Zefiro 40 Solid Rocket Motor Technological and Programmatic Development Status

摘要

In the frame of VEGA Evolution Program the development of a technological demonstrator, named Zefiro 40 Solid Rocket Motor, will allow to introduce the materials and technologies improvements able to increase the propulsive performance of VEGA Launcher solid rocket motors reaching a capability of greater payloads insertion in higher orbits. System analyses performed by ELV, Prime Contractor of VEGA Launcher, showed as possible step foreseeing the first stage propellant increase from 80 to about 145 tons and second stage propellant increase from 23 to about 40 tons. Zefiro 40 represents therefore the means for Avio S.p.A., leader in solid space propulsion and responsible of design and production of Zefiro 23 and Zefiro 9 SRMs, as well as P80 Loaded Motor Case, to develop innovative solutions with the primary target to increase the motor mass fraction, as an extremely low density thermal protection rubber, a high performance carbon-epoxy own pre-preg production, a self-protected nozzle flexible joint, an undercut casting design. The first insulated case development model realization at full scale is planned for the second half of the 2014. This paper reports the actual status of Z40 development: an overview of the performed activities is presented as well as the planned activities for the completion of the Zefiro 40 solid rocket motor development and qualification.