele-X into orbit.



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