The first model of a future Ariane booster and Vega rocket stage is rolled out to its test stand at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, 20 March 2025. This rocket motor, called P160C, is destined to be ignited for its first hot-fire test.
P160C is a significant upgrade over the current P120C that is used as a booster on Ariane 6 and as the first stage motor on Vega-C rockets. Packed with over 14 tonnes more solid propellant, the new P160C will provide increased performance, allowing for more or heavier satellites to be launched or farther away in space.
The “P” in its name stands for “Powder”, as the 3.4-m cylinder houses solid propellant. The number 160 designates the 160 tonnes of propellant inside, and the C stands for “Common” as the motor is used on the two launchers.
Over 14 m tall P160C is one meter taller than its predecessor and is also one of the largest single-body solid rocket motors in production.
P160C has enough propellant to keep firing for over 2 minutes on launch – and during its test firing on ground. The rocket motor will be used as boosters for an improved version of the Ariane 6 launcher called “Block 2” as well as in in Vega-C and in the next generation Vega rocket, Vega-E.
P160C is being developed by Europropulsion under contract from ArianeGroup and Avio who are developing the Ariane 6 launcher systems and Vega launcher systems for ESA.
France’s space agency CNES will conduct the static fire test on its rocket engine test stand at Europe’s Spaceport.