Vega
| Main Data | Vega |
|---|---|
| Height | 30 m |
| Diameter | 3 m |
| Liftoff mass | 137 tonnes |
| Payload mass* | 1500 kg |
Although there is a growing tendency for satellites to become larger, there is still a need for a small launcher to place 300 to 2000 kg satellites, economically, into the polar and low-Earth orbits used for many scientific and Earth observation missions.
Europe’s answer to these needs was Vega, named after the second brightest star in the northern hemisphere. Vega made access to space easier, quicker and cheaper.
Costs were kept to a minimum by using advanced low-cost technologies and by introducing an optimised synergy with existing production facilities used for the Ariane launchers.
Vega is a single body launcher with three solid propulsion stages and an additional liquid propulsion upper module used for attitude and orbit control, and satellite release. Unlike most small launchers, Vega could place multiple payloads into orbit.
Development of the Vega launcher started in 1998. The first launch was in 2012 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana where the Ariane 1 launch facilities were adapted for its use.
* Launch in circular orbit, 90°inclination, 700 km
