Upper Stage Collection

Ariane 1-4 rockets, artwork

MSG weather satellite launch, artwork

INTEGRAL satellite launch, artwork

Ariane 5 rockets, artwork

Ariane 5 rocket, artwork

ATV orbital separation, artwork

Ariane 5 rocket with ARD, artwork
Ariane 5 flight 504. Artwork showing a cut-away view of the European Ariane 5 launcher for flight 504, which deployed the XMM-Newton X-ray telescope on 10th December 1999

Ariane 4 rocket versions, artwork

Russian ISS module rockets, artwork
Russian ISS module rockets, cutaway artwork. Both Zvezda (the Service Module, left) and the Zarya (the Functional Cargo Block, FGB) are modules of the International Space Station (ISS)

Planck and Herschel rocket, artwork
Planck and Herschel rocket, cutaway artwork. These two missions were launched into space on 14 May 2009 by this Ariane 5 rocket

Ariane 5 payload deployment, artwork. This is the second stage of an Ariane 5 rocket, being used to deploy two satellites (one inside carrier)

Herschel orbital separation, artwork. The Herschel Space Observatory (left) was launched into space on 14 May 2009 by an Ariane 5 rocket

Mars Express launch, artwork. This European Space Agency (ESA) spacecraft was launched on 2 June 2003 on a Soyuz-FG rocket

Luna 1 launch vehicle, diagram. Diagram of the upper-stage launch vehicle (rocket) used to place the Luna 1 unmanned probe (round, upper centre) in space

Luna 1 spacecraft model (centre) in the upper-stage launch vehicle (rocket) used to place it in space. Its five antennae are shown here

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Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) at Cape Canaveral, Florida, engineers and technicians are hard at work preparing the upper stage of a rocket for its upcoming mission. This crucial component, known as the frustum, is the last newly manufactured section of the Ares I-X test rocket. The HIF serves as a hub of activity, with teams meticulously inspecting and assembling various parts to ensure everything fits together seamlessly. The precision and attention to detail are paramount in guaranteeing a successful launch. Meanwhile, over at NASA's Kennedy Space Center's Assembly and Refurbishment Facility (ARF), another group of experts is working diligently on the upper stage. This facility plays an integral role in refurbishing and fine-tuning components before they are integrated into the final assembly. In both facilities, state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology aid in these intricate processes. Every step is carefully monitored to meet strict safety standards while maximizing efficiency. As each day passes, excitement builds among those involved in this critical phase of space exploration. The upper stage represents a vital link between Earth and beyond – it will carry payloads into orbit or propel spacecraft towards distant destinations. The dedication exhibited by these skilled professionals highlights their unwavering commitment to advancing our understanding of space. Their expertise ensures that every aspect of the upper stage is meticulously crafted for optimal performance during its mission. With each milestone achieved within these facilities comes a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment. The culmination of countless hours spent refining designs, conducting tests, and perfecting techniques brings us one step closer to unlocking new frontiers in space travel. As we look ahead to future missions propelled by this advanced upper stage technology developed at Cape Canaveral's HIF and ARF facilities, we can't help but be inspired by humanity's insatiable curiosity about what lies beyond our planet's boundaries.