Testing Vega's Zefiro engine

This image tests being carried out on Vega's Zefiro engine.

Vega, Europe's small launcher, has been designed as a single body launcher with three solid propulsion stages and an additional liquid propulsion upper module used for attitude and orbit control, and satellite release. Unlike most small launchers, Vega will be able to place multiple payloads into orbit. Zefiro-23 and Zefiro-9 will are the second and third stage engines.