The P80
The first stage of the Vega launcher, called P80, is made up of :
- a solid rocket motor (MPS)
- a 0/1 aluminium skirt which is the interface between the launch table and the launcher,
- a ½ conical front skirt, made of aluminium, which is the interface with the second stage.
It has the following characteristics :
- total mass : 95 tonnes,
- length : 12 metres,
- diameter : 3 metres,
- thrust : 244 tonnes,
- maximum operating pressure : 95 bars.
The MPS is loaded with a Butalane-type solid propellant with a chemical composition similar to that of an Ariane 5 EAP. The loading mass is 88 tonnes in comparison to that for an EAP, namely 240 tonnes.
It should be noted that the P80 was specifically developed in parallel with the Vega programme.
This programme is being financed by ESA. The P80 programme group is the first level customer for the programme, and is being represented by the CNES launcher directorate (CNES/DLA/RAP/ADS).
The manufacturer, AVIO is acting as prime contractor.
The programme aims to achieve a development launch and one (or two) launch(es) for qualifying the P80 stage at the booster engine test stand (BEAP) in 2005.
The different manufacturing and integration phases for the P80 are as follows :
- delivery of the Nu thruster body (CPN) to the Guiana propellant plant (UPG)
- loading of the UPG with propellant by Regulus,
- transfer of the solid rocket motor (MPS) to the booster integration building (BIP),
- integration of the nozzle and igniter for the MPS at the BIP by EUROPROPULSION,
- transfer to the Vega launch complex (ELV) for final stage integration operations.
