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Vega - the Future from the ESA
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| Main Data |
Vega |
| Height |
27 m |
| Diameter |
3 m |
| Liftoff mass |
128 tonnes |
| Payload mass* |
1500
kg | |
Although
there is a growing tendency for satellites to become larger, there is
still a need for a small launcher to put 300 to 2000 kg satellites, for
scientific and Earth observation missions, into polar and low-Earth orbits
economically.
Europe’s answer to these needs is Vega, named after the 2nd brightest
star in the northern hemisphere. Vega will make access to space easier,
quicker and cheaper. Costs are being kept to a minimum by using some of
the technologies already developed for Ariane launchers. Vega will also be
able to make use of the existing launch facilities at Europe’s spaceport
in Kourou.
Vega has been designed as a single body launcher with three solid
propulsion stages and an additional liquid propulsion upper module for
attitude and orbit control, and satellite release.
Development of the Vega launcher started in 1998 and the first launch
is planned to take place in 2005.
* Launch in Circular Orbit, 90°inclination
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