The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to test-fire the P120C solid rocket motor at the Spaceport in French Guiana to validate the booster’s suitability for Vega-C and Ariane 6 rockets.

As part of the test, a P120C rocket, fully loaded with solid fuel, will be held vertically in the test stand and ignited to allow its sensors to collect nearly 600 measures.

The test is expected to help the ESA team compare their numerical models against observed reality to consolidate the P120C design.

It will also help design the P120C qualification motor that is slated to be static-fired before the end of this year.

ESA said in a statement: “All main components of the motor such as nozzle, igniter, solid propellant, and insulated motor case have already been tested separately.

“This static firing will prove these technologies, materials and production techniques in combination and validate the behaviour of the assembled motor.”

“This static firing will prove these technologies, materials and production techniques in combination and validate the behaviour of the assembled motor.

“The test stand with the tools and equipment that will secure the P120C for its test firing, have had to be modified or developed to accommodate this huge motor.”

P120C is designed to replace P80 as the first stage motor of Vega-C, which is scheduled to debut next year.

Two or four P120Cs will be used as boosters to lift the Ariane 6 launch vehicle that is slated to begin service by 2020.

At 13.5m in length and 3.4m in diameter, the P120C is capable of containing 142t of solid propellant and offering a maximum thrust of 4,615kN in a vacuum with a burn time of approximately 135 seconds.

In addition, ESA engineers have recently tested a full-scale model of the P120C filled with inert propellant to validate its tools, check connections and perfect procedures.