Successful final test firing of the P120C
solid rocket motor for Ariane 6 and Vega-C
08.10.2020
- Success of the third and final static test fire of the P120C rocket motor, lasting 130 seconds, at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana
- The P120C solid rocket motor will act as side boosters for Ariane 6 as well as being the Vega-C first stage
- For this last test before the inaugural flight, the motor was in the Ariane 6 configuration, as the P120C will equip both configurations of Ariane 6: Ariane 62, with two boosters, and Ariane 64, with four boosters
- The Ariane 6 and Vega-C development programmes are managed and funded by ESA
Footage of the test is available at: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2020/10/P120C_motor_configured_for_Ariane_6_is_test_fired
The P120C was successfully tested for the third time on 7 October, at Europe’s Spaceport’s solid rocket motor test bench operated by the French Space Agency (CNES). This third successful test, carried out in the Ariane 6 configuration, paves the way for final qualification by the European Space Agency (ESA). The first and second tests on 16 July 2018 and 28 January 28 2019 were also successful.
The P120C will equip both configurations of Ariane 6: Ariane 62 will be equipped with two boosters1 and Ariane 64 will have four. For all the teams involved, these successful firings are also a source of great pride, because all the steps in the development process took place nominally.
The P120C motor is co-developed by ArianeGroup and Avio, through their 50/50 joint venture Europropulsion. The P120C programme is managed and funded by the European Space Agency. The P120C symbolises the fruitful collaboration between Avio and ArianeGroup in the launch vehicle field – an example of the strength of “Space Team Europe” comprising industry, national space agencies, and the European Space Agency.
Considering the major investments required for producing solid-propellant motors, the P120C is a perfect example of industrial optimisation, as it will equip both of the Ariane 6 configurations as well as the first stage of Vega-C. This will make optimal use of industrial facilities across the European continent and French Guiana, thus meeting the goals of the Ariane 6 and Vega-C programmes: optimised costs, shorter operation cycles owing to a simplified design, and the application of innovative technologies and processes.
The P120C has a maximum thrust of 4,500 kN and a combustion time of 130 seconds. It consists of two principal parts. The first is the structural casing, built by Avio and made of carbon fibre (filament-wound, automated fabric layup pre-impregnated epoxy sheets). The second part is the nozzle, built by ArianeGroup, made of various composite materials including carbon/carbon, which allows very high-speed ejection of the extremely hot gases (3,000°C) generated by the motor, transforming this combustion gas energy into kinetic energy to create thrust. The nozzle can also be pivoted which enables the launch vehicle to be steered. Propellant manufacturing, loading, and final integration of the motor take place in French Guiana.
The P120C in figures:
13.5 m
MOTOR LENGTH
3.4 m
DIAMETER
142 t
PROPELLANT MASS
11 t
MOTOR DRY MASS
8.3 t
MOTOR CASE MASS
4,500
MAXIMUM THRUST (kN)
278.5 s
SPECIFIC IMPULSE
130 s
COMBUSTION TIME
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In Ariane 6 programme terminology, these boosters are called ESRs (Equipped Solid Rockets) and consist of the P120C rocket motor and specific Ariane 6 equipment, notably the rear skirt.
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Successful final test firing of the P120C solid rocket motor for Ariane 6 and Vega-C
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ArianeGroup Press Contacts:
Astrid EMERIT – T. +33.6.86.65.45.02
astrid.emerit@ariane.group
Julien WATELET – T. +33.6 88.06.11.48
julien.watelet@ariane.group
Avio Press Contacts :
Giuseppe Coccon – T. +393488558076
Giuseppe.coccon@avio.com
Francesco DE LORENZO – T. +393355293206
francesco.delorenzo@avio.com
CNES Press Contacts:
Pascale BRESSON – T. +33.1.44.76.75.39
pascale.bresson@cnes.fr
Raphaël SART – T. +33.1.44.76.74.51
raphael.sart@cnes.fr