Ariane V VA201 Shuts Down On Pad Prior To Launch

Kourou, March 30, 2011

In the last seconds of Ariane Flight VA201’s launch countdown as the Vulcain cryogenic main stage engine was being ignited, the checkout process detected an anomaly on the launcher, interrupting the final countdown.

The Ariane 5 launcher and payload immediately switched to a safe mode.

Data analysis is underway to determine the cause of the anomaly, and in parallel, the launcher will be transferred to the Final Assembly Building – where it will be returned to a flight-ready condition.

Arianespace will set a new launch date as soon as possible.