Ariane 6 : key equipment from Airbus Crisa.

#Ariane6 just had its inaugural flight, and at Airbus Crisa, we are proud to be part of this program led by ESA with ArianeGroup up as the prime contractor.

?Ariane 6 incorporates several new technologies alongside its modular design, offering two basic configurations to meet customer needs. As a key partner in this development, we at Airbus Crisa take pride in the fact that 10 electronic units designed and produced by our team will be on board Ariane 6’s maiden flight.

?Two types of units have been entrusted to Airbus Crisa: the Centralized Multi-Functional Unit (CMFU) and the Pyrotechnical Firing Unit (PFU).

?The CMFU serves as the core of the launcher’s electrical system, housing various key functions such as power distribution, internal communications network management, on-board computing, and control of cryogenic engine actuators. Some of these functions have been developed thanks to the fundamental contribution from our colleagues at Airbus Space Electronics France.

?Meanwhile, the PFU is responsible for the precise firing of electro-explosive and laser-initiated pyrotechnical devices during critical launch events, including solid rocket motor ignition, stage separation, fairing jettison, and satellite release.

For these two units we have incorporated new European technologies that are crucial for enhancing the launcher’s performance and competitiveness. Let’s highlight a couple of them:

·?????? Deterministic Ethernet: the CMFU contains the switch function for deterministic Ethernet, in addition to some communications nodes (end systems). This enables increased bandwidth for internal communications, allowing all electronic equipment to share the same network, regardless of their criticality

·?????? Driving of Laser-Initiated Devices: these innovative actuators replace traditional electro-explosive devices. Not only do they bring about mass savings, but they also enhance safety.

At Airbus Crisa, we have established an industrial organization focused on producing electronic equipment cost-effectively without compromising quality. Our highly automated production line is prepared to meet the expected cadence of launches. Moreover, sustainability is not forgotten; thanks to a careful selection of materials and lead-free soldering, our products fulfill all the directives that apply to commercial electronics, such as REACh and RoHS.

?We are also paving the way to produce Li-ion batteries. For Ariane 6, we have been in charge of developing the electronic modules of two types of batteries, created by our colleagues at Airbus in France, with the goal of taking over production from the 17th launcher

#Ariane6 #SpaceMatters #AirbusCrisa @ESA @ArianeGroup

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