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In a significant leap for the European space sector, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Avio have recently signed several contracts aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Vega rocket family and expanding its launch facilities. These contracts, valued at approximately 350 million euros ($364 million), encompass upgrades to the existing Vega C and the development of the upcoming Vega E rocket, as well as the launch of vital Earth science missions.
Overview of the Contracts
On December 18, ESA and Avio unveiled these pivotal agreements, highlighting their commitment to improving the efficiency and reliability of Vega launches. This strategic collaboration focuses on:
- Upgrading launch facilities
- Enhancing the Vega C's launch cadence
- Advancing the development of the Vega E rocket
The Vega C Enhancements
The first contract specifically targets the transition of a repurposed Ariane 5 integration facility at the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana to accommodate the Vega C rocket. Currently, Vega C rockets are assembled on the launch pad, a process which limits the overall launch throughput. With this new facility, Avio anticipates the capability to conduct two simultaneous launch campaigns, dramatically improving turnaround times between launches.
Avio's CEO, Giulio Ranzo, emphasized that this enhancement would significantly bolster launch capacity, yet the company aims to increase from the current four launches scheduled for 2025 to six annually in the near future.
Development of the Vega E
The second facet of the contract is aimed at further refining the Vega E, a more powerful iteration of the Vega rocket. Key changes include:
- Retaining the existing Zefiro-40 second-stage motor.
- Substituting the P120 motor in the first stage with the upgraded P160 motor for enhanced thrust.
- Revising the upper stage configuration from two stages to a single M10 upper stage, utilizing a liquid-oxygen/methane engine.
Avio is targeting a first launch of the Vega E around 2027 or 2028, which is positioned to carry a payload capacity of 3 metric tons to low Earth orbit, compared to 2.3 tons under the Vega C specifications.
FORUM Mission Launch
Beyond the vehicle upgrades, Avio has secured another contract with ESA for the launch of the Far-infrared Outgoing Radiation Understanding and Monitoring (FORUM) satellite mission. Set to launch aboard a Vega C in 2027, FORUM is tasked with examining the far-infrared emissions from Earth to assess the impact of water vapor and ice clouds on the climate.
Transition of Launch Services
In conjunction with these contracts, Avio has also assumed control over the Vega rocket’s marketing operations, a transfer that will persist through the end of 2025. This handover reflects a gradual shift of launch service marketing responsibilities from Arianespace to Avio. Notably, Ranzo clarified that the recent agreements represent a fresh contract, marking the first signed under Avio’s stewardship.
Furthermore, a 'deed of transfer' was established to transition all previously signed contracts from Arianespace to Avio for ongoing Vega launches. This smooth transfer underscores the robust operational plans Avio is developing.
Recent Vega C Launch Success
The momentum behind this initiative is invigorated by the recent successful flight of the Vega C on December 5, which deployed the Sentinel-1C satellite for the Copernicus Earth observation program. This flight reinstated confidence in the Vega launch system, following a two-year hiatus due to a previous failure involving the Zefiro-40 motor’s nozzle. Preliminary performance analysis suggests exceptional altitude accuracy within 100 meters and minimal errors across orbital parameters, significantly improving customer satisfaction.
Upcoming Launch Schedule
Looking ahead, Avio plans the next Vega C flight by late March or early April, which will carry ESA's Biomass satellite, indicating a robust calendar of launches following the enhancements outlined in these new contracts.
Conclusion
The collaboration between ESA and Avio not only promises to improve the capabilities of the Vega rocket series but also positions Europe as a stronger player in the competitive landscape of global space launch services. With an emphasis on innovation and efficiency, these developments bode well for future scientific missions and commercial opportunities within the space sector.
Further Reading
For more in-depth information regarding the developments mentioned in this article, consider exploring the following sources:
| Source | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| ESA Official Press Release | Details on the contracts signed between ESA and Avio. | Visit ESA |
| Avio Corporate News | Updates from Avio regarding Vega C and Vega E developments. | Visit Avio |
| SpaceNews Article | Insights into the European space launch market and its future. | Visit SpaceNews |
| Satellite Launch Database | Comprehensive information on upcoming satellite launches. | Visit Launch Library |
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References
This article references information obtained from the latest announcements by Avio and ESA regarding the Vega rocket upgrades and details from the recent successful launch operations. For consistent updates, please visit Spacenews.
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