Vega (rocket)
Template:Short description Template:Use British English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox rocket
Vega (Template:Langx, Template:Langx, Template:Lit)<ref name="ESASpecial2007">Template:Cite web</ref> was a European expendable small-lift launch vehicle developed by Avio and operated by Arianespace for the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Designed to carry payloads between Template:Convert into low Earth and polar orbits, Vega served primarily scientific and Earth observation missions.
Development of Vega began in 1998, with its maiden flight launched from the Guiana Space Centre on 13Template:NbspFebruary 2012.<ref name="ESAVegaSpecial">Template:Cite web</ref> Over the next decade, it became the eighth most launched small-lift launch vehicle history, though it struggled to compete in the commercial launch market. After initial success, two in-flight failures and rising competition from SpaceX's rideshare programs, which offered lower prices, relegated Vega to primarily serving European government agencies willing to pay more to support independent space access.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The rocket took its name from Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It featured a single-body design without strap-on boosters, consisting of three solid rocket stages, the P80FW, Zefiro 23, and Zefiro 9, topped by a liquid-fueled AVUM upper stage.
Italy led the Vega program, contributing 65% of its funding, with support from France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and others.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="spaceflightnow">Template:Cite web</ref> Vega was succeeded by the more powerful Vega C, which entered service in 2022. The original Vega made its final flight on 5Template:NbspSeptember 2024.
Development
Background
During the mid-1990s, French firms Aérospatiale and SEP, along with Italian firm Bombrini-Parodi-Delfino (BPD), commenced discussions on the development of a proposed Ariane Complementary Launcher (ACL). Around the same time, Italy began to champion the concept of a new solid-propellant satellite launcher.<ref name="flight 1996" /> This proposed launcher, dubbed Vega, was promoted as functioning to expand the range of European launch capabilities; Vega would be capable of launching a Template:Convert payload into a Template:Convert polar orbit. From the onset, the first of three stages would be based on the solid booster of the existing Ariane 5 expendable launch system while the second and third stages would make use of the in-development Zefiro rocket motor.<ref>Moxon, Julian; "ESA plan emphasises launchers" Flight International 8 April 1998</ref><ref name="late 1998" />
However, it was recognised to be a costly project and thus difficult for Italy alone to finance; accordingly, international partners were sought early on in order to proceed with development.<ref name="flight 1996">"Launcher proposals" Flight International 18 December 1996</ref> In April 1998, it was publicly stated that the Vega programme was dependent upon the securing of roughly ECU70 million of industrial investment, as well as the availability of around ECU350 million of funding that had been requested from interested member states of the European Space Agency (ESA), led by France and Italy.<ref>"Italy leads ESA interest in Vega K development" Flight International 29 April 1998</ref> During June 1998, it was announced that ministers from European Space Agency (ESA) member states had agreed to proceed with the first phase of the development programme for Vega; the participating members were France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy – the latter had assumed 55% of the burden for financing the programme.<ref>"ESA to develop small satellite launcher" Flight International 1 July 1998</ref><ref name="late 1998">Furniss, Tim; "A late entry" Flight International 15 July 1998</ref>
By September 1998, it was projected that, if fully funded, Vega would perform its first launch during 2002.<ref>Furniss, Tim; "New European launcher awaits full funding" Flight International 8 September 1998</ref> However, by early 1998, France was publicly showing displeasure in the programme, leading to disputes in its funding.<ref>"Second test for Vega's Zefiro" Flight International 7 July 1999</ref><ref>Furniss, Tim; "Finding a Role" Flight International 28 July 1999</ref> A new, higher-performance version of the Vega was proposed, but this failed to sufficiently satisfy France. In September 1999, France decided to withdraw from the Vega programme entirely, leading to fears for the future of the launcher.<ref>"ESA ponders Vega's future after France withdraws" Flight International 15 September 1999</ref> In November 1999, European Space Agency (ESA) formally dropped Vega as an endorsed programme, a decision which was largely attributed to France's withdrawal; Italy declared that it would proceed regardless, and threatened to re-direct its allocated contributions for the further development of the Ariane 5 to meet the shortfall.<ref>Moxon, Julian and Andy Nativi; "French withdrawal prompts ESA to drop Vega project" Flight International 3 November 1999</ref><ref>"ESA budgets for Ariane 5 updates" Flight International 1 February 2000</ref>
