Eco-design   The CDF’s network of computers, multimedia devices and software tools that allow a team of experts from different engineering disciplines to work in close coordination in the same place at the same time. This process has been developed and honed so it is now common to produce a costed, risk assessed conceptual space mission design complete with various options and including scheduling, testing and operations in a matter of weeks rather than the more traditional several months. ')   The CDF’s network of computers, multimedia devices and software tools that allow a team of experts from different engineering disciplines to work in close coordination in the same place at the same time. This process has been developed and honed so it is now common to produce a costed, risk assessed conceptual space mission design complete with various options and including scheduling, testing and operations in a matter of weeks rather than the more traditional several months. ') Life Cycle Assessment     On 23 October, the Zefiro 9-A motor successfully completed its first firing test at the Salto di Quirra Inter-force Test Range in Sardinia (Italy). This test is a significant step towards the Vega launcher’s qualification flight, scheduled to take place by the end of 2009.   After a nominal 120-second burn time, during which a maximum combustion pressure of 75 bar was reached, the roar of the motor stopped as expected. The first results confirm the expected performance increase for this enhanced version of the motor, as well as the robustness of the modifications introduced in the nozzle design. Last update: 10 July 2012