Successful Test Paves Way for Vega C Rocket’s Return to Flight

The European Space Agency (ESA) announced a successful test of the redesigned Zefiro-40 motor, clearing the path for the Vega C rocket to return to flight nearly two years after a launch failure.

Key Highlights:

• Successful Test: Avio, the prime contractor for Vega, conducted the test at their facility in Italy. Initial data analysis confirmed the motor’s performance met expectations.
• Redesigned Zefiro-40: This was the second test of the redesigned motor, which serves as the second stage of the Vega C. The first test in May lasted 94 seconds. The latest test, performed at a lower pressure, resulted in a longer burn time.
• Final Milestone: The test marked the final milestone in redesigning the Zefiro-40’s nozzle, addressing the issue that caused the December 2022 launch failure. The nozzle, initially replaced with carbon-carbon material, failed in a June 2023 test, prompting a redesign.

Confidence in Success:

Toni Tolker-Nielsen, ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, expressed high confidence in the motor’s performance, anticipating a return to flight by late November. “We’ve been following a plan set out in the middle of last year and I’m very confident that we will be able to make it with Vega C’s return in the end of November,” he stated.

Upcoming Mission:

The return-to-flight mission will carry Sentinel-1C, a radar imaging satellite part of the ESA/European Commission Copernicus program.

Transition to Avio:

As Arianespace transitions Vega operations to Avio, they will oversee the next five Vega C flights through the end of 2025. Avio will handle sales and marketing, a role previously managed by Arianespace. Stéphane Israël, Arianespace’s CEO, referred to this transition as “Vexit” during a recent briefing.

Customer Agreements:

Contracts for Vega launches beyond 2025 will need customer agreement for transfer to Avio. Israël noted, “We cannot make a forced transfer,” but expressed confidence that customers will accept the change.