Article Posted on : - Sep 09, 2010

Vega rocket. Photo by ESA

PARIS (BNS): With the development of the future launch vehicle Vega nearing completion two new contracts were signed to allow the project to move on to the next phase.

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace Wednesday signed the work order for production of the first Vega launcher after the qualification flight in 2011, ESA said.

Arianespace and the ELV Company (European Launch Vehicle, Avio Group) also concluded a frame contract for five launch vehicles with a firm order for one.

Currently Vega is undergoing the final test campaign at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, to verify the operational readiness of the overall launch system.

Vega is a small launch vehicle with three solid-propulsion stages, and a fourth stage with a reignitable liquid rocket engine. It is designed to launch small satellites for scientific and earth observation missions to polar and low earth orbits.

“This signature is a major milestone in the Vega programme as it marks the transition from the development phase to the exploitation phase and safeguards the schedule of the first Vega user missions of ESA," Antonio Fabrizi, ESA Director of Launchers was quoted as saying.

ELV is responsible for the full development and the production of the Vega launcher and for its delivery and integration at the launch site. As the future Vega launch service provider, Arianespace is responsible for Vega launch operations.