Last Rocket Motor Firing Clears Path for Vega-C Launch
Will Replace the Vega Rocket for European Access to Space
A redesigned Zefiro-40 solid rocket motor, the second stage of the Vega-C rocket, was successfully fired late last week for the second time by prime contractor Avio at its Salto di Quirra test facility in Sardinia, Italy.
The first test firing of the motor took place in May 2024. This test concluded the qualification regimen for the improved engine nozzle design of the Zefiro-40. Engineers are now analyzing the motor’s performance, with the initial post-test review indicating that the new nozzle assembly and the motor performed as expected.
The first test in May was performed under high operating pressure and with a short burning time. This most recent test was conducted at a low operating pressure with a longer burn duration, as expected and according to the test predictions. The two firings are standard procedure when preparing solid-fuel rocket motors for operations, allowing Vega-C to be launched by the end of 2024.
Zefiro-40 is a 25-foot tall rocket motor, loaded with over 36 metric tons of solid propellant, and just one of three solid-propulsion stages that are used by Vega-C. For this test the motor was installed on its horizontal test bench. Zefiro-40 is developed and manufactured by Avio in their Colleferro factory near Rome, Italy.
Vega-C is the larger evolution of the versatile Vega family of rockets specializing in taking Earth observation satellites to orbit. The original Vega was launched in 2012 and flew 22 times over 12 years. It placed the third Sentinel 2 satellite into orbit on its final flight on September 4th. Vega-C is set to take over from Vega’s legacy, ensuring that Europe has versatile, independent access to space, complementing the Ariane family of rockets and enabling the launch of any satellite to any orbit.
Vega-C delivers increased performance, greater payload volume and improved competitiveness. Operating from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana from the same launch pad as Vega, the rocket extends Europe’s autonomy in space by supporting new mission possibilities and includes two new solid propulsion stages, an improved upper stage and new fairing, and new ground infrastructure.
ESA is responsible for the Vega-C launch system qualification and also purchases launch services for European institutional missions. The Vega-C development program was carried out with participation of thirteen ESA Member States, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. The Agency is the contracting authority for the development of Vega-C. It supports both the development and exploitation of the vehicle while also providing technical supervision based on its 30 years of experience.
Avio is the prime contractor and design authority of the Vega-C launchers. Arianespace is the launch service provider for the next launch of Vega C planned before the end of the year.