Avio Plans Three Vega-C Launches from French Guiana Amid U.S. Defense Contracts
Avio plans three Vega-C launches from French Guiana this year, down from four due to a delay with the Italian satellite Platino. The first launch is scheduled for April, carrying the ESA's Smile satellite with Chinese participation. Avio faces challenges in Europe due to a lack of satellite constellation manufacturers, impacting launch frequency and costs. Concurrently, Avio is expanding its defense activities in the U.S. with a $35 million contract with MBDA and a new rocket engine factory in Virginia, supported by U.S. government funds.
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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.
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