Faulty Ukrainian part responsible for in-flight explosion of Vega-C rocket

The Vega-C rocket exploded 151 seconds after its launch from Kourou in Guyana on December 20, 2022. AP - JM Guillon

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2 mins

The European Vega-C launcher is grounded while a commission of inquiry clarifies the reasons for its explosion shortly after takeoff on December 20.

According to the conclusions of the investigation, a part of Ukrainian origin would have proved to be defective.

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It was a crucial launch for Vega-C, as it was its first commercial flight.

But now, 151 seconds after takeoff,

the launcher exploded

causing the loss of the two satellites it was carrying and the failure of the mission.

Fault on a nozzle

More than two months later, we now know what happened.

A defect on the nozzle of the second stage engine, this is the part from which the flames of the rocket escape, would be the cause of the accident.

It is more precisely the neck of this nozzle which is in question, a part manufactured by the Ukrainian industrialist Youzhnoye in the city of Dnipro. 

Avio, the Italian prime contractor for the Vega-C rocket had in fact preferred to call on this manufacturer rather than Arianegroup, yet the historical supplier of this part.

That said, the problem has since been involuntarily resolved, since following the war in Ukraine, Avio returned to obtain supplies from the European group. 

Failures in quality controls

The Italian, however, remains highly criticized.

This case highlights shortcomings in its quality controls.

Especially since the loss of Vega-C had serious consequences for the European space sector, already in difficulty by the repeated delays of its new Ariane 6 launcher. Having a rocket grounded only worsened the things, the return to flight of Vega-C is now scheduled for the end of the year.

►Also listen: Failed launch of the Vega-C rocket: "An anomaly occurred during the thrust of the 2nd stage"

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