posted February 12, 2012 06:12 PM               

This thread is intended for comments and questions regarding the European Space Agency's Vega rocket and the updates published under the topic: ESA's Vega small expendable launch vehicle.

Vega is a three-stage solid-propellant vehicle with a liquid-propellant maneuverable injection module sized primarily to loft payloads of up to 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs) into polar low-Earth orbits at an altitude of 700 km (435 miles). Its main objective is to provide Europe with a safe, reliable, competitive and efficient capacity for scientific and Earth observation payloads.

This maiden launch, designated VV01, marks the completion of nine years of development by ESA and its industrial partners, with the support of the Italian and French space agencies, ASI and CNES. Seven ESA member states have contributed to the program: Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

posted February 12, 2012 06:16 PM               

Watch online: Vega qualification flight

Join us for the first qualification flight of the Vega launch vehicle on Monday Feb. 13, 2012, with a launch window open from 11:00 to 14:00 CET (1000 to 1300 GMT, 5:00 to 8:00 a.m. EST).

Vega will lift off from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, to release nine satellites into orbit and add a new capability to Europe's fleet of launch systems.

Live transmission starts at 10:40 CET (0940 GMT, 4:40 a.m. EST).