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Second test firing of Zefiro-40 on 3 October 2024.<\/p>\n
A redesigned Zefiro-40 solid rocket motor, the second stage of the Vega-C rocket, was successfully fired for the second time by prime contractor Avio at its Salto di Quirra test facility in Sardinia, Italy. This second firing follows from a first firing test \u00a0of the motor in May 2024 and concludes the qualification tests for the improved engine nozzle design of the Zefiro-40.<\/p>\n
Engineers are analysing the motor\u2019s performance, with the initial post-test review indicating that the new nozzle assembly and the motor performed as expected.<\/p>\n
Whereas the first test in May was performed under high operating pressure and with a short burning time, today\u2019s test was conducted at a low operating pressure and burnt for longer, as expected and according to the test predictions. \u00a0The two firings are standard procedure when preparing solid-fuel rocket motors for operations, allowing Vega-C to be launched by the end of 2024.<\/p>\n
Zefiro-40 is a 7.6 m tall rocket motor, loaded with over 36 tonnes 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.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n