Around 2000, an alternative use for the Vega was explored as a medium-class booster rocket to be used in conjunction with an improved, up-rated model of the Ariane 5 heavy launcher.<ref>Furniss, Tim; "Arianespace adds Eurokot to satellite launcher range" Flight International 6 June 2000</ref> In October 2000, it was announced that France and Italy had settled their year-long dispute over the Vega programme; France and Italy agreed to provide 35% and 52%, respectively, of the financing towards the all-composite P80 booster for the Ariane 5 — work which would be included in the Vega programme.<ref>Moxon, Julian and Giorgio di Barnado; "Vega agreement paves way for P80 booster for Ariane 5" Flight International 31 October 2000</ref> In March 2001, FiatAvio and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) formed a new company, European Launch Vehicle (ELV), to assume responsibility for the majority of development work on the Vega programme.<ref>Nativi, Andy; "Italians form launcher company" Flight International 6 March 2001</ref> By 2003, there was concerns that European Space Agency (ESA)'s recent adoption of the Russian Soyuz launcher would directly compete with the in-development Vega; demands for such launchers had declined with a downturn in the mobile telecommunications satellite market and doubts over the European Galileo satellite navigation system.<ref>Furniss, Tim; "Face the facts with Jean-Yves Le Gall" Flight International 15 June 2003</ref>
Programme launch
In March 2003, contracts for development of the Vega launcher were signed by European Space Agency (ESA) and Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES), the French space agency; Italy provided 65% of funding while six additional nations contributed the remainder.<ref>Furniss, Tim; "Europe starts Vega development" Flight International 4 March 2003</ref> In May 2004, it was reported that a contract was signed between commercial operator Arianespace and prime contractor ELV to perform vehicle integration at Kourou, French Guiana.<ref>"Vega nears maiden flight" Flight International 25 May 2004</ref> In November 2004, construction commenced upon a new dedicated launch pad for the Vega launcher at Kourou, this included a bunker and a self-propelled structure to assist assembly of the stages; this site was built over the original launch pad for the retired Ariane 1 launcher.<ref>"Vega launch pad taking shape" Flight International 23 November 2004</ref><ref>Coppinger, Rob; "Bigger Stage" Flight International 8 November 2005</ref> In September 2005, the successful completion of key tests on the Vega's solid rocket motor igniters, a key milestone, was reported.<ref>Bentley, Ross; "Key tests for Vega igniters" Flight International 21 September 2005</ref>
In November 2005, European Space Agency (ESA) declared its desire for the development and deployment of an electric propulsion-powered module to work in conjunction with the Vega launcher; this envisioned module would transfer payloads between low Earth orbit (LEO) and a geostationary orbit (GEO).<ref>"ESA wants electronic module for Vega vehicle" Flight International 22 November 2005</ref> During November 2005, it was reported that both Israel and India had shown formal interest in the Vega programme.<ref>"Israel and India show interest in ESA's Vega" Flight International 29 November 2005</ref> In December 2005, the Vega launcher, along with the Ariane and Soyuz launchers, were endorsed as the recognised "first choice" platforms for ESA payloads.<ref>Coppinger, Rob; "ESA boosts science, delays Kliper" Flight International 13 December 2005</ref> On 19 December 2005, the first test firing of the Vega's third stage was completed successfully at Salto di Quirra, Sardinia.<ref>"Vega fires up on third-stage test" Flight International 3 January 2006</ref> For several years, further tests would be conducted at the Sardinia site.<ref>"Vega launcher rocket engine tests progress with Sardinian trial firing" Flight International 4 July 2006</ref><ref>Coppinger, Rob; "Rocket propulsion sees triple success" Flight International 3 April 2008</ref> Progress on Vega was delayed by the failure of one such test of the third stage on 28 March 2007.<ref>"Vega third stage engine fails" Flight International 30 March 2007</ref><ref>Coppinger, Rob; "Italian Space Agency plans its relaunch" Flight International 31 October 2008</ref>
During January 2007, European Space Agency (ESA) announced that the agency was studying the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation in order to support launches of the Vega and Ariane.<ref>"GPS navigation may guide Europe's Vega" Flight International 30 January 2007</ref> At the 2009 Paris Air Show, it was revealed that the adoption of more cost-effective engine to replace the upper stages of the Vega have been postponed due to a failure to reduce the overall costs of the launcher, making it much less worthwhile to pursue.<ref>Coppinger, Rob; "PARIS AIR SHOW: Commercial Soyuz, Vega launchers face up to cost pressures" Flight International 14 June 2009</ref> Despite this finding, efforts to improve the efficiency of the third stage continued.<ref>Peruzzi, Luca; "Italy has sights – and budget – set firmly on the cosmos" Flight International 28 July 2010</ref> At this point, the certification of all four stages of the Vega launch was anticipated to be achieved prior to the end of 2009, while the first launch was scheduled to take place during 2010.