Proposal for Vega E

Ministerial Council 2016 proposal for Vega E.

Continue the preparation of Vega-E (Vega Evolution) with focus on a LOX/methane engine for future upper stage replacing the current Zefiro 9 and AVUM, better responding to market needs both in terms of cost and performance, and reducing dependence on non-European sources. To that end, (i) completion of the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) project, to respond to the growing demand of small satellites, and (ii) detailed design activities for the Vega New Upper Stage (VENUS) electric propulsion module.