Ariane 6 launch pad water deluge system test

The water deluge system, which is activated at liftoff, was put to the test on the Ariane 6 launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in April 2021. This is one of the qualification tests to prepare for the arrival of Ariane 6, Europe’s next generation heavy-lift launch vehicle. Spraying huge volumes of water on the launch pad and beneath the launch table protects both the launch vehicle and its payloads by absorbing and deflecting the tremendous acoustic energy generated at liftoff. Shockwaves created as engine exhaust gasses exceed the speed sound and collide with ambient air cause noise levels to approach 200 decibels. Three areas are deluged with water during launch, this is done in sequence. Credits: ESA- @CNES - @arianespace