P120C en route to the launch pad

The P120C solid rocket motor being transported to the launch pad for the next Vega-C flight VV27.

The P120C motor is one of the largest monolithic carbon-fibre solid-propellant rocket motors ever built in one piece. Its development relies on new technologies derived from those of P80, the current first stage motor of Vega, to provide a significant increase in thrust at liftoff. The P120C is also used as the side boosters on the Ariane 6 rocket, creating an opportunity for Europe to scale up production by using it on two launch vehicles in parallel.

VV27 will take Airbus Defence and Space's four CO3D satellites and CNES' Microcarb mission to space.