A computer fault was most probably to blame for the scrubbing of the maiden launch of Europe鈥檚 new 鈥�10 tonne鈥� rocket just 6.8 seconds before lift-off, engineers have revealed.
It is not currently known precisely what caused the computer problem. The automated control system did not receive data indicating that all pre-launch procedures had been successfully completed and halted ignition of the rocket鈥檚 main engine.
A new launch date should be announced early next week and a spokesman for Arianespace told New Scientist the rocket would probably take off a 鈥渕atter of days鈥� later.
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鈥淚t could be hardware or software,鈥� he said, though another cause has not been ruled out. The spokesman also stressed that the affected system is not part of the rocket launcher itself.
Keeping cool
The computer problem was related to external burners that flare off excess hydrogen. The hydrogen is used to cool the rocket鈥檚 main cryogenic engine, which runs on liquid oxygen and hydrogen, but the computer control system did not receive data confirming that the igniters were operating correctly.
On Saturday, the rocket will be emptied of fuel and moved back to its assembly hanger at the French spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. There, engineers will carry out a full inspection and test the ignition system.
The new Ariane 5 is the first European rocket to be capable of carrying 10 tonnes into geostationary orbit. It features an expanded upper stage, designed to hold two satellites, as well as an improved Vulcain 2 main engine.
A television satellite and an experimental communications satellite will be the payload on the new Ariane鈥檚 first flight. Arianespace鈥檚 US competitors, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, are both developing launchers that will also be able to carry 10 tonnes into space.