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FIRST VEGA P80 NOZZLE DELIVERED
02 November 2006 - European Space Agency
| A ceremony took place at the facilities of Snecma Propulsion Solide in Bordeaux, France, to mark the occasion of the delivery of the first nozzle for the P80 solid rocket motor. The P80 is the first stage of the Vega small launcher. |
A ceremony took place at the facilities of Snecma Propulsion Solide in Bordeaux, France, to mark the occasion of the delivery of the first nozzle for the P80 solid rocket motor. The P80 is the first stage of the Vega small launcher.
The P80 nozzle delivery is a key milestone for the Vega programme. It is the result of several years of intensive development activities, during which Snecma Propulsion Solide performed the detailed definition of the various components of the nozzle, and validated new manufacturing processes. They achieved a major step forward in this area of technology aimed at reducing costs. This is a major event for Vega but it is also a precursor to future updates in the design of Ariane 5 boosters.
Elements of the qualification model of the P80 nozzle before their integration
Once arrived in Kourou, the completed nozzle will be integrated with the P80 solid rocket motor, under preparation, for the first firing test planned for end November 2006. The delivery was also an opportunity to acknowledge the significant work performed by the industrial teams at SPS and to recognise its industrial capability in space activities. SPS undertakes diverse activities in the area of military systems and in space programmes, with its involvement in Ariane 5 and Vega. Together, these activities permit SPS to take a long term view regarding the industrial teams and allow the maintenance of industrial capability in solid propulsion, both in development and production.
Speech of Antonio Fabrizi, ESA Director of Launchers
The ceremony was attended by ESA’s Director of Launcher Programmes, Mr Antonio Fabrizi, as well as representatives from the French National Space Agency, Arianespace (France), Europropulsion (France), AVIO SpA (Italy), Snecma Propulsion Solide (France) and ELV SpA (Italy). A short roundtable allowed an exchange of views on the launcher sector and its ongoing evolution.
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About: European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe. ESA has 15 Member States. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, it can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. ESA’s job is to draw up the European space programme and carry it through. The Agency’s projects are designed to find out more about the Earth, its immediate space environment, the solar system and the Universe, as well as to develop satellite-based technologies and services, and to promote European industries. ESA also works closely with space organisations outside Europe to share the benefits of space with the whole of mankind. |
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