The P160C is a solid-fuel rocket engine designed for use as the first stage of the Vega-E and as the boosters of the Ariane 6 Block 2 launch vehicles. The solid rocket motors were developed by Europropulsion, a joint venture of Avio and ArianeGroup, for the European Space Agency. The "C" in the name signifies its "Common" use across these vehicles.[1]
History
The pedigree of the P160C includes the P80 and P120C.
In 2022, development began on the P120C+ variant, which evolved into the P160C. This extended version adds 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) to the motor's length and an additional 14 tonnes (14 long tons; 15 short tons) of propellant.[2] This upgrade translates to a roughly 2 tonnes (4,400 lb) improvement in lift performance on the Ariane 64 with four boosters.[3] Notably, 16 of the planned 18 Kuiper launches by Ariane 6 will utilize this enhanced booster.[3]
The first P160C solid fuel booster was shipped to the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana in June 2024 in preparation for fueling and static fire tests.[4]
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