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ESA has signed a series of contracts with Avio to enhance the operational capacity of the Vega-C rocket and push forward the development of its successor, Vega-E. These agreements aim to increase the annual launch frequency and advance next-generation rocket technologies.
The contracts cover three key areas: upgrading Vega-C ground systems to support a higher launch cadence, advancing the by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Dec 20, 2024
ESA has signed a series of contracts with Avio to enhance the operational capacity of the Vega-C rocket and push forward the development of its successor, Vega-E. These agreements aim to increase the annual launch frequency and advance next-generation rocket technologies.
The contracts cover three key areas: upgrading Vega-C ground systems to support a higher launch cadence, advancing the development of the Vega-E system, and securing the launch of ESA's FORUM Earth observation mission on Vega-C with Avio as the service provider.
Enhancing Vega-C Operations
Vega-C resumed commercial operations last month, successfully delivering Sentinel-1C to orbit. Four launches are scheduled for 2025, increasing to five in 2026. The new contracts will streamline ground operations, enabling shorter intervals between consecutive launches and an overall higher frequency.A significant aspect of the upgrades involves adapting the former Ariane 5 integration building at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana to support Vega-C. This facility will allow for simultaneous assembly of two rockets - one on the launch pad and one in the integration building - enabling parallel launch campaigns. These improvements will not only reduce the time between launches but also provide greater flexibility for Vega-E development activities.
Advancing Vega-E Development
The second contract focuses on the development of Vega-E, a successor to Vega-C, targeting its ground qualification stage - the final step before a maiden launch. Vega-E will feature a three-stage design, as opposed to Vega-C's four, and use a liquid-fueled methane-oxygen stage that will be fueled shortly before liftoff.This agreement covers critical components, including rocket stages, the adaptation of the former Ariane 5 launch pad, and the logistics and systems needed for fueling. It also includes comprehensive testing of the integrated Vega-E system, paving the way for its future role in European space transportation.
FORUM Earth Observation Mission
The third contract is dedicated to launching ESA's FORUM mission - Far-infrared Outgoing Radiation Understanding and Monitoring - on a Vega-C rocket in 2027. This mission, part of ESA's Earth Explorer program, is vital for climate science, providing unprecedented data on Earth's outgoing longwave radiation in the far-infrared spectrum.The FORUM mission exemplifies the Vega rocket family's suitability for Earth observation, with 2024 already marked by successful launches of Copernicus Sentinel satellites. This contract also inaugurates a new procurement framework between ESA and Avio for launch services.
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Vega at ESA at ESA
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