Vega-C set for launch marking its return to service

Paris, France (SPX) Dec 05, 2024
ESA's Vega-C rocket has been fully assembled at Europe's Spaceport and is prepared for liftoff. The final component, including the Sentinel-1C satellite payload, was placed atop the 35-meter rocket on 29 November, completing the stack and signaling readiness for its mission.

Designed as ESA's smaller launcher, Vega-C specializes in delivering payloads to polar orbits, particularly Earth observation satellites like Sentinel-1C. Alongside Ariane 6, which debuted this summer, Vega-C ensures Europe maintains independent access to space, benefiting citizens and scientific endeavors.

This mission is a major milestone as Vega-C returns to flight following a two-year hiatus since its previous mission in 2022. It will also mark the 25th flight of the Vega rocket family, succeeding the final flight of its predecessor, Vega, earlier this year.

Stages built for efficiency

The Vega-C rocket consists of four stages, each built separately and sequentially stacked at the launch site.

- First stage (P120C): Installed on 14 October, the P120C is among the most powerful single-piece solid-fuel rocket motors globally. Shared with Ariane 6 boosters, this design enables cost-efficient production for both rockets.

- Second stage (Zefiro-40): This stage features a redesigned nozzle and underwent two test firings following the last Vega-C mission, ensuring readiness.

- Third stage (Zefiro-9): A legacy component, it is the only stage shared with the original Vega rocket.

- Fourth stage (AVUM+): This module connects to the Sentinel-1C satellite and guides it through its initial orbit, employing three liquid-fueled engine burns to achieve precise orbital placement. Once the satellite is deployed, AVUM+ performs a final burn to de-orbit itself, preventing space debris.

Countdown to launch

During launch, Vega-C's first three stages ignite and expend their fuel in succession, propelling the rocket into space within eight minutes. The AVUM+ stage will then complete the orbital maneuvers, releasing Sentinel-1C approximately one hour and fifty minutes after liftoff.

Even with the rocket fully assembled, final preparations continue, including system checks and testing, until the scheduled launch. A launch readiness review has already given the green light, ensuring all systems are set for Vega-C's highly anticipated return to flight.

The launch can be viewed live on ESA Web TV.