The second qualification model of the P120C solid rocket motor, configured for Ariane 6, completed its hot firing on Oct. 7, 2020, in a final test to prove its readiness for flight.
Depending on the configuration, two or four P120C motors, developed in Europe, will be strapped onto the sides of the future Ariane 6 launch vehicle as boosters for liftoff. The P120C will also be used as the first stage of Vega-C.
After it was fully loaded with 142 metric tons of fuel, the 13.5-meter-long and 3.4-meter-diameter motor was ignited to simulate liftoff and the first phase of flight.
The motor burned for 133 seconds and delivered a maximum thrust of about 4,800 kN. The test was performed at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana and was completed with no anomalies.
Image Credit: ESA