A building in its own right

At first glance, the juggernaut supporting the launcher does not really look like a building. Massive, shielded, mobile and apparently sealed, the launch table reveals nothing of what is contained within.

When the Ariane 5 table was first designed, the aim was to be able to transport the launcher and its interface equipment on a mobile structure, so that in the event of an accident on lift-off, this structure alone would be damaged. This enabled the launch zone to be left virtually empty, thus limiting the vulnerability of the ground facilities. With two identical tables, a new flight can take place just six months after a major accident on lift-off.

Designed by CNES’s Ground Systems Sub-directorate, this imposing steel structure is considered part of the launch facilities, just like the Launcher Integration Building (BIL), the Final Assembly Building (BAF), the Launch Complex (ZL), or the Launch Centre (CDL). It contains all the utilities typically found in a building: power, air conditioning, lighting, alarm systems, video and computers, as well as all the operational systems used for its move to the ZL for the launch.

Suitable facilities

The table is subdivided into chambers, or technical rooms. Although the dimensions of the overall structure are impressive, these technical rooms are cluttered and cramped for the people that work here. They hold many systems which are essential to the integration of the launcher, and to verifying its correct functioning in the BIL and BAF integration buildings and at the ZL for the launch countdown.

The technical rooms are air-conditioned to ensure the electrical equipment functions correctly, and some are pressurised to establish priority escape routes in the event of a leak during countdown. Certain rooms are also nitrogen-inert to prevent the ignition of an accidental flammable mixture. Like any other building, they also have lighting, fire detection and extinction systems, oxygen control systems and alarms.