VEGA, the European Small Launcher: Development Status, Future Perspectives, and Applications

Paper number

IAC-07-D2.1.02

Author

Mr. Stefano Bianchi, European Space Agency/ESRIN, Italy

Coauthor

Mrs. Luce Fabreguettes, Arianespace, France

Year

2007

Abstract

This paper presents a technical and programmatic overview of the Vega Launcher, new European Small Launch Vehicle developed by ESA. This include the development status and details the results achieved through the main system/subsystems tests, including the firing tests of the four stages.  The preparation of the maiden flight, scheduled for 2008, and the future perspectives of the first 5 operational flights and of the coming exploitation phase are also presented.
Vega will complete the range of launch services offered by Europe, with the objective of maintaining independent access to space.Launch service competitiveness and cost limitation are major drivers for the development. In this regard, key factors are the streamlining of the industrial organization and the maximum exploitation of technologies and hardware developed within Ariane and other European national programs, production facilities and CSG (Kourou – French Guiana) launch infrastructures.
The propulsion system of the Vega LV is composed of three solid rocket motors (monolithic boosters), namely P80, Zefiro 23 and Zefiro 9, a bi-propellant (UDMH/NTO) liquid stage for apogee boost, orbit circularization and Roll and Attitude and Control System.

Abstract document

IAC-07-D2.1.02.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-D2.1.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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