VEGA launch operations and ground facilities

Paper number

IAC-12,D2,2,2,x15468

Author

Dr. Davide Nicolini, European Space Agency (ESA), Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Renato Lafranconi, ESA european space agency, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Stefano Bianchi, European Space Agency (ESA), Italy

Year

2012

Abstract

The paper presents the VEGA launch operations and ground facilities at the Guiana Space Center (CSG). It provides a description of the launch system preparatory activities both in Europe and French Guiana at launcher and ground segment level, and launch campaign operations at the CSG. All operations for integrating the launcher in the mobile gantry and for verifying the launch vehicle, in particular its avionic system, are presented in detail. 

As a basis for the standard operations plan a detailed view of the first VEGA qualification campaign is presented, including the extensive pre-campaign operations in Kourou. Planned evolutions for the VERTA campaigns, with focus on the next VERTA-1 campaign is discussed. 

An overview of the current and planned launch services and support, including economics of the space transportation system is also presented, including ground infrastructure, ground operations, mission planning and mission control.

Abstract document

IAC-12,D2,2,2,x15468.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,D2,2,2,x15468.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.