Results of the VV17 failure investigation by the independent inquiry commission. VV18 Vega return-to-flight expected by the end of Q1 2021

Colleferro, 18 December 2020 - Avio S.p.A. announces that the Independent Inquiry Commission composed of ESA and Arianespace and supported by Avio has completed its works. The Commission has confirmed the initial hypothesis of a problem related to the integration of the fourth-stage AVUM Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system as the cause of the loss of control of the launcher. The Commission has also provided a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure safe and prompt return to flight by end of Q1 2021, as well as to ensure launch vehicles reliability on the long term.

The full Press Release by the Independent Inquiry Commission can be found at the link: https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Loss_of_Vega_flight_VV17_Independent_Enquiry_Commission_announces_conclusions