From Vega to the future: AVIO's role in European space exploration

AVIO SpA is a leading player in the space propulsion sector, with more than five decades of expertise in the development of advanced propulsion systems for space launchers. Headquartered in Colleferro, the company plays a central role in the European space industry through the design and production of the Vega launcher family, providing reliable access to space for institutional, governmental, and commercial missions.

A key enabling technology behind modern launch systems is the development of high-performance composite materials. AVIO is currently engaged in the design and manufacturing of advanced composite structures and solid rocket motor cases, where lightweight architectures, high mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and structural reliability are essential requirements. The adoption of carbon-fiber-reinforced composites and innovative material processing technologies allows significant improvements in mass efficiency, propulsion performance, and overall mission capability.

The seminar will provide an overview of AVIO’s activities in the space sector, with particular emphasis on the role of advanced composite materials in next-generation launch systems. Current challenges and technological developments in materials engineering, manufacturing processes, and aerospace qualification will be discussed, highlighting how composite technologies are shaping the future of sustainable and competitive access to space.

Speaker

Davide Perin is a Materials and Processes Specialist at AVIO SpA, specializing in advanced materials engineering for aerospace applications. He holds a PhD in composite materials and has extensive expertise in the research and development of high-performance composites and polymer-based systems. His work has focused on innovative self-healing composite materials and advanced polymer fibers.