Vega first stage

The Vega first stage, the P80 solid rocket motor, introduces advanced low-cost technologies that will be reused for future evolutions of Ariane-5 boosters. These are:

• a 3 m graphite epoxy filament wound case
• low density rubber for the internal insulation
• low binder content and high aluminium percentage for the propellant (HTPB 1912)
• simplified nozzle architecture using low-cost and lighter carbon phenolic material
• consumable casing for the igniter
• an electromechanical thrust vector controlusing lithium-ion batteries