Ariane 6 project in Kourou, French Guiana
By contributing to the development of the ELA4 launch pad at the Kourou Space Center, SOCOTEC is putting its expertise at the service of Ariane 6’s success.
Key Information
Date: Since 2014
Client: French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES)
Location: Kourou, French Guiana
Photo credit: ESA - S. Corvaja
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Project Summary
From the development phase to launch operations, our teams ensure the inspection of materials and infrastructure to support missions in complete safety. A source of pride for SOCOTEC, a key player in the aerospace sector in Kourou for over 30 years.
Project Details
The Ariane 6 project represents a major milestone in the evolution of the European space industry. Designed to succeed Ariane 5, this next-generation launcher aims to offer greater flexibility and reduced launch costs while maintaining a high level of reliability. A symbol of Europe’s commitment to space exploration and competitiveness in the launch vehicle market, the project has been led by ArianeGroup, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES).
One of the key elements of this project is its brand-new launch pad: the Ariane Launch Complex 4 (ELA4), located at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou. Specifically built to meet the technical needs of Ariane 6, this state-of-the-art complex incorporates innovative infrastructure, such as a mobile launch table and a new vertical assembly tower, allowing for more efficient and faster mission preparation.
On March 6, 2025, Ariane 6 successfully completed its maiden launch.
Our SOCOTEC Experts
Description of assigned missions
From the very early stages of the ELA4 launch pad project, SOCOTEC experts were brought in to help ensure the reliability of the components of this cutting-edge facility. Key challenges included: ensuring that materials exposed to combustion and extremely high temperatures during launches retained their integrity; guaranteeing that the fueling systems were free of defects during transfer operations. These inspections must be repeated before each new launch.
1 – Development Phase
- Participation in the design and construction of the ELA4 launch pad.
- Non-destructive testing on cryogenic lines to ensure material integrity.
- Chemical treatments on all lines to prevent corrosion risks caused by launch conditions.
2 – Launch Phases
- Participation in the requalification of the ELA4 launch pad to ensure proper functioning.
- Chemical treatments to renew corrosion prevention for materials.
- Cleaning and inspection of fuel supply hoses to ensure no impurities enter the fuel and alter its properties.
- Repetition of these operations before each launch.
From the very early stages of the ELA4 launch pad project, SOCOTEC experts were brought in to help ensure the reliability of the components of this cutting-edge facility. Key challenges included: ensuring that materials exposed to combustion and extremely high temperatures during launches retained their integrity; guaranteeing that the fueling systems were free of defects during transfer operations. These inspections must be repeated before each new launch.
1 – Development Phase
- Participation in the design and construction of the ELA4 launch pad.
- Non-destructive testing on cryogenic lines to ensure material integrity.
- Chemical treatments on all lines to prevent corrosion risks caused by launch conditions.
2 – Launch Phases
- Participation in the requalification of the ELA4 launch pad to ensure proper functioning.
- Chemical treatments to renew corrosion prevention for materials.
- Cleaning and inspection of fuel supply hoses to ensure no impurities enter the fuel and alter its properties.
- Repetition of these operations before each launch.
“SOCOTEC teams have been present at the Kourou site since 1990, offering their expertise to all the major players in the aerospace sector. It’s a great source of pride for us to have contributed, in our own way, to the success of such an ambitious project.”
