Avio

Regulatory Filings • Jun 29, 2023

Informazione Regolamentata n. 1771-33-2023		Data/Ora Inizio Diffusione 29 Giugno 2023 08:36:07	Euronext Star Milan
Societa'	:	Avio Spa
Identificativo Informazione Regolamentata	:	178781
Nome utilizzatore	:	AVION04 - Agosti
Tipologia	:	REGEM
Data/Ora Ricezione	:	29 Giugno 2023 08:36:05
Data/Ora Inizio Diffusione	:	29 Giugno 2023 08:36:07
Oggetto	:	ZEFIRO 40 FIRING TEST PRELIMINARY OUTCOME
Testo del comunicato

Vedi allegato.

ZEFIRO 40 FIRING TEST PRELIMINARY OUTCOME: ______________________________________________________________

NOMINAL PERFORMANCE OF NEW CARBON-CARBON MATERIAL, OTHER ANOMALY UNDER INVESTIGATION

Colleferro, 29 June ²⁰²³ – Yesterday a static firing test of the Zefiro 40 motor (second stage of the Vega C launcher) was performed according to schedule as one of the requirements linked to the return to flight of Vega C after the flight anomaly suffered on the last launch VV22 in December.

Following the recommendation of the Independent Enquiry Commission on VV22, the test was performed to qualify the performance of the motor with a new carbon-carbon material for its nozzle throat. The conditions of the test were purposely set as extremely severe in terms of max motor operating pressure in order to demonstrate a large performance margin with a view to ensure maximum flight reliability.

Preliminary analysis of test results (to be further investigated in the following days/weeks before reaching definitive conclusions) allowed to reach the following results. The new carbon-carbon material showed a nominal performance, closely linked to prediction. However, after 40 seconds into the test, another anomaly was revealed, leading to a reduction in overall pressure performance of the motor before the test completion planned at 97 seconds. This aspect will require further investigation and testing activity to be conducted by Avio and the European Space Agency to ensure optimal performance conditions.

The Vega launcher is unaffected by the performance of Zefiro 40, which is specific to Vega C. Vega next launch remains planned for September. The planning for the return to flight of Vega C is currently under evaluation, pending further analysis and investigation as above mentioned. Avio remains anyway committed to leverage the Vega launcher while Vega C prepares to return to flight.

Avio will communicate further details as soon as more detailed analysis is complete.

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For further information Investor Relations contacts: Alessandro.agosti@avio.com Matteo.picconeri@avio.com

Media Relations contacts: francesco.delorenzo@avio.com giuseppe.coccon@service.avio.com

Avio is a leading international group engaged in the construction and development of space launchers and solid and liquid propulsion systems for space travel. The experience

and knowhow built up over more than 50 years puts Avio at the cutting edge of the space launcher sector, solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion and tactical propulsion. Avio operates in Italy, France and France Guyana with 5 facilities, employing approx. 1,000 highly-qualified personnel, of which approx. 30% involved in research and development. Avio is a prime contractor for the Vega programme and a sub-contractor for the Ariane programme, both financed by the European Space Agency ("ESA"), placing Italy among the limited number of countries capable of producing a complete spacecraft.