The commercial success of Ariane would be impossible without an industrial organization has become, over the years, more effective. Until 2002, the CNES was responsible for developing the rocket, Arianespace managing manufacturing and Aerospatiale, the ancestor of Astrium, took charge of industrial architecture. This division of labor worked somehow. Each pitcher was a prototype. This organization generates a lot of losses.
After the drama of the maiden flight of Ariane 5, June 4, 1996, the failure of the model is used. The new rocket exploded in flight; European space wavers. "It is the founding event. He had organizational change. Finally, the European Space Agency has decided, under German leadership, entrusted with the responsibility of Astrium development and production, "said Francois Auque, President of Astrium.The reorganization was launched under his leadership.
Specialization sites, reduction (- 25% production – 40% in the support functions), quality improvement … It is to stabilize the development model of Ariadne to improve reliability and meet delivery. "The success of a pitcher is related to its reliability and its competitiveness, stressed the President of Astrium. We are able to deliver the launcher three to four days before the contractual date. "
Subject sophisticated technology, the Ariane 5 is the first to be produced in series. In early 2009, Astrium took command of 35 Ariane 5 to 4 billion euros. The manufacturer will provide 7 launchers per year from the second half of 2010. The availability of Ariane is guaranteed until 2015. Reassuring for customers!
The organization is well established.10 countries and 86 suppliers are engaged in the manufacture of the launcher. However 80% Franco-German and 60% French. Astrium is prime contractor for the launcher and floors that are assembled in Les Mureaux in France and Bremen in Germany. The French engine manufacturer Safran provides the Vulcain engine, SNPE two boosters powder, Astrium Germany cryogenic engine of the second floor.
The rocket comes in kit form in Guyana. Several times a year along the Seine, the lower part of the rocket 35 meters long and 5 meters in diameter with its engine supports Le Havre aboard a barge. From there it crosses the Atlantic on a container ship. A trip looks identical to the second floor from the port of Bremen. The junction is realized in Kourou space base Guiana, which, with its 1 350 employees, is the largest private employer in the department. Ariane is assembled on site by teams of Astrium and Arianespace.This phase lasts on average six weeks before the launch.
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