Подрыв стартового стола космодрома

Spaceflight Now | Photos: ELA-2 launch pad demolished

Having hosted 119 launches from 1986 until 2003, a mothballed launch pad in South America is being dismantled to clear the way for future programs. The complex was the home of the Ariane 4 rocket, one of the most successful launchers in history. These images show Ariane rockets on the ELA-2 launch pad and the facility's mobile gantry being imploded in September. Read our full story on the demolition. Photo credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace MORE DEMOLITON PHOTOS > Experience the space program like never before become a subscriber today // www.spaceflightnow.com

Spaceflight Now | Breaking News | Retired Ariane launch complex being demolished

KOUROU, French Guiana — A mothballed launch pad for the acclaimed Ariane rocket family is being dismantled in South America after supporting 119 space missions for scientific and commercial customers. ELA-2, which stands for Ensemble de Lancement Ariane-2, was the home of the Ariane 4 rocket from 1988 until it was retired in 2003. ELA-2 was also the site of several launches of the preceding Ariane 2 and Ariane 3 vehicles in the 1980s. Dismantling of the launch pad began in July, and explosives brought down the 26-story mobile service gantry in September. // Дальше — www.spaceflightnow.com