On 30 November, the main stage of Euope's new small launcher VEGA, will undergo a maiden test firing at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
The test--during which the rocket stage will actually remain safely attached to the ground--is using a unique test pad that was already used for the Ariane 5 boosters.
The firing will last about 100 seconds with the motor delivering some 200 tons of average thrust. Afterwards, more such static tests are planned to make sure Vega will be ready for its maiden flight into space, complementing Ariane 5 and Soyuz in the small satellite segment of the launch market.
Today's Exchange provides a concise overview of VEGA development, including firing tests of the upper stage in Sardinia.

VEGA - Europe's small launcher takes shape.
10:00:40 Ariane-5 take-off ñ cut to CGI of Ariane 5 and VEGA on launch pad
Europeís space policy is to build a range of launchers to put satellites of all sizes into space. The newest and smallest member of this family of European launchers is called Vega, and its development in full throttle.
10.00.57 Shooting range Salto di Quirr, The Z 36 lights-up and then dies down
Itís Summer 2006. At a test range on the east coast of Sardinia: final preparations are underway on test model for the second of the three VEGA stages. Zephiro contains 24 tonnes of solid propellant which will burn for 76 seconds ñ the test is successful.
10.01.18 Ariane 5 take-off, Soyuz launchers Kourou, Animation VEGA lift-off
7000 kilometres from here, at Europeís Spaceport in Kourou in French Guiana, Ariane 5 is launched several times each year, putting large satellites and payloads into orbit. In 2008, after its maiden flight, it will be joined by Russ