Vega’s prime contractor, Avio, said the Zefiro 40 engine encountered an anomaly during requalification following a launch failure in December 2022. The purpose of the test was to demonstrate the performance of the new carbon-carbon material in the engine nozzle throat.
Although the new material performed as expected, a vague anomaly occurred 40 seconds after ignition, causing the pressure to drop before ignition was complete. Avio and the European Space Agency (ESA) will conduct further research and testing to determine the cause of the anomaly.
The incident prevented the “return” of the Vega C. The exact problem and the new schedule have not yet been determined, but most likely the rocket with the modified engine will fly only in 2024.
Source: Ferra

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