Posted: Fri, Dec 1, 2006, 7:29 AM ET (1229 GMT)
The solid rocket motor that will power the first stage of a new European launch vehicle successfully completed a static firing Thursday. The P80 motor fired for 115 seconds Thursday in a test at the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The motor, the largest European mono-segment filament-wound case solid propellant motor ever developed, will be used on the first stage of the Vega small launch vehicle currently being developed by ESA. Additional tests of the P80 motor, as well as two smaller ones that will be used on the Vega's upper stages, are planned for 2007. The first Vega launch is scheduled for mid-2008.

Related Links:

•  Space News article (subscription required)
•  ESA press release