[Article déjà publié le 29 août 2024]
On July 9, 2024, Ariane 6 made her very first flight and gave Europe the opportunity to come back to the front of the international space scene. But let's go back a little and leave the heavens to go to sea and more precisely in the Atlantic Ocean. Indeed, between Europe and South America, a somewhat special ship named Canopy was responsible for transporting the baby from ESA and Arianegroup.
The very first ship of the genre
Boats have several goals. They can be used for fishing, for scientific studies, for the pleasure of navigating or for the transport of goods. But if there is one category of boats that did not exist before the start of the Canopythey are those specialized in the transport of rockets.
And it was in 2020, in the Polish port of Sczezcin that the project of Canopy was born. Three years later, he carried out his crossing of the Atlantic by connecting the port of Rotterdam to that of Kourou in French Guiana.
A hybrid boat
In addition to the fact that it is the first transport boat specializing in rockets between Europe and South America, Canopy is also a hybrid propulsion boat. Admittedly, this is not a novelty in the naval field, but that is to be noted.
Indeed, if it obviously counts on thermal energy (at the fuel) to move on the water, the boat of the European space agency is also based on one of the oldest sources of energy to move on the water: the wind. And in this, he is also the first carrier of the genre.
And Canopy has four sails arranged on both sides of the ship which do not have much to do with traditional sails that can be found on replicas of old boats. No, they would almost look like blades or large oars.
And not only rest on thermal energy to allow the movement of rockets allows according to the ESA of “Reduce emissions and save 30% fuel.»
The dimensions and characteristics of Canopy
Twelve times a year, Canopy will connect Europe to South America to deliver the spare parts of Ariane 6 so that the European rocket can carry out its missions.
But let's take a closer look at what this special ship has in the belly. And here is his technical sheet:
- Length: 121 meters
- Width: 22 meters
- Sailing height: 37 meters
- Sailing surface: 363 m2 (x4)
- Travel: 10,000 tonnes
- Maximum speed: 17 knots or 31 km/h
In detail, his journey takes place first in Europe where he skims four ports, including two French in order to load the different parts of the European rocket:
- Bremen – Germany: for the upper floor of Ariane 6
- Rotterdam – Netherlands: for the rocket headdress, the one that protects satellites
- Le Havre: for the central floor of Ariane 6
- Bordeaux: to recover solid propulsion elements
From there, Canopy Leave Europe and sail in the direction of Kourou and its space port that the ship generally reaches in ten days. On site, the rocket is unloaded, then assembled before being duly prepared for its launch.
Source: ESA
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
