Snecma Propulsion Solide plays a similar role in the VEGA European program, as the developer and producer of the nozzle for the P80 solid rocket motor. 
Developed by Europropulsion, the P80 is the rocket motor for the first stage of the VEGA light launcher, designed primarily to place small satellites (1,500 kg) in a circular polar orbit at a height of 700 km (satellites for scientific, earth observation, telecommunication, experimentation, etc. applications).
The maiden launch of the VEGA is scheduled for 2008, from the Guyana Space Centre in Kourou.
The P80 is also a technology demonstrator that provides a platform for the latest technologies and materials that will reduce the cost of future Ariane 5 launchers over the next 10 years.
In this respect, the nozzle of the P80 incorporates the latest thermostructural composite materials developed by Snecma Propulsion Solide:
- Naxeco resin exit cone and thrust deflector,
- Naxeco-PyC throat,
- Elastomer thermal insulation of the nose cone,
- Flexible bearing with low-modulus rubber and glass-fiber reinforcement.
VEGA has a three-stage propulsion system (P80, Zefiro 23 and Zefiro 9).
Snecma Propulsion Solide is involved in: