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The next evolution and upgrade of the solid rocket motor that propels both Vega-C and Ariane 6 launchers off the launch pad was tested at Europe\u2019s Spaceport in French Guiana on 24 April 2025 on the solid-propellant booster test stand (BEAP) operated by the French Space Agency (CNES).<\/p>\n
Firing for over two minutes the P160C completed the full hot-fire test expending all its solid-propellant as it will on a launch.<\/p>\n
After ignition P160C delivered a maximum thrust of about 4700 kN, as expected for liftoff and the first phase of flight. According to initial recorded data, the performance met expectations. A full analysis of these test results and inspection of all components will confirm the design and provide the main justification elements for the rocket motor qualification for flight.<\/p>\n
P160C is the larger version of the P120C rocket motor that is used as a booster for Ariane 6 and as a first stage motor for Vega-C. P160C holds 167 tonnes of solid propellant, 14 more than P120C and is a meter taller.<\/p>\n
The P160C will allow Ariane 6 and Vega-C to launch heavier payloads and to different orbits and destinations, and it is also set to be used on the next generation in the Vega rocket family called Vega-E. The rocket motor is one of the most powerful one-piece motors in production in the world, the shell is wound in one go with a carbon-fibre composite.<\/p>\n
The \u201cP\u201d in its name stands for \u201cPowder\u201d, as the 3.4-m cylinder houses solid propellant. The number 160 designates the 160 tonnes of propellant inside, and the C stands for \u201cCommon\u201d as the motor is used on the\u00a0two launchers.<\/p>\n
P160C is developed by Europropulsion under contract from ArianeGroup and Avio who are developing the Ariane 6 launcher systems and Vega launcher systems for ESA. The recent test was on qualification model 3 (QM3), continuing the naming from the three models of P120C testing: a development model (DM); a first qualification model (QM1) configured for Vega-C; and a second qualification model (QM2) configured for Ariane 6.<\/p>\n
France\u2019s space agency CNES conducted the static fire test on the solid rocket motor test stand at Europe\u2019s Spaceport in French Guiana.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n