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

Wiki

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

Retired
Ariane 5 G

Active 1996 to 2003

European Space Agency logo

Agency

ESA

Rocket

Diameter: 5.4m

Height: 52m

Payload to Orbit

GTO: 6,900 kg

Liftoff Thrust

11,400 Kilonewtons

Stages

2

Strap-ons

2

Launch Site

ELA-3

Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, France

Fastest Turnaround

24 days 3 hours

Stats

Ariane 5


1st

Mission

1st

Mission of 1996

European Space Agency


10th

Mission

1st

Mission of 1996

1996


37th

Orbital launch attempt