This is a 1:15 scale model of the Ariane 4. It was the fourth rocket built by the European Space Agency (ESA), a consortium of 11 Western European nations established in 1973 to design and produce launch vehicles and spacecraft. ESA developed six versions of the three-stage, liquid-fuel Ariane 4 that differed only in their use of liquid-fuel or solid-fuel strap-on rockets to increase boost at liftoff.

Arianespace, a component of ESA, first launched the Ariane 4 in 1988 from its complex in French Guiana, South America. Since then the reliable Ariane 4 has been successfully used over 100 times to launch a variety of government and commercial satellites. Arianespace built this model and donated it to NASM in 1987.

Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar

Object Details

Country of Origin

France

Type

MODELS-Missiles & Rockets

Manufacturer

Arianespace

Dimensions

Overall (1:15 scale): 13 ft. 3 in. long x 2 ft. diameter (403.86 x 60.96cm)

Materials

Plastic and wood.

Alternate Name

Ariane 4 Rocket Model

Inventory Number

A19870357000

Credit Line

Gift of Arianespace, Inc.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.