<ref>Peruzzi, Luca; "PARIS AIR SHOW: Face the facts with Avio chief executive Orazio Ragni" Flight International 16 June 2009</ref> The first flight was intended to be flown with a scientific payload, rather than a "dummy" placeholder;<ref>Coppinger, Rob; "Maiden Vega to fly science payload to conduct tests with lasers" Flight International 5 June 2007</ref><ref name="jan 2012 slip" /> but had intentionally avoided a costly commercial satellite.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; "Space, time and Vega's heavy burden" Flight International 26 January 2012</ref> By late 2010, the first flight had been delayed into 2011.<ref>Peruzzi, Luca; "Italy special: Towards the stars" Flight International 16 November 2010</ref>
Into flight
During October 2011, all major components of the first Vega rocket departed Avio's Colleferro facility, near Rome, by sea for Kourou. At this point, the first launch was anticipated to occur during December 2011 or January 2012.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; "ESA counting down to historic launches" Flight International 17 October 2011</ref><ref>Thisdell, Dan`; "Vega on track for January maiden flight from ESA's French Guiana launch site" Flight International 13 December 2011</ref> During early January 2012, it was reported that the launch date would slip into the following month.<ref name="jan 2012 slip">Thisdell, Dan; "Vega maiden launch could slip into February" Flight International 6 January 2012</ref><ref>Thisdell, Dan; "Fingers crossed and re-crossed as Vega moves toward maiden flight" Flight International 26 January 2012</ref> On 13 February 2012, the first launch of the Vega rocket occurred for Kourou; it was reported as being an "apparently perfect flight".<ref>Thisdell, Dan; "Vega maiden launch goes to plan" Flight International 13 February 2012</ref><ref>Thisdell, Dan; "Success of Vega rocket flight boosts Avio profile" Flight International 22 February 2012</ref>
During mid-2011, it was postulated that an evolved 'Europeanised' upgrade of the Vega rocket could be developed in the medium-to-long term future.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; "PARIS: ESA to fire up next-gen launcher" Flight International 24 June 2011</ref> Following the successful first launch, various improvements for the Vega were postulated. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) was reportedly enthusiastic on the prospects of developing a European alternative to the Vega's final, fourth stage; however, it was widely believed that there should be no change to Vega hardware for roughly 10 years in order to consolidate operations and avoid unnecessary costs early on.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; "SPACEFLIGHT: Partners look to enhance Vega" Flight International 23 February 2012</ref> European Space Agency (ESA) was also keen to take advantage of potential commonalities between the Vega and the proposed Ariane 6 heavy launcher.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; "IN FOCUS: Europe's next rocket has high hurdles to clear" Flight International 27 November 2012</ref>
Following on from the first launch, a further four flights were conducted under the vestiges of the VERTA programme (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment), during which observation or scientific payloads were orbited while validating and readying the Vega rocket for more lucrative commercial operations.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; "IN FOCUS: Europe forges ahead in space" Flight International 3 July 2012</ref> The second launch, performed on 6 May 2013, which followed a considerably more demanding flight profile and carried the type's first commercial payload, was also successful.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; "For 'flexible' Vega, second launch a step up in complexity" Flight International 18 April 2013</ref> In the aftermath of this second launch, European Space Agency (ESA) declared the Vega rocket to be "fully functional".<ref>Thisdell, Dan; "Vega's second success 'confirms functionality'" Flight International 9 May 2013</ref> The lapse of more than one year between the inaugural flight and the second one was mainly due to the fact that the Italian manufacturer had to completely redevelop the Flight Control Software, due to the restrictions on French export control imposed on the software used on the first flight.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Since entering commercial service, Arianespace markets Vega as a launch system tailored for missions to polar and Sun-synchronous orbits.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During its qualification flight, Vega placed its main payload the Template:Convert LARES satellite, into a circular orbit at the altitude of Template:Convert with an inclination of 69.5°.<ref>I. Ciufolini et al.; The Design of LARES: A Satellite for Testing General Relativity IAC-07-B4.2.07, proceedings of the 58th International Astronautical Congress, India, Hyderabad, 2007</ref>
Specifications
Technical specifications
| Stage <ref name="avioPdf">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="elvP80">Template:Cite web</ref> |
