P80 (rocket stage)

P80 is a solid-fuel first-stage rocket motor used on the Vega rocket. It was the world's largest and most powerful one-piece solid-fuel rocket engine before being replaced by the larger P120C on 13 July 2022.

History

Development of the P80 began in 2005 as a joint effort by the European Space Agency, CNES, and the Italian Space Agency, with Avio serving as the prime contractor.^: 15 The first test of the P80 engine took place at the Guiana Space Centre in November 2006, followed by qualification tests in December 2007. Its maiden flight occurred on 13 February 2012, with the first commercial launch following on 7 May. Total development cost was €76 million.^: 15

Overview

P80FW is a single monolithic solid rocket motor propelled by hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene which burns for 114 seconds and is jettisoned at an altitude of 53 km after achieving a relative speed of 1.7 km/s.^: 13

The engine shares specifications with Ariane 5 solid rocket boosters - it has the same 3 meter diameter and similar height to the largest segments of the booster. This allows using the same facilities and equipment at the Guiana Propellant Plant for loading the propellant and transporting the engine to the launch site. The nozzle of the P80 is also a direct evolution of the one used in Ariane 5 boosters.^: 5

The manufacture process is divided among several European companies. Italian Avio manufactures the main motor case loaded with fuel, performs integration of the components, and final testing. French-Italian Europropulsion manufactures the P80 motor while Regulus performs propellant loading. Aerospace Propulsion Products B.V. from Netherlands builds the igniter. Belgian SABCA produces components for thrust vectoring and the staging skirt. French Herakles manufactures the engine nozzle.^: 5

Related development

P120C

The P120C is a wider version of the engine with increased propellant mass to 141,634 kg (312,250 lb), for use in Ariane 6 boosters and Vega C first stage.

As of 2024, an extended version of the P120C, called the P160C, was under development. This booster is 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) longer and has a propellant mass of 155,634 kg (343,114 lb). It will be used in Ariane 6 Block 2 boosters and the Vega E first stage.