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ARIANESPACE FLIGHT 156

October 29 - Ariane 4 gets its extra "kick"

The Ariane 4 launcher for Flight 156 has been equipped with its four 
large liquid strap-on boosters that provide additional thrust during 
the vehicle's liftoff and initial ascent.

The activity occurred inside the vertical assembly building at the
Spaceport's ELA 2 launch facility, where build-up of the Ariane 4 
occurs.

The booster is powered by a Snecma Moteurs' Viking VI engine. The 
Viking VI is similar to Viking V engines used in Ariane 4's core first 
stage.

During its first phase of flight, Ariane 4 rides on the combined power 
of the first stage's four Viking V engines and four Viking VIs.

The Viking VI engine, which operates on N204 and UH25 liquid 
propellant. The engine's nozzle is covered by purple-colored temporary 
protective blankets.

During launch, the four boosters burn for about 140 seconds.

Ariane 4 boosters are 19 meters in length and weigh 4.5 metric tons 
when loaded with liquid propellant.

Flight 156 will carry the NSS-6 satellite for New Skies Satellites. 
Liftoff of this mission is set for December

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