Stage 1 P80FW |
Stage 2 Zefiro 23 |
Stage 3 Zefiro 9 |
Stage 4 AVUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| Diameter | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| Propellant type | Solid (HTPB/AP/Al) |
Solid (HTPB/AP/Al) |
Solid (HTPB/AP/Al) |
Liquid (UDMH/Template:Chem2) |
| Propellant mass | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| Motor dry mass | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| Motor case mass | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| Average thrust | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| Burn time | 114 sec. | 77 sec. | 120 sec. | Up to 667 sec. |
| Specific impulse | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
Payload
Arianespace had indicated that the Vega launcher was able to carry Template:Cvt to a circular polar orbit at an altitude of Template:Cvt.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The payload fairing of the Vega was designed and was manufactured by RUAG Space of Switzerland.<ref>Coppering, Rob; "A significant role with ESA" Flight International 21 September 2004</ref> It has a diameter of Template:Convert, a height of Template:Convert and a mass of 400 kg. The cylindrical part of the fairing has an outer diameter Template:Convert and a height of Template:Convert.<ref name="Vega_bulletin_109">Template:Cite web</ref>
Three solid motor stages
The first three stages are solid propellant engines produced by Avio, that was the prime contractor for the Vega launcher through its company ELV.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Asof, the design and production process of the three engine types intended for the three stages of Vega were planned to be verified in two ground-test firings — one for design evaluation and one in the final flight configuration.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite conference</ref>Template:Update after
P80FW
The P80FW was the first stage of Vega and its designation reflected its characteristics: "P" stands for powder (the French term for solid propellant), "80" refers to its roughly 80 tonnes of propellant (later increased to 88 tonnes), and "FW" signifies filament wound referring to the construction of the motor casing as a single-piece carbon-fibre composite shell
The P80FW included a thrust vectoring control (TVC) system, developed and made in Belgium by SABCA, consisting of two electromechanical actuators that operate a movable nozzle with flexible joint using lithium-ion batteries.<ref name=caporicci104 /> The 3 m diameter case was composed of graphite epoxy filament wound case and low density rubber was used for the internal insulation. The nozzle was made of light low-cost carbon phenolic material; a consumable casing was used for the igniter. The solid propellant loaded has low binder content and high aluminium percentage (HTPB 1912).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The first test firing of the P80FW engine took place on 30 November 2006 in Kourou, and the test was concluded successfully.<ref>ESA: Successful firing of Vega's first-stage motor in Kourou</ref>
The second test firing of the P80FW first stage engine took place on 4 December 2007 in Kourou. Delivering a mean thrust of 190 tonnes over 111 seconds, the engine's behaviour was in line with predictions.<ref>ESA: Vega main engine test in Kourou</ref>
The future version of the stage, P120C, also with its name derived from the design phase propellant weight of 120 tonnes, will increase the propellant mass to 141–143 tonnes.<ref name="avioP120C">Template:Cite web</ref>
Zefiro 23
The development of the Zefiro motor was initiated by Avio, partially funded by the company and partially funded by a contract from the Italian Space Agency (ISA). A Zefiro 23 forms the second stage of Vega. Its carbon-epoxy case was filament-wound and its carbon phenolic nozzle includes a carbon-carbon throat insert. The propellant loading was Template:Convert.<ref name=caporicci104>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Zefiro 23 second stage engine was first fired on 26 June 2006 at Salto di Quirra. This test was successful.<ref>ESA: Vega's second stage motor roars to life</ref>
The second test firing of the Zefiro 23 second stage engine took place on 27 March 2008 also at Salto di Quirra. This successful test qualified the rocket engine.<ref>Successful qualification firing test for Zefiro 23</ref>
Zefiro 9
The first engine completed was Zefiro 9, the third-stage engine. The first test firing was carried out on 20 December 2005, at the Salto di Quirra Inter-force Test Range, on the Mediterranean coast in southeast Sardinia. The test was a complete success.<ref>ESA: Successful first test for Vega's Zefiro 9 engine</ref>
After a critical design review based on the completed first test firings,<ref>ESA: Vega Critical Design Review begins</ref> the second test-firing of the Zefiro 9 took place at Salto di Quirra on 28 March 2007. After 35 seconds, there was a sudden drop in the motor's internal pressure, leading to an increased combustion time.<ref>ESA: Anomalous behaviour affects firing test of Vega's Zefiro 9 motor</ref> No public information was available for this sudden drop of internal pressure, and whether any flaws were present in the motor's design.
