After nearly three decades, the Ariane 5 rocket reaches the end of the line.

Last flight for Ariane 5, maiden flight of 6 sometime next year. Vega C grounded after 2 out of 4 launch failures. Not looking good for European launchers at the moment…

  • thedarkflyEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    I wonder what is happening to the workers of the propgram now that it has ended. I guess they get reaffected to Ariane 6? But it’s quite a long time before its maiden flight, so are they temporarily laid off (chômage technique)?

    • BuzztigerOPMEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Good point, I think any skilled worker (manufacturing, engineers etc) is extra busy as A6 is delayed.

      Given the work (rocket science) I think even on the less skilled levels there so much knowledge how to prep and conduct a launch that it would be very counter-productive to fire anyone now just to rehire them next year. Given the sensitivity of the program anyone actually on the launch side would need a security clearance.

      For Cayenne (the city) I think the couple of launch visitors do not not really matter comparing to the huge constant work force.