(Finance) – “This success is the result of the work of our people in collaboration with ESA, ASI and CNES, and confirms, once again, the Italian and Avio technological excellence in space and in Europe. The inaugural flight of Vega C has just ended, but from the next few days we will begin work on the next one scheduled by the end of the year: the first of 7 launches already under contract “. This was stated by the CEO of Avio, Giulio Ranzoafter the Vega C launcher has successfully completed its maiden flightbringing the main load LARES 2 (a scientific mission of the Italian Space Agency) and six CubeSats for research from France, Italy and Slovenia into the planned orbit.
“The immediate presence of the Minister for Digitization and Technological Innovation Vittorio Colaoalso testifies the attention and commitment of the Italian Governmentwhich with the PNRR has decided to give a further boost to research and innovation in a key sector for the country system and for independent access to space “, added the CEO of the company listed on Euronext STAR Milan and active in the construction and development of space launchers and propulsion systems.
The launch is the culmination of the multi-year commitment of ESA, prime contractor Avio and industrial partners from 13 ESA member countries to carry on the legacy of their predecessor, Vega. Vega C has a significant increase in load capacity compared to the Vega, which has been flying since 2012. With the first two new stages and an upgraded upper stage, the Vega C increases its performance from the Vega’s 1.5 tons to 2.3 tons for polar orbit at 700 km altitude.
Vega C features a new and more powerful first stage, the P120C, derived from the P80 of the Vega. Immediately above is the new second stage, Zephyr 40then as a third stage it Zephyr 9, already used by Vega. The upper stage, capable of re-igniting several times, is also enhanced. L’AVUM + has an increased carrying capacity of liquid propellants, to carry loads on multiple orbits based on mission parameters and to allow greater operational time in space, allowing missions of extended duration.
The engine P120C will also be used as side booster for the Ariane 6 in double or quadruple configuration, explains the Colleferro company, and the use of this common component increases industrial efficiency and improves the competitiveness of both launchers.