On 23 October 2008, an enhanced version of the Zefiro 9 with a modified nozzle design, the Zefiro 9-A, was successfully tested.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 28 April 2009, the final qualification test firing of Zefiro 9-A took place at the Salto di Quirra Interforce Test Range in Sardinia, Italy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Attitude & Vernier Upper Module (AVUM)
The Attitude & Vernier Upper Module (AVUM), developed by Avio, serves as the upper stage (fourth stage) of the Vega rocket, designed to place payloads into precise orbits while performing roll and attitude control functions. It is composed of two main components: the AVUM Propulsion Module (APM) and the AVUM Avionics Module (AAM).<ref name="avioAvum">Template:Cite web</ref> The APM is powered by the Ukrainian-built RD-843 rocket engine, a lightweight, pressure-fed liquid-fuel system that uses unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) fuel and dinitrogen tetroxide (Template:Chem2) oxidizer as propellants.<ref name="nkau843">THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF EUROPEAN VEGA LAUNCHER WITH UKRAINIAN UPPER-STAGE ENGINE State Space Agency of Ukraine 21 November 2018</ref><ref name="nkau868">Vega State Space Agency of Ukraine</ref> This engine is capable of multiple restarts, enabling high-precision orbital adjustments, multi-payload deployment, and controlled de-orbiting to reduce space debris. The AAM houses the vehicle’s core avionics subsystem, integrating advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Variants
There was a concept study for a new medium-size launcher based on Vega and Ariane 5 elements. This launcher would use an Ariane 5 P230 first stage, a Vega P80 second stage and an Ariane 5 third stage using either storable or cryogenic fuel.<ref name="caporicci104" />
The future upgraded Vega (LYRA program) has exceeded the feasibility study and was planned to replace the current third and fourth stages with a single low cost LOX/Liquid methane stage with a new guidance system. The purpose of the program was to upgrade the performance by about 30% without significant price increase.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 14 February 2012, one day after the successful first launch of Vega, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) moved to be included in the program. Johann-Dietrich Wörner, at that time head of DLR, said Germany wanted to join the project. Germany would provide a replacement for the RD-843 engine on the AVUM fourth stage, currently made in Ukraine. The Vega launcher manager stated that it will not fly in the near future because it takes some time to develop, but he confirmed it will be on agenda in the next meeting of ministers in late 2012. That way, all components of the rocket would be built inside the European Union (EU), excluding the Swiss made ones.<ref name="spaceflightnow" />
The revised Vega-C first stage, renamed P120C (Common), has been selected as booster for the first stage of the next generation Ariane 6 rocket at European Space Agency (ESA) Council meeting at Ministerial level in December 2014.<ref name="asiNews32582">Template:Cite web</ref>
Avio was also considering a "Vega Light" that would omit the first stage of either the Vega-C or Vega-E and would be targeted at replenishing satellite constellations. The vehicle would be capable of launching between 250–300 kg or 400–500 kg depending on whether it was derived from a Vega-C or Vega-E, respectively.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Vega C
Vega C was an evolution on the original Vega launcher to enable better launch performance and flexibility.<ref name="VEGA C | Avio">Template:Cite web</ref> Development started following the December 2014 ESA Ministerial Council with the goal to meet the change in payload demands, both in regards to an increase in medium-sized institutional payloads, and to compete with cheaper launch providers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
This new evolution incorporates various changes to the Vega stack. The first stage P80FW motor will be replaced with the P120C, the same booster due to be used on the Ariane 6 launcher, and the Zefiro 23 second stage will also be replaced with the Zefiro 40. The larger AVUM+ will replace the AVUM fourth stage, while the third Zefiro 9 stage will be carried over from the base version of the launcher.<ref name="VEGA C | Avio" />
These modifications will enable new mission parameters using various payload adapters and upper stages. The new rocket will be able to carry dual payloads using the Vespa-C payload adapter, or a single large satellite in addition to smaller payloads using the Vampire and SMSS multiple payload dispenser. Orbital transfer capability was also available with the Vega Electrical Nudge Upper Stage, or VENUS.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Return missions are also available using the reusable Space Rider vehicle, currently in development by ESA and due to launch on a Vega-C no earlier than July 2025.
