Vega-C features

Europe’s new Vega-C launch vehicle supports more launches, with increased performance, to more orbits.

It features a range of capabilities to meet the needs of the launch service market for payloads from 1 kg to 2300 kg, for access to, operations in, and return from space.

The Small Spacecraft Mission Service, or SSMS, is a new payload carrier system for the small satellites market. It flew on the original Vega launch vehicle in a proof of concept flight in 2020 to deploy multiple small satellites. This rideshare launch carried seven microsatellites and 35 CubeSats. The SSMS is available for launch on Vega-C, which offers some 800 kg of extra payload capacity inside a larger fairing.

Additional payload adaptors include an enhancement to Vega’s Vespa payload adapter for dual passengers and the Vampire for single large payloads.

The Space Rider system, integrated with Vega-C, will provide payload return capability for Europe.

Developments are underway for a Vega Electrical Nudge Upper Stage (Venus) which will provide the orbital transfer capability to satellites to extend its market reach with constellation deployment, lunar mission and in-orbit servicing.

Rockets are the backbone of all space-based endeavours. ESA in partnership with industry is developing next-generation space transportation vehicles, Ariane 6, Vega-C, and Space Rider. Together with flagship technologies, these programmes strengthen our position in a competitive market, ensure autonomous independent access to space for Europe, and present new opportunities for space transportation services.