The World : Ignition Failed on Ariane

Europe’s Ariane 2 rocket failed on a May 31 launch because of a faulty ignition system for its third-stage engine, an investigatory commission has concluded. A report by the commission, released in Paris, made 14 recommendations for refining and testing the ignition system. It was not clear to what extent this will delay launches of the rocket, which competes with U.S. systems for commercial use. The United States’ space shuttle and Titan and Delta rockets all are sidelined after failures. The Ariane was destroyed by ground technicians 4 1/2 minutes after takeoff from the European Space Agency’s center at Kourou, French Guiana, on its 18th launch.