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By the numbers

• The Soyuz launch vehicle has been in continuous production since 1957, demonstrating its unmatched reliability with more than 1,700 missions to date.
• Vega is scheduled to enter operation in 2011 with a target payload lift capability of 1,500 kg. on missions to a 700-km. circular orbit.

Soyuz & Vega at the Spaceport

Vega's testing and initial launch campaign services are outlined in European Space Agency agreement with Arianespace

January 28, 2010

The support contract for Vega’s testing and initial launch campaign was signed by Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall (right) and Markus Bertschi, Launcher Programs Department Head at the European Space Agency.

Arianespace support services for the Vega launcher’s qualification campaign and combined testing is defined in a contract signed in Rome, Italy today with the European Space Agency.

This agreement spells out the company’s responsibilities and operational services to be provided during combined testing, integration and a rehearsal launch campaign – which will be performed at the Spaceport beginning this April using a representative Vega launcher model.

The tests will be used to validate the Vega’s ground/launcher interfaces, as well as procedures for launcher operation and control, and are to be followed by the lightweight vehicle’s qualification launch campaign.

Vega is scheduled to make its first flight towards the end of 2010.  It will join the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the Soyuz medium-lift vehicle as Arianespace’s complete family of commercial launchers operating from the Spaceport in French Guiana. Tailored for scientific and Earth observation missions, Vega will offer a payload lift capacity of 1,500 kg. into polar orbit at an altitude of 700 km.

After Vega’s qualification flight, five initial launches will be performed as part of the VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) development program set up by the European Space Agency.

• See the press release for more details.