The AVUM (Attitude Vernier Upper Module) is made up of two separate sections, one carrying the propulsion elements (APM: AVUM Propulsion Module) and the second carrying avionics equipment (AAM: AVUM Avionics Module).
The APM operates the settings control functions and axial thrust for the Vega launcher during the final phases of flight.
The current basic configuration includes the adoption of a bi-liquid propellant for initiation manoeuvres, which uses Nitrogen Tetroxide (NTO) as an oxidant and asymmetric monomethyl-hydrazine (UDMH) as a propellant. Both are fuelled by pressurised helium gas and a cold nitrogen gas system (GN2) for settings control.
The total fuel load is 250-400 kg, depending on the configuration and specific mission.
The AMM avionics module carries the launcher’s main components for the avionics sub-system.
AVUM’s features include:
