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P160C

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Solid-fuel first-stage rocket motor
P160C
Country of origin Italy
 European Union
DesignerAvio
ManufacturerEuropropulsion
Associated LVAriane 6, Vega E
PredecessorP80, P120C
StatusIn development
Solid-fuel motor
PropellantHTPB / AP / Al

The P160C is a solid-fuel rocket engine designed for use as the first stage of the Vega-E and as the boosters of the Ariane 6 Block 2 launch vehicles. The solid rocket motors were developed by Europropulsion, a joint venture of Avio and ArianeGroup, for the European Space Agency. The "C" in the name signifies its "Common" use across these vehicles.

History

The pedigree of the P160C includes the P80 and P120C.

In 2022, development began on the P120C+ variant, which evolved into the P160C. This extended version adds 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) to the motor's length and an additional 14 tonnes (14 long tons; 15 short tons) of propellant. This upgrade translates to a roughly 2 tonnes (4,400 lb) improvement in lift performance on the Ariane 64 with four boosters. Notably, 16 of the planned 18 Kuiper launches by Ariane 6 will utilize this enhanced booster.

The first P160C solid fuel booster was shipped to the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana in June 2024 in preparation for fueling and static fire tests.

See also

References

  1. Richard Priday (11 June 2018). "This is the fastest rocket on Earth". Wired. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  2. "ESA-developed P120C solid rocket motor enters production". Retrieved 8 July 2024.
  3. ^ Foust, Jeff (5 April 2022). "Amazon launch contracts drive changes to launch vehicle production". SpaceNews. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
  4. "Avio Ships First Upgraded Ariane 6 Booster". 19 June 2024.
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  • * Different versions of the engine use different propellant combinations
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