Avio S.p.A. is an Italian aerospace company specializing in space propulsion and launch systems. As the prime contractor for the Vega rocket family, including Vega and Vega C, Avio provides launch services for institutional, governmental, and commercial payloads. They are also a subcontractor for the Ariane program, supplying components like boosters and stage separation motors and partners with organizations like the European Space Agency (ESA). Associated keywords include: space launchers, solid-propellant motors, liquid propulsion, Vega, Vega C, Ariane, ESA.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Avio develops the Vega-C launch vehicle.
Avio completed investigations into a technical issue identified on a subsystem component production line after VV29 launcher integration.
Avio set a new launch date for Flight VV29 at 19 May 2026 at 00:52 local time.
The Gcap project involves Leonardo, Avio Aero, MBDA, and Elettronica.
Arianespace initially contracted to launch Sentinel-1D in November 2022 on an Avio-built Vega-C rocket.
The Smile mission will be the first Vega-C flight operated directly by Avio this year and the seventh launch of the vehicle overall.
Avio is developing the Vega-C rocket that will carry Smile.
Avio identified a problem in the production line for a component of a subsystem after integration of the VV29 launch vehicle.
The P120C transfer marked the beginning of the first Vega flight managed by Avio itself after Avio’s split from Arianespace-managed flights.
Avio will not announce an updated SMILE launch date until additional investigations on the technical issue are complete.
Avio postponed the launch of the Smile satellite on VV29 because of a technical issue on a subsystem component production line after VV29 launcher integration.
Avio began preparations for the SMILE launch in mid-February by transferring the P120C first stage from the Booster Storage Building to the ZLV launch pad.
Avio postponed the launch of ESA’s SMILE mission aboard a Vega C rocket after an issue was identified on the production line of a subsystem component.
Avio will announce a new launch date for the VV29 mission.
ESA Member States approved Avio’s split from Arianespace during the 2023 Space Summit in Seville, allowing Avio to market and manage Vega C launches independently.
Avio will launch the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) scientific satellite for ESA and CAS Science on 9 April 2026.
Avio’s SMILE mission is designated Flight VV29.
Avio’s SMILE launch is scheduled for 03:29 local time, 06:29 UTC, and 08:29 CEST on 9 April 2026.
Avio will conduct its first Vega launch under its own responsibility on Vega-C VV29.
Avio SpA's 2025 order intakes included about €330 million for space propulsion.