The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed that it is to develop the Vega low Earth orbit satellite launcher using Ariane booster technology. The first launch is planned for 2005, with prime contractors to be Fiat Avio and EADS.
The go-ahead follows a long-running dispute between ESA states France and Italy over the small launcher. Italy proposed the project, but France opposed it on cost and limited market issues. The countries resolved their differences in October (Flight International, 31 October-6 November).
Vega will comprise three solid propellant stages and a liquid propellant upper stage. The first stage P80 Advanced Solid Booster will also be used to increase the performance of the Ariane 5 in its twin-solid rocket booster system, with new features such as a gimballing nozzle.
The second stage will be Italy's Zefiro motor, which has been test-fired three times, with the latest taking place at Salto di Quirra, Sardinia, on 15 December. The third stage will be a modified Zefiro booster and the upper stage an Attitude and Vernier Upper Module with storable propellants.
Vega Small Launcher Development Programme partners will be Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland, while Spain may also join. The separate P80 advanced motor programme will be funded by Belgium, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
Vega will be launched from a refurbished Ariane1-3 pad, ELA 1, which was also used to launch the Europa rocket in the 1970s. The booster will be able to place about 1,500kg (3,300lbs) into an 800km (500 mile) orbit.
The vehicle will be marketed by Arianespace at about $20 million per launch for a 1,000kg payload - 15% less than that charged by comparable US launchers - joining the Ariane 5 and 4, Eurockot and Starsem Soyuz boosters in the Arianespace stable.
Three to four Vega launches a year will be made, increasing to a maximum of six.
It is hoped that the new booster will be able to capitalise on the commercial low Earth orbit market for launches of mobile communications, multimedia, technology demonstration and Earth observations satellites, although opportunities are currently limited.
Source: Flight International
