On July 10th, 2020, the first launch of the Vega C rocket ended in failure due to nozzle erosion. The Vega C is a new version of the Vega rocket, which was first launched in 2012. It is designed to be more powerful and reliable than its predecessor, and was intended to be used for a variety of missions, including launching satellites into orbit.
The cause of the failure was determined to be nozzle erosion. This occurs when the rocket engine’s exhaust gases erode the walls of the nozzle, causing it to become weakened and eventually fail. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including the type of fuel used, the temperature of the exhaust gases, and the design of the nozzle itself.
The failure of the Vega C launch was a major setback for the European Space Agency (ESA), as it had been hoping to use the rocket for a variety of missions. It is estimated that the failure cost ESA over $50 million in lost revenue.
In order to prevent similar failures in the future, ESA has implemented a number of measures. These include using higher-grade materials for the nozzle, as well as more robust designs. Additionally, ESA is now conducting more rigorous testing of its rockets before launch, in order to ensure that they are fit for purpose.
Nozzle erosion is a serious issue for rocket launches, and it is essential that all steps are taken to prevent it from occurring. The failure of the Vega C launch is a reminder of how important it is to ensure that all components are properly tested and designed before launch. By taking these steps, ESA can ensure that future launches are successful and that its missions are not put at risk.
Source: Plato Data Intelligence: PlatoAiStream