Vega September 3, 2020 Arianespace’s Proof of Concept flight for the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) deployed 40-plus small CubeSats and seven microsatellites using a new-design rideshare dispenser system. Flight VV16. 53 satellites
Vega September 3, 2020 Vega lifts off from the Spaceport in French Guiana, commencing the Proof of Concept flight for Europe’s Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS). Flight VV16. 53 satellites
Vega September 3, 2020 The Proof of Concept flight for Europe’s Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) marked Arianespace’s sixth launch of the year – and the first in 2020 using Vega. Flight VV16. 53 satellites
Vega September 2, 2020 Vega is poised for liftoff at the Spaceport in French Guiana, ready to commence Arianespace’s Proof of Concept flight for the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS). Flight VV16. 53 satellites
Vega September 2, 2020 Rollback of the protective gantry for Vega occurred 3 hours and 15 minutes prior to liftoff of Arianespace’s Proof of Concept flight for the for the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS). Flight VV16. 53 satellites
Vega September 2, 2020 The SSMS dispenser is shown with its small-sat passengers prior to encapsulation in Vega’s protective payload fairing during activity at the Spaceport in French Guiana. Flight VV16. 53 satellites
Vega August 27, 2020 Vega’s payload fairing is moved into position for installation atop the launch vehicle during activity at the Spaceport in French Guiana. Flight VV16. 53 satellites
Vega August 27, 2020 The payload fairing – which protects Vega during pre-launch preparations – is readied to be hoisted up to the mobile gantry at Europe’s Spaceport. Flight VV16. 53 satellites
Vega August 27, 2020 Vega’s payload fairing arrives on the launch pad at the Spaceport in French Guiana aboard a purpose-built transporter vehicle. Flight VV16. 53 satellites
