VEGA
A European launcher for small satellites
The small launcher VEGA (Vettore Europeo Generazione Avanzata) was first proposed by Italy and then became a project by the European Space Agency. Today, Italy remains its main funder, contributing 65% of the budget, followed by France with 12,5%. Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands contribute with minor shares.
VEGA can place a 15.000 kg satellite on a low polar orbit, 700 km from the Earth. By lowering the orbit inclination it can launch heavier payloads, whereas diminishing the payload mass it can achieve higher orbits.
VEGA measures about 27 m (the standard European launcher Ariane measures more than 50 m) and has a mass at launch of about 128 tons.
It is made of three solid propulsion stages (called P80, Zefiro 23 and Zefiro 9) that have the task of escaping gravity, and an additional liquid propulsion stage, AVUM, between the third stage and the satellite, that controls the launcher's asset and trajectory and the satellites' release.
The key roles are played by Italian companies: ELV, a public company partly owned by ASI and Fiat Group, is responsible for the overall development of the launcher. FiatAvio develops the first stage, which is a revised version of the Ariane 5 booster. The first launcher is actually scheduled for early 2010.
Why VEGA?
Today, launching satellites weighing about 1500 kg (the size of many astronomy or Earth observation satellites) with an Ariane 5 launcher is so expensive that such missions are impossible for small and medium companies, Universities, research centers. VEGA will fill this gap, and it will give Europe independent and affordable access to space. With VEGA, it is estimated that launches will cost 15-20% less than with an American launcher.
