Vega Launcher

The origins of the Vega program dates back to the early 90s, when in many European Countries studies were leading on the possibility to transfer the services range offered by Ariane launchers family to the lower admissible load class.
The Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Italian industry, Avio in particular, actively worked on the theoretical development and started preliminary works for development based on consolidated know-how in solid propellant propulsion.
In February 1998, after extensive consultations and preparatory activities, ASI proposed to develop a launcher for small satellites (in the meantime called VEGA) in the ESA sphere (European Space Agency), as a project to be undertaken in cooperation with other member states.

The Vega program was approved by ESA in June 1998 and in December 2000 several European States (Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland and Sweden) guaranteed a program of formal financing amounting to 335 million €. In the Vega program, now financed and managed by ESA, Italy has the main role, with a contribution amounting to 65%.
At the same time, the development of the P80 FW engine (solid propellant engine, first stage) was approved, with a budget of 123 million €: about half of this amount was supplied by Avio as an industrial contribution.
In addition to Italy, also France, Belgium and Holland participate in the financing of P80 FW development.

ELV (click to visit the official web site), a company 70% by Avio and 30% by ASI controlled, is the prime contractor for the VEGA against ESA, while Avio is prime contractor for all engines. ELV operates primarily for the launcher development and its future developments.

The studies for Vega's successor has begun in order to increase the mass of the satellites (2000 kg) to place in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) orbit  700 km far. The ASI is developing a national program for an engine technological demonstrator, Mira, which is a trade-off for a more powerful launcher (Lyra).

The objectives of VEGA Launcher:
The main objective is to achieve a complement to Ariane launcher, to ensure the maintenance of independence to space access for small missions too, mainly those with an institutional nature.
The program has a key role in fostering the growth of the role of Italian industry and its competitive position allowing the consolidation of national powers in the management systems, at the same time encouraging the involvement of national companies, specialized in the sector.
The P80 development (first stage of the launcher) also responds to the objectives of national technological expertise in solid propulsion consolidation in view of Ariane 5 future evolutions.

Click here to download the “Vega Space Transportation System” paper.

Technical information:
The Vega system in orbit capability for the reference mission was specified in 1.500 kg admissible load in a circular polar orbit 700 km high (launched from ESA base in Kourou, French Guyana).
In addition to the reference mission, VEGA will be able to launch satellites for a wide range of missions and applications (orbital inclinations from 5.2 degrees to sun syncrony, heights from 300 to 1,500 km and masses for admissible load up to 1,500 kg).
The dynamic housing of the admissible load offered by VEGA consists of a cylindrical volume, 2.38mt diameter and 3.5mt height, and an additional conical volume 2.8 m high. The interface with the admissible load includes the standard Ariane adapter to 937 mm (other options are possible). The environmental burdens are equal to or lower than those typical for other launch vehicles of Ariane class.
The minimum reliability of the mission was rated 98% (consistency level 60%).
In the main development plan finalized it is expected to reach the flight qualification in 2011.