Stages stacked

Vega-C has four ‘stages’ that are assembled separately and stacked in order on the launch pad.

The first stage, the P120C, was installed on 14 October and is one of the most powerful one-piece solid-fuelled rocket motors ever built. This component is also used by Ariane 6 for its boosters. By sharing the same components, both rockets can be built more cost-effectively.

The second stage, called Zefiro-40, has had its nozzle redesigned and the complete stage was test-fired twice since the last Vega-C launch. This is standard procedure when preparing solid-fuel rocket motors for operations. The third stage Zefiro-9, is the only component shared by Vega-C and its predecessor.