From P80 to P160C, this line of solid-propellant rocket motors power the Ariane and Vega family of launch vehicles. This infographic shows how several improvements have been made to the motors and in which rocket they are used.

P160C is a significant upgrade over P120C that is used as a booster on Ariane 6 and as the first stage motor on Vega-C rockets. Packed with over 14 tonnes more solid propellant, the new P160C will provide increased performance, allowing for more or heavier satellites to be launched or farther away in space.

The “P” in its name stands for “Powder”, as the 3.4-m cylinder houses solid propellant. The number 160 designates the 160 tonnes of propellant inside, and the C stands for “Common” as the motor is used on the two launchers.

P160C is being developed by Europropulsion under contract from ArianeGroup and Avio who are developing the Ariane 6 launcher systems and Vega launcher systems for ESA.