The know-how acquired by participating in the European Ariane 5 launcher led Avio towards a new challenge: the production of a new space launch vehicle, Vega, the most innovative space programme in progress in Europe. The programme is financed and managed by the ESA (European Space Agency). Avio and the ASI (Italian Space Agency), through the ELV Company (Avio 70% and ASI 30%), are Prime Contractor for the development, qualification and production of the launcher. Vega, 30m high, is a launch vehicle for satellites up to 1,500kg in 700km LEO (low-earth orbit). The configuration comprises three solid propellant stages and a final liquid propellant stage.
It is a perfect example of the application of innovative technology that testifies to Avio’s leadership in solid and liquid propulsion, and the achievement of expertise as a complete systems integrator with competences also relative to the avionics that supervise the launcher’s guidance and control.
Besides being the complete system integrator, Avio Group also produces the following systems for the Vega launcher:
