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Vega-C represents a dramatic capability boost compared to its predecessor, Vega, which has flown since 2012. With new first and second stages and an uprated fourth stage, Vega-C increases performance from Vega’s 1.5 t to about 2.2 t in a reference 700 km polar orbit.

A larger fairing doubles available payload volume, and the improved re-ignitable upper stage has increased liquid propellant capacity, to deliver payloads to multiple orbits and extend mission duration when required. ESA’s upcoming Space Rider return-to-Earth vehicle will be launched to orbit on Vega-C.

The main payload on VV21 is LARES-2, a scientific mission of the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Once in orbit, LARES-2’s precise path will be tracked by laser, from ground stations, to measure the so-called frame-dragging effect, a distortion of space-time caused by the rotation of a massive body such as Earth as predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. Its predecessor, the similar LARES, was the main payload on the 2012 inaugural flight of Vega.

Six CubeSats make a secondary payload package.