This week, the largest solid-fuel rocket engine will be launched for the first time in French Guiana. This is an important step confirming the readiness to use the technology on Vega-S next year and on Ariane-6 from 2020.
With a full fuel tank, the P120C rocket engine will pass the test in a vertical position on the stand. During the test period, the sensors will record approximately 600 measurements. The length of the P120C is drawn out to 13.5 m, and in diameter it covers 3.4 m. Holds 142 tons of solid propellant, which guarantees a draft of 4615 kN (in vacuum) during a burning time of 135 s.
P120C is waiting for its first hot roasting
The design is based on the experience of the engine Vega P80 with the first stage. P120C will replace the P80 as the engine of the first stage of the Vega-C, and two or four P120C will be installed in Arian-6. All major engine components (nozzle, igniters, insulated casing) were tested separately. The last test will confirm the functionality of the assembly.
The full-scale P120C model, filled with an inert propellant, allowed engineers to test tools and connections. The data obtained in the period of static firing, will allow you to compare numerical models with real observations.
