Infographic showing the P120C and P160C solid-propellant motors main characteristics. The Vega-C and Ariane 6 rockets benefit from the more powerful P160C solid-propellant rocket motor that is an upgrade from the P120C.

ESA's line of solid-propellant rocket motors power the Ariane and Vega family of launch vehicles. The Ariane 6 rocket comes in two variants depending on the amount of thrust required: the Ariane 62 has two boosters and the Ariane 64 has four, providing extra boost for heavier payloads or destinations further afield.

P160C is a significant upgrade over P120C that is already in use as a booster on Ariane 6 and as the first stage motor on Vega-C rockets. Packed with over 14 tonnes more solid propellant and a meter longer, P160C will increase 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.