Artist's view of Vega-C on the launch pad

ESA is working with industry towards the first flight of Europe’s new Vega-C launch vehicle for more launches, with increased performance, reaching multiple orbits at a similar cost to Vega. This new vehicle will replace Vega at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Vega-C is a single body rocket about 35 m high with a mass at liftoff of 210 tonnes. It is able to place about 2200 kg in a reference 700 km polar orbit. This will meet the needs of European institutions and industry.

Using a range of payload carriers, Vega-C will be able to accommodate cargo of different shapes and sizes ranging from multiple small satellites as small as one kilogram up to a single large payload.

Vega-C will offer better access to space with new developments extending this to include in-orbit operations and return from space using the fully integrated Space Rider reentry vehicle.

Participating States in the Vega-C development are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.