Ariane 5’s powerful solid rocket booster is the largest produced in Europe generating 700 tonnes of thrust for liftoff. <br /> <br />Regularly test firings are made to demonstrate the motor’s capabilities and qualify improvements in design. <br /> <br />On 8 September a test firing at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, ensured again that Ariane 5 launcher qualification, reliability and performance levels are maintained. <br /> <br />The test is a collaboration between ESA and France’s CNES space agency under ESA’s Launchers Exploitation Accompaniment Programme, LEAP, to guarantee independent access to space for Europe. <br /> <br />This video shows the test and it’s preparation. <br /> <br />More about Ariane 5 <br />http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Launch_vehicles/Ariane_5
