The brief

Analyst view

• In 2026, Avio shifted from relying on Arianespace to market Vega C independently, handling launch operations directly from French Guiana.
• Vega C reached 2,300 kg payload capacity to LEO in 2022, expanding its addressable market from 50% to 90% of small satellite operators.
• In 2026, VV29 (May) and VV30 (September) placed SMILE, Sentinel-3C and FLEX into orbit.

Technical approach

As reported

Stages

Solid and liquid stages

Three solid stages (P120C, Zefiro 40, Zefiro 9) plus AVUM+ liquid stage for orbital adjustments and multi-payload deployment.

Flexibility

Modular payload adapters

VESPA, CLESSIDRA and SSMS adapters enable dual and multi-satellite missions in one launch.

Independent operations

Self-operated launches

By 2026, Avio began operating Vega C launches independently from French Guiana rather than through Arianespace, controlling the mission from launch to orbit.