Solid improvement

On 24 April the P160C solid rocket motor was fired up at Europe’s Spaceport solid propulsion test stand, a visually striking milestone after three years of intense development work. P160C is the larger version of the P120C rocket motor that is used as a booster for Ariane 6 and as a first stage motor for Vega-C.

In 2026, Europe’s Spaceport will continue to ramp up its activities with a sustained launch schedule. Ariane 6 will be at the heart of operations, with several commercial and institutional missions planned, notably the heavy-lift version of Ariane 6 – with four boosters – designed for the largest payloads. Vega-C will carry out missions for smaller satellites, particularly in the fields of Earth observation and other European institutional missions.

Europe’s Spaceport is undergoing a major transformation to become a more modern, sustainable and competitive spaceport, capable of meeting the needs of both institutional players and new entrants to the space sector, while reducing its environmental impact.

The Spaceport is modernising its infrastructure to new standards and to increase launch activities: optimising launch facilities, improving logistics and strengthening security and control systems. These developments will enhance competitiveness, secure Europe's autonomous access to space and prepare for future space programmes.