VegaC, or Vega Consolidation,[1] is a European expendable, small-lift launch vehicle developed and produced by Avio. It is an evolution of the original Vega launcher, designed to offer greater launch performance and flexibility.
Approved for development by the European Space Agency (ESA) in December 2014, VegaC was designed to accommodate larger institutional payloads and compete effectively in the commercial launch market.[2] Initially marketed and operated by Arianespace, the ESA decided in August 2024 to empower Avio to directly commercialize VegaC and seek non-governmental customers. This transition is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2025.[3][4]
VegaC, like its predecessor, is designed to launch small satellites for scientific and Earth observation missions to polar and sun-synchronous low Earth orbits.[5] The reference VegaC mission places a 2,300-kilogram (5,100 lb) spacecraft into a 700-kilometre (430 mi) polar orbit, representing an 800-kilogram (1,800 lb) or 60% increase over the original Vega.
Vega C introduces several key advancements over the original Vega. The first stage has been replaced by the more powerful P120C, the "C" refers to its common design allowing it to be used as a booster for the Ariane 6 launcher, enabling shared development costs. The second stage features the upgraded Zefiro 40. While the AVUM+ (Attitude & Vernier Upper Module) fourth stage remains largely unchanged, the "+" reflects its increased propellant capacity. The third stage, Zefiro 9, remains the same.[7]
Vega rockets are launched from the ELV launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre. The VegaC's maiden flight on 13 July 2022 successfully delivered LARES 2 and six other satellites to orbit.[8] However, the second launch on 21 December 2022 experienced a failure of the Zefiro 40 second stage, resulting in the loss of two Pléiades Neo Earth-imaging satellites.[9] Consequently, the next launch was delayed until late 2024 to allow for the rocket motor nozzle to be redesigned.[10]
Arianespace had indicated that the VegaC launcher is able to carry 2,300 kg (5,100 lb) to a circular polar orbit at an altitude of 700 km (430 mi).[13]
Because of its ability to carry heavier payloads, Beyond Gravity had to redesign the fairing of the VegaC. The new fairing is 3.3 m (11 ft) in diameter and over 9 m (30 ft) tall, which offers nearly double the payload volume of the original Vega, which had a fairing of 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) in diameter and over 7.8 m (26 ft) tall.[14]
Ascent timeline
This timeline of a typical VegaC ascent profile and associated sequence of events includes two AVUM+ boosts. However, the flight profile is optimized for each mission.
Building on VegaC, the VegaE (or Vega Evolution) is a further development of the Vega family with a larger P160C first stage and the Zefiro 9 and AVUM+ third and fourth stages replaced with a single upper stage powered by liquid oxygen and liquid methane. The improvements are expected to improve payload capacity by 25% over VegaC.[15] This design would enable multiple satellites to be launched into different orbits on a single launch. The engine for this new upper stage, the M10, was the result of a collaboration between Avio and Chemical Automatics Design Bureau (KBKhA).[16][7] Successful testing of the engine was conducted in 2022,[17] and the maiden flight of VegaE is anticipated in 2027.[18]Launch Complex 3 at the Guiana Space Centre, which initially built for the Ariane 5, will be refurbished to support VegaE launches.[15]
Avio also plans to develop a new methane-fueled first-stage engine with plans to introduce a partially reusable rocket to eventually replace the Vega.[19]
^ abEngines can burn up to 612.5 seconds per burn and can burn up to five times. Maximum cumulative burn time of 924.8 seconds.
References
^"Vega C". CNES. Retrieved 7 December 2024. In service since 2012, Europe's lightest launcher, Vega, now offers a new variant, Vega-C (for Consolidated), with several enhancements to deliver more power and flexibility without increasing costs.
^Tariq Malik (13 February 2012). "Europe Launches New Vega Rocket on Maiden Voyage". Space.com. Retrieved 29 May 2014. The Italian-built Vega rocket is named after the second-brightest star in the northern hemisphere
This Template lists historical, current, and future space rockets that at least once attempted (but not necessarily succeeded in) an orbital launch or that are planned to attempt such a launch in the future
Symbol † indicates past or current rockets that attempted orbital launches but never succeeded (never did or has yet to perform a successful orbital launch)
