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First clear view of the Ariane 6 rocket that will launch into space on the launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. ESA - L. Bourgeon

European Space Agency rocket launch to be livestreamed thanks to Irish-designed video system

The video kit system has been designed by Réaltra.

EUROPE’S NEXT GENERATION rocket will launch later today and all phases of the launcher mission will be streamed live and in HD thanks to an Irish-designed video system.

The Ariane 6 is due to launch sometime 7pm and 11pm tonight at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

While the inaugural Ariane 6 launch is primarily a demonstration flight, there will also be satellites and experiments from research institutes, universities and space agencies flying as passengers.

Ariane_6_first_flight_tracking_infographic Map tracking the route of the first flight of the Ariane 6. ESA ESA

Also on board will be two state-of-the-art technology systems designed, built and delivered by the Irish space engineering company, Réaltra.

Those systems are the Video Telemetry System (VIKI), and the Global Navigation Satellite System telemetry system (GEKI).

The VIKI will provide live HD video images during all phases of the launcher mission, from six cameras located on-board the Ariane 6.

The phases include the separation of the boosters and the deployment of the payloads.

Meanwhile, the GEKI will leverage advanced satellite navigation technology to ensure precise positioning, velocity, and timing measurements.

Réaltra is the Irish word “galaxy”, and the company was founded in 2018.

In all, 13 countries have contributed to the Ariane 6 and thousands of Europeans have worked on it.

Ariane_6_who_makes_what_infographic Components of the Ariane 6. ESA ESA

The European Space Agency said “every one of us will benefit from the Earth observation, science, technologies and services it will make possible”.

Danny Gleeson, chief operating officer of Réaltra, said the company is “delighted and proud” that these systems have been selected to fly on the maiden flight of the Ariane A6 launcher.

Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Gleeson said the Ariane 6 will enhance Europe’s ability to launch satellites into space and will “provide an independent access into space for Europe”.

ariane 6 Transfer of the Ariane 6 and placement onto the launcher on 11 July at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. ESA - M. Pédoussaut ESA - M. Pédoussaut

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Business Emer Higgins noted the role that Enterprise Ireland has played in connecting the Irish space industry and research community for participation in European Space Agency Programmes.

She said the inclusion of Réaltra’s technology is a “testament to their market-leading expertise, and an inspiration to other Irish companies in the highly specialised space market”.

The launch can be watched live and transmission is due to begin at around 6.30pm.

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    Mute Carcu Sidub
    Favourite Carcu Sidub
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    Feb 14th 2013, 1:20 PM

    Makes the Anglo “deal”, look even worse.

    Unless Ireland can outperform the Euro zone by 1% every year for the next 40 year, inflation will not decrease the burden it will add to it.

    Michael Noonan “forgot” (read refused), to tell us what the banks have legally had to tell us for years, “Past performance is no indication of future performance”.

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    Mute vv7k7Z3c
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    Feb 14th 2013, 1:24 PM

    For the benefit of readers who might not understand what you’re getting at, Eurostat figures put Inflation in the Eurozone at 2.0% in the year to January 2013.

    http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STAT-13-18_en.htm

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    Mute Frank Cluskey
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    Feb 14th 2013, 1:48 PM

    Basic 101 economics ‘The Law of Diminishing Returns’

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    Mute Lee Casey
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    Feb 14th 2013, 1:40 PM

    Austerity really working I see.

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    Mute Shayne O'Donoghue
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    Feb 14th 2013, 1:58 PM

    It is working! For the billionaires that is.. their wealth is increasing rapidly.. look it up yourselves.
    Look at the situation from the perspective of its creators.

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    Mute voodoo_criminology
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    Feb 14th 2013, 1:42 PM

    And is anyone really surprised by this? What exactly is it going to take to make the Germans realise that austerity economics is not working – you can’t cut your way out of a recession.

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    Mute Chris Mansfield
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    Feb 14th 2013, 2:54 PM

    It’s not entirely bad news for Ireland. It means that interest rates are unlikely to rise at any time in the near future, which will be a relief to anyone who owes any significant debt.

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    Mute Jason Bourne
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    Feb 14th 2013, 1:28 PM

    So who profited on the 0.6% debt increase?

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    Mute Jack Bowden
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    Feb 14th 2013, 8:38 PM

    The economy dropped 0.6% in the forth quarter of 2012.
    Debt is a different issue. I don’t know understand what you’re saying. ? Sorry

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    Mute John Deegan
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    Feb 14th 2013, 5:53 PM

    The debt based money system we use is essentially a ponzi scheme. As money is only created through debt and it demands payment with interest it is mathematically impossible to pay down all debts. The system must grow exponentially to feed the new money creation. Unfortunately permanent exponential growth is also mathematically impossible. By taking on the debts of the sick monsters who would enslave us our government has sold us down the river and up the swanny. We can just hope against hope that the system’s bubble reinflates itself long enough for us to dig ourselves out of this. The future of this country depends upon this very dodgy gamble…

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    Mute Julie
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    Feb 14th 2013, 8:43 PM

    Very well said John.

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    Mute Jason Bourne
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    Feb 14th 2013, 9:16 PM

    Try telling that Jack Bowden, 2 comments up. He didnt get what I was hinting at.

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    Mute censored
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    Feb 14th 2013, 10:57 PM

    tin hats for sale, 50 euro.

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