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Cluster FM1 to FM4
Launch Failure
Liftoff Time (GMT)
12:34:00
Tuesday June 4, 1996
Mission Details
Launch Notes
The Ariane 5 program's first launch failed because of a programming error. Range safety officers elected to destroy the rocket during the launch, according to the Ariane 5 Flight 501 failure report. Maiden flight of Ariane 5G. Flight V87, aka Ariane 501.
Cluster
Cluster was a constellation of four European Space Agency spacecraft which were launched on the maiden flight of the Ariane 5 rocket, Flight 501, and subsequently lost when that rocket failed to achieve orbit.
Highly Elliptical Orbit
4 Payloads
4,681 kilograms
Rocket
Agency
ESARocket
Diameter: 5.4m
Height: 52m
Payload to Orbit
GTO: 6,900 kg
Liftoff Thrust
11,400 Kilonewtons
Stages
2
Strap-ons
2
Launch Site
Stats
Ariane 5
1st
Mission
1st
Mission of 1996
European Space Agency
10th
Mission
1st
Mission of 1996
1996
37th
Orbital launch attempt