03/03/23 (Agence Europe) – The loss of the Vega C VV22 mission after its launch on 20 December 2022 is believed to be due to a gradual deterioration of the nozzle of the Zefiro 40 booster, according to the conclusions of the investigation carried out by an independent committee of inquiry, which were revealed on Friday 3 March. Specifically, the Commission confirmed that the cause was “unexpected thermomechanical over-erosion” of the carbon/carbon (C/C) composite making up the nozzle throat insert, purchased by Avio in Ukraine. This phenomenon is probably due to a lack of homogeneity of the material used for this part. The anomaly also revealed that the acceptability criteria used for the C/C nozzle throat were not sufficient to ensure its suitability for flight. The Commission therefore concluded that this specific composite material was now prohibited from flight. (CG)