Europropulsion, the joint venture owned equally by ArianeGroup and Avio, is set to supply P160C solid rocket motors for the stabilised exploitation phase of Ariane 6 and Vega C. The contract secures P160C production until 2029 and marks an important milestone for the heavy launcher’s future.
The P160C, developed jointly by the two companies through Europropulsion, serves as a common booster for Ariane 6 and the first stage of Vega C. It offers significantly increased performance compared to the current boosters and is ground qualified in 2025, with its first Ariane 6 flight planned for the second quarter of 2026 in the four booster configuration.
Under the agreement, Avio will supply additional liquid oxygen turbopumps for the Vulcain engine that powers Ariane 6’s first stage. ArianeGroup will in turn provide components and equipment for Avio’s Vega C launcher, reinforcing a longstanding partnership that now extends at least to 2029.
Giulio Ranzo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Avio, said: “Avio and Ariane Group are very satisfied to have signed a broad industrial agreement, seeking to capture synergies between Ariane 6 and Vega C to improve technology and performance as well as to increase cost competitiveness. Their joint venture Europropulsion, now over 30 years old, remains a fundamental building block of European’s capabilities to access space.”
Martin Sion, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ArianeGroup, said: “The ramp-up of Ariane 6 is in full swing. The arrival of the P160C motor opens a new chapter for Ariane 6 and Vega C. I would like to thank the teams at ArianeGroup and Avio. The agreement demonstrates once again that cooperation is key to ensure a competitive and autonomous European access to space.”
