Ariane 5 ECA - VA256 JWST Launch

[Rambler]

Since the James Webb Space Telescope launch is less than a month away, I thought I would build AXM's Ariane 5 ECA edited to depict the VA256 Ariane. I have a good friend who has been an engineer on the JWST project since 2008, so I've gotten a chance to hear about its development over the years and see it in person at various times. With a personal connection to the project, I just couldn't resist building a paper model of the rocket taking it all the way out to L2!

Anyway, the main edit I've done is to create the logo layout on the fairing. It's based on the latest rendering, dated 1 July, I found on ESA's website. What's pictured below is a test build of the fairing section to see what it looks like (the nose rings aren't glued, just resting on the tabs). The big question right now is if the fairing is a pure white or the typical cream color. I created and printed both versions, so whenever pictures of the assembled rocket come out it's minimal effort to build the correct fairing. The last launch, which tested the fairing for JWST, was pure white, hence the question.

Current status of the build is that I'm now done with the interstage and have started on the core. Lots of rocket left to build before 18 December! I'll be posting progress pics along the way.

[Tanric1]

We are three days before the launch and still no update of this rocket on the AXM site ... I am impatient because I would like to build this version V256 with the JWST ...

[PhantomCruiser]

Be patient dude. I'm sure he's working on it. We all have other lives (and bills to pay).

Alphonso's models are excellent, and I'm looking forward to another model as well. Until then, I've got bills to pay too

[axm61]

Hi,
Yeah, I’m working on the VA256 launcher and payload. The rocket is done but not the Webb telescope. Be patient, it’ll be available soon. Here’s a preview of the launcher. The fairing will separate to display the payload.

[Tanric1]

A big thank-you ! In any case, congratulations on the quality of your models that I really like

[Rambler]

Originally Posted by Tanric1

We are three days before the launch and still no update of this rocket on the AXM site ... I am impatient because I would like to build this version V256 with the JWST ...

Oh, it's still being worked on! Holiday travel the last few weeks has kept me away from the cutting mat. Would have liked to finish before the launch, but life happens. It's on the agenda to do some building this weekend.

Originally Posted by axm61

Hi,
Yeah, I’m working on the VA256 launcher and payload. The rocket is done but not the Webb telescope. Be patient, it’ll be available soon. Here’s a preview of the launcher. The fairing will separate to display the payload.

That sounds super cool, and I can't wait until your version with the telescope is released!

[USSMissouri]

Where is Webb?
Where Is Webb? NASA/Webb

It can also be seen through the telescope.
Horizons System

[Rambler]

Finally had some time to do some building this weekend. Got the major pieces of the core and fairing assembled. Although, I will be remaking the fairing section for the third time. After looking at some pictures of the JWST fairing last night, I realized I had to adjust the placement of some of the access panels to make it correct. I also added a few extra details. I've also started on the engine section and cut out all the little parts to complete the core/interstage/ESC-D/fairing assembly.

[Tanric1]

As far as I'm concerned, I'm still waiting to be able to download the model .....not to mention the updated SLS which will soon be released from the VAB in March

[Tanric1]

Many thanks to Alfonso for VA 256