The final mission of the European Space Agencys Vega rocket has encountered a bizarre setback.
Its common for wallets to go missing.
Same for car keys and mobile phones.
A Vega C rocket ahead of launch.Photo: ESA
But for two propellant tanks belonging to a 98-foot-tall rocket to go missing?
Theyre normally stored in Avios production department in Colleferro, which recently underwent renovations.
However, due to the current situation, Avio is unlikely to meet its commitment to launch on schedule.
One involves using older tanks from the vehicles 2012 qualification phase, raising concerns about their integrity.
ESA could tap SpaceX for its Falcon 9 rocket, but its not clear if thats a viable option.
As to when the Biomass satellite might launch and how, these are now very pertinent questions.
Avios relationship with ESA has become strained, particularly following thefailed Vega C launch in December 2022.
This incident brought to lightconcerns about Avios quality control and decision-making processes.
Several failures,including one in November 2020 due to human error, underscored these worries.
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