On 13 July 2022, Vega-C had its debut flight, during which it delivered the LARES 2 and six other satellites to orbit.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This launch came as a way of filling the gap after the Russian rockets became unavailable due to the invasion of Ukraine.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 21 December 2022 (UTC), Vega-C suffered a launch failure due to an anomaly with the Zefiro 40 second stage resulting in the loss of two spacecraft for the Airbus Pléiades Neo Earth-imaging constellation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Following the failure, the next launch was delayed until late 2024 to allow the redesign of a rocket motor nozzle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Vega-E
Template:Main The Vega E (or Vega Evolution) is a further evolution of the Vega-C. The first stage P120C motor will be replaced with the P160C, the same booster due to be used on the Ariane 6 Block 2 launcher.
The Zefiro 9 and AVUM+ third and fourth stages will be replaced with a cryogenic upper stage powered by liquid oxygen and liquid methane. This variant offers even more flexibility than Vega-C, with the ability to deliver multiple satellites into different orbits on a single launch.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:As of Avio was finalizing the development of the new M10 methane engine used in the new upper stage. The engine design was the result of a collaboration between Avio and Chemical Automatics Design Bureau (KBKhA) ended in 2014.<ref name="eucassMIRA">Template:Cite book</ref>
Avio successfully conducted the first series of testing of the M10 engine between May and July 2022<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> with the maiden flight of the Vega-E planned for 2027.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Costs
Development costs for the Vega rocket totaled €710 million, with ESA spending an additional €400 million to sponsor five development flights between 2012 and 2014.<ref name="SpaceNews20120213">Template:Cite web</ref> Estimates of commercial launch costs in 2012 were projected to be €32 million, including Arianespace's marketing and service costs, or €25 million for each rocket alone, assuming a launch rate of 2 per year. Template:Quote
In 2012, the managing director of ELV estimated that if the sustained flight rate were to increase to four flights per year, the price of each individual launch vehicle could potentially decrease to €22 million.<ref name="SpaceWeb20120123">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Update after
In the event, by November 2020, Vega had never flown more than three flights in a single year, with an average flight rate of just under two launches per year.
List of flights
Template:Main Template:Sticky header
Comparable rockets
- Delta II 7420 (retired)
- Epsilon
- Firefly Alpha
- Minotaur IV
- Minotaur-C
- Rokot (retired)
- Soyuz-2-1v
- Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
- List of Vega launches
See also
- Vega-C
- List of Vega launches
- Solid rocket
- Comparison of orbital launchers families
- Comparison of orbital launch systems
Notes
References
External links
- Vega launcher, European Space Agency
- ELV – European Launch Vehicle s.p.a.
- Vega Launcher, Avio Template:Webarchive
- First stone for Vega at Europe's Spaceport
- Vega brochure
- Vega Leaflet
- Vega Nozzle
- Telemetry Simulator of VEGA
- Template:Cite videoTemplate:Cbignore
- Template:Cite videoTemplate:Cbignore
Template:Arianespace launches Template:Expendable launch systems Template:European Space Agency Template:European launch systems Template:Rocket families