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Avio CEO Giulio Ranzo announced plans for three Vega-C launches from French Guiana in 2023, reduced from four due to a delay with the Platino satellite. The first launch, scheduled for April, will carry ESA’s Smile satellite with Chinese involvement.

Ranzo highlighted Europe's challenges in satellite constellation manufacturing, noting that major telecom companies have not participated in this sector, which limits the frequency of launches. In parallel, Avio's defense activities are expanding in the U.S. after a €35 million contract with MBDA.

A new rocket engine factory will be established in Virginia with an investment of €500-600 million, partly from U.S. government funding. Avio has secured contracts worth €150 million with the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon.