View source for Vega (rocket)

{{Short description|European Space Agency launch system}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox rocket
| image          = Vega and Sentinel-2 ready and waiting on the launch pad.jpg
| caption        = Vega's VV05 before liftoff with [[Sentinel-2A]]
| name           = Vega
| function       = [[Small-lift launch vehicle]]
| manufacturer   = [[Avio]]
| country-origin = European multi-national{{Efn|The lead manufacturer was from [[Italy]], but the rocket has significant contributions from companies based in [[Belgium]], [[France]], [[Netherlands]], [[Spain]], [[Switzerland]] and [[Ukraine]].}}

| cpl            = {{US$|37 million|link=yes}}
| height         = {{cvt|30|m|ftin}}
| diameter       = {{cvt|3|m|ftin}}
| mass           = {{cvt|137000|kg}}
| stages         = 4

| capacities = 
  {{Infobox rocket/payload
  | location     = [[polar orbit]]
  | inclination  = 90°
  | altitude     = {{cvt|700|km}}
  | mass         = {{cvt|1430|kg}}
  }}{{Infobox rocket/payload
  | location     = [[elliptic orbit]]
  | inclination  = 5.4°
  | altitude     = {{cvt|1500 × 200|km}}
  | kilos        = {{cvt|1963|kg}}
  }}
  {{Infobox rocket/payload
  | location     = [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
  | altitude     = {{cvt|400|km}}
  | kilos        = {{cvt|1450|kg}}
  }}
| derivatives    = [[Vega C]]
| comparable     = {{Hlist
  | [[Delta II]]
  | [[Rocket Lab Electron|Electron]]
  | [[Epsilon (rocket)|Epsilon]]
  | [[Minotaur (rocket family)|Minotaur]]
  | [[PSLV]]
  | [[Rokot]]
  | [[Shavit&nbsp;2]]
  | {{nowrap|[[Soyuz-2.1v]]}}
  }}

| status         = Retired
| sites          = [[Guiana Space Centre]], [[ELA-1|ELV]]
| launches       = 22
| success        = 20
| fail           = 2
| partial        = 
| other_outcome  = 
| first          = 13 February 2012 (multiple payloads)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/VV01_Vega_s_first_liftoff/|title=VV01 – Vega's first liftoff|publisher=ESA|date=6 March 2016|access-date=11 March 2019}}</ref>
| last           = 5 September 2024 ([[Sentinel-2C]])

|stagedata = 
  {{Infobox rocket/stage
  | stageno      = First
  | type         = stage
  | name         = [[P80 (rocket stage)|P80FW]]<ref name="AvioVegaLeaflet">{{cite web|url=http://www.avio.com/files/catalog/pdf/motore_p80_75.pdf|title=Vega Satellite Launcher|author=Avio|access-date=24 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923180829/http://www.avio.com/files/catalog/pdf/motore_p80_75.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="AvioSite">{{cite web |url=http://www.avio.com/en/catalog/space/propulsione_spaziale/products|title=Avio Space|author=Avio|access-date=24 July 2014|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726232946/http://www.avio.com/en/catalog/space/propulsione_spaziale/products|archive-date=26 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="ESAVegaSpecial" />
  | length       = {{cvt|11.7|m|ftin}}
  | diameter     = {{cvt|3|m|ftin}}
  | empty        = {{cvt|7330|kg}}
  | gross        = {{cvt|95695|kg}}
  | solid        = yes
  | thrust       = {{cvt|2261|kN}}
  | SI           = {{cvt|280|isp}}
  | burntime     = 107 seconds
  | fuel         = [[Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene|HTPB]] / [[Ammonium perchlorate|AP]]
  }}
  {{Infobox rocket/stage
  | stageno      = Second
  | type         = stage
  | name         = [[Zefiro 23]]
  | length       = {{cvt|8.39|m|ftin}}
  | diameter     = {{cvt|1.9|m}}
  | empty        = {{cvt|2850|kg}}
  | gross        = {{cvt|28850|kg}}
  | solid        = yes
  | thrust       = {{cvt|871|kN}}
  | SI           = {{cvt|287.5|isp}}
  | burntime     = 71.6 seconds
  | fuel         = [[Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene|HTPB]] / [[Ammonium perchlorate|AP]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Wade|first=Mark|url=http://www.astronautix.com/z/zefiro23.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228055927/http://astronautix.com/z/zefiro23.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 December 2016|title=Zefiro 23|publisher=Encyclopedia Astronautica|access-date=11 March 2019}}</ref>
  }}
  {{Infobox rocket/stage
  | stageno      = Third
  | type         = stage
  | name         = [[Zefiro 9]]
  | length       = {{cvt|4.12|m|ftin}}
  | diameter     = {{cvt|1.9|m}}
  | empty        = {{cvt|1315|kg}}
  | gross        = {{cvt|11815|kg}} 
  | solid        = yes
  | thrust       = {{cvt|260|kN}}
  | SI           = {{cvt|296|isp}}
  | burntime     = 117 seconds
  | fuel         = [[Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene|HTPB]] / [[Ammonium perchlorate|AP]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Wade|first=Mark|url=http://www.astronautix.com/z/zefiro9.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228033425/http://astronautix.com/z/zefiro9.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 December 2016|title=Zefiro 9|publisher=Encyclopedia Astronautica|access-date=11 March 2019}}</ref>
  }}
  {{Infobox rocket/stage
  | stageno      = Fourth
  | type         = stage
  | name         = [[AVUM]]
  | length       = {{cvt|1.7|m}}
  | diameter     = {{cvt|1.9|m}}
  | empty        = {{cvt|147|kg}}
  | gross        = {{cvt|697|kg}}
  | engines      = 1 × [[RD-843]]<ref name=nkau843 /> (MEA)
  | thrust       = {{cvt|2.45|kN}}
  | total        = 
  | SI           = {{cvt|314.6|isp}}
  | burntime     = Up to 612.5 seconds (up to five burns)
  | fuel         = [[UDMH]] / {{N2O4|link=y}}
  }}
}}

'''Vega''' ({{langx|it|Vettore Europeo di Generazione Avanzata}}, {{langx|fr|Vecteur européen de génération avancée}}, {{lit|Vector European Generation Advanced}})<ref name="ESASpecial2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA/ESA_history/Antonio_Fabrizi_From_nuts_and_bolts_to_Europe_s_launchers_of_tomorrow|title=Antonio Fabrizi: from "nuts and bolts" to Europe's launchers of today and tomorrow|publisher=ESA|date=16 March 2007|access-date=11 March 2019}}</ref> was a European expendable [[small-lift launch vehicle]] developed by [[Avio]] and operated by [[Arianespace]] for the [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) and the [[Italian Space Agency]] (ASI). Designed to carry payloads between {{convert|300|and|2500|kg}} into [[Low Earth orbit|low Earth]] and [[Polar orbit|polar orbits]], Vega served primarily scientific and [[Earth observation satellite|Earth observation]] missions.

Development of Vega began in 1998, with its maiden flight launched from the [[Guiana Space Centre]] on 13{{nbsp}}February 2012.<ref name="ESAVegaSpecial">{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Vega/index.html|title=Vega|publisher=ESA|date=3 February 2012|access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> Over the next decade, it became the eighth most launched small-lift launch vehicle history, though it struggled to compete in the commercial launch market. After initial success, two in-flight failures and rising competition from [[SpaceX]]'s [[Falcon 9#Rideshare payload programs|rideshare programs]], which offered lower prices, relegated Vega to primarily serving European government agencies willing to pay more to support independent space access.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=2024-09-05 |title=The Vega rocket never found its commercial niche. After tonight, it's gone. |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/09/the-vega-rocket-never-found-its-commercial-niche-after-tonight-its-gone/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |work=[[Ars Technica]] |language=en-us}}</ref>

The rocket took its name from [[Vega]], the [[List of brightest stars|brightest star]] in the constellation [[Lyra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.space.com/14548-europe-launches-vega-rocket-maiden-voyage.html |title=Europe Launches New Vega Rocket on Maiden Voyage|author=Tariq Malik|publisher=Space.com|quote=The Italian-built Vega rocket was named after the second-brightest star in the northern hemisphere|date=13 February 2012|access-date=29 May 2014}}</ref> It featured a single-body design without strap-on boosters, consisting of three [[Solid-propellant rocket|solid rocket]] stages, the [[P80 (rocket stage)|P80FW]], [[Zefiro (rocket stage)|Zefiro 23]], and [[Zefiro (rocket stage)|Zefiro 9]], topped by a liquid-fueled [[AVUM]] upper stage.

Italy led the Vega program, contributing 65% of its funding, with support from France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and others.<ref>{{cite news|last=Svitak|first=Amy |url=https://aviationweek.com/awin/european-vega-small-class-launcher-targets-government-market|title=European Vega Small-Class Launcher Targets Government Market|publisher=Aviation Week|date=6 February 2012 |access-date=11 March 2010|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="spaceflightnow">{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1202/14germanyvega/|title=Vega launcher program courts German participation|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=14 February 2012|access-date=14 February 2012|author=Clark, Steven}}</ref> Vega was succeeded by the more powerful [[Vega C]], which entered service in 2022. The original Vega made its final flight on 5{{nbsp}}September 2024.

== Development ==
=== Background ===
During the mid-1990s, French firms [[Aérospatiale]] and SEP, along with Italian firm [[Bombrini-Parodi-Delfino]] (BPD), commenced discussions on the development of a proposed Ariane Complementary Launcher (ACL). Around the same time, Italy began to champion the concept of a new solid-propellant satellite launcher.<ref name="flight 1996" /> This proposed launcher, dubbed ''Vega'', was promoted as functioning to expand the range of European launch capabilities; Vega would be capable of launching a {{convert|1000|kg|||adj=on}} payload into a {{convert|700|km|adj=on}} polar orbit. From the onset, the first of three stages would be based on the solid booster of the existing [[Ariane 5]] expendable launch system while the second and third stages would make use of the in-development Zefiro rocket motor.<ref>Moxon, Julian; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/esa-plan-emphasises-launchers-35235/ "ESA plan emphasises launchers"] ''Flight International'' 8 April 1998</ref><ref name="late 1998" />

However, it was recognised to be a costly project and thus difficult for Italy alone to finance; accordingly, international partners were sought early on in order to proceed with development.<ref name="flight 1996">[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/launcher-proposals-10282/ "Launcher proposals"] ''Flight International'' 18 December 1996</ref> In April 1998, it was publicly stated that the Vega programme was dependent upon the securing of roughly ECU70 million of industrial investment, as well as the availability of around ECU350 million of funding that had been requested from interested member states of the [[European Space Agency]] (ESA), led by France and Italy.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italy-leads-esa-interest-in-vega-k-development-36542/ "Italy leads ESA interest in Vega K development"] ''Flight International'' 29 April 1998</ref> During June 1998, it was announced that ministers from European Space Agency (ESA) member states had agreed to proceed with the first phase of the development programme for Vega; the participating members were France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy – the latter had assumed 55% of the burden for financing the programme.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/esa-to-develop-small-satellite-launcher-38879/ "ESA to develop small satellite launcher"] ''Flight International'' 1 July 1998</ref><ref name="late 1998">Furniss, Tim; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a-late-entry-39350/ "A late entry"] ''Flight International'' 15 July 1998</ref>

By September 1998, it was projected that, if fully funded, Vega would perform its first launch during 2002.<ref>Furniss, Tim; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-european-launcher-awaits-full-funding-41980/ "New European launcher awaits full funding"] ''Flight International'' 8 September 1998</ref> However, by early 1998, France was publicly showing displeasure in the programme, leading to disputes in its funding.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/second-test-for-vegas-zefiro-53678/ "Second test for Vega's Zefiro"] ''Flight International'' 7 July 1999</ref><ref>Furniss, Tim; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/finding-a-role-54316/ "Finding a Role"] ''Flight International'' 28 July 1999</ref> A new, higher-performance version of the Vega was proposed, but this failed to sufficiently satisfy France. In September 1999, France decided to withdraw from the Vega programme entirely, leading to fears for the future of the launcher.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/esa-ponders-vegas-future-after-france-withdraws-56125/ "ESA ponders Vega's future after France withdraws"] ''Flight International'' 15 September 1999</ref> In November 1999, [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) formally dropped Vega as an endorsed programme, a decision which was largely attributed to France's withdrawal; Italy declared that it would proceed regardless, and threatened to re-direct its allocated contributions for the further development of the Ariane 5 to meet the shortfall.<ref>Moxon, Julian and Andy Nativi; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-withdrawal-prompts-esa-to-drop-vega-project-57876/ "French withdrawal prompts ESA to drop Vega project"] ''Flight International'' 3 November 1999</ref><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/esa-budgets-for-ariane-5-updates-61417/ "ESA budgets for Ariane 5 updates"] ''Flight International'' 1 February 2000</ref>

Around 2000, an alternative use for the Vega was explored as a medium-class booster rocket to be used in conjunction with an improved, up-rated model of the Ariane 5 heavy launcher.<ref>Furniss, Tim; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/arianespace-adds-eurokot-to-satellite-launcher-range-66445/ "Arianespace adds Eurokot to satellite launcher range"] ''Flight International'' 6 June 2000</ref> In October 2000, it was announced that France and Italy had settled their year-long dispute over the Vega programme; France and Italy agreed to provide 35% and 52%, respectively, of the financing towards the all-composite P80 booster for the Ariane 5 — work which would be included in the Vega programme.<ref>Moxon, Julian and Giorgio di Barnado; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vega-agreement-paves-way-for-p80-booster-for-ariane-122070/ "Vega agreement paves way for P80 booster for Ariane 5"] ''Flight International'' 31 October 2000</ref> In March 2001, [[FiatAvio]] and the [[Italian Space Agency]] (ASI) formed a new company, European Launch Vehicle (ELV), to assume responsibility for the majority of development work on the Vega programme.<ref>Nativi, Andy; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italians-form-launcher-company-126988/ "Italians form launcher company"] ''Flight International'' 6 March 2001</ref> By 2003, there was concerns that [[European Space Agency]] (ESA)'s recent adoption of the Russian [[Soyuz at the Guiana Space Centre|Soyuz]] launcher would directly compete with the in-development Vega; demands for such launchers had declined with a downturn in the mobile telecommunications satellite market and doubts over the European [[Galileo (satellite navigation)|Galileo]] [[satellite navigation]] system.<ref>Furniss, Tim; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/face-the-facts-with-jean-yves-le-gall-166890/ "Face the facts with Jean-Yves Le Gall"] ''Flight International'' 15 June 2003</ref>

=== Programme launch ===
In March 2003, contracts for development of the Vega launcher were signed by [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) and [[CNES|Centre national d'études spatiales]] (CNES), the French space agency; Italy provided 65% of funding while six additional nations contributed the remainder.<ref>Furniss, Tim; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/europe-starts-vega-development-162369/ "Europe starts Vega development"] ''Flight International'' 4 March 2003</ref> In May 2004, it was reported that a contract was signed between commercial operator [[Arianespace]] and prime contractor ELV to perform vehicle integration at [[Kourou]], [[French Guiana]].<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vega-nears-maiden-flight-182063/ "Vega nears maiden flight"] ''Flight International'' 25 May 2004</ref> In November 2004, construction commenced upon a new dedicated launch pad for the Vega launcher at Kourou, this included a [[bunker]] and a self-propelled structure to assist assembly of the stages; this site was built over the original launch pad for the retired [[Ariane 1]] launcher.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vega-launch-pad-taking-shape-190559/ "Vega launch pad taking shape"] ''Flight International'' 23 November 2004</ref><ref>Coppinger, Rob; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bigger-stage-202663/ "Bigger Stage"] ''Flight International'' 8 November 2005</ref> In September 2005, the successful completion of key tests on the Vega's solid rocket motor igniters, a key milestone, was reported.<ref>Bentley, Ross; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/key-tests-for-vega-igniters-201673/ "Key tests for Vega igniters"] ''Flight International'' 21 September 2005</ref>

In November 2005, [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) declared its desire for the development and deployment of an [[Electrically powered spacecraft propulsion|electric propulsion-powered]] module to work in conjunction with the Vega launcher; this envisioned module would transfer payloads between [[low Earth orbit]] (LEO) and a [[geostationary orbit]] (GEO).<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/esa-wants-electronic-module-for-vega-vehicle-203099/ "ESA wants electronic module for Vega vehicle"] ''Flight International'' 22 November 2005</ref> During November 2005, it was reported that both [[Israel]] and [[India]] had shown formal interest in the Vega programme.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-and-india-show-interest-in-esas-vega-203314/ "Israel and India show interest in ESA's Vega"] ''Flight International'' 29 November 2005</ref> In December 2005, the Vega launcher, along with the Ariane and Soyuz launchers, were endorsed as the recognised "first choice" platforms for ESA payloads.<ref>Coppinger, Rob; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/esa-boosts-science-delays-kliper-203603/ "ESA boosts science, delays Kliper"] ''Flight International'' 13 December 2005</ref> On 19 December 2005, the first test firing of the Vega's third stage was completed successfully at [[Salto di Quirra]], [[Sardinia]].<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vega-fires-up-on-third-stage-test-203886/ "Vega fires up on third-stage test"] ''Flight International'' 3 January 2006</ref> For several years, further tests would be conducted at the Sardinia site.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vega-launcher-rocket-engine-tests-progress-with-sard-207624/ "Vega launcher rocket engine tests progress with Sardinian trial firing"] ''Flight International'' 4 July 2006</ref><ref>Coppinger, Rob; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rocket-propulsion-sees-triple-success-222623/ "Rocket propulsion sees triple success"] ''Flight International'' 3 April 2008</ref> Progress on Vega was delayed by the failure of one such test of the third stage on 28 March 2007.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vega-third-stage-engine-fails-212964/ "Vega third stage engine fails"] ''Flight International'' 30 March 2007</ref><ref>Coppinger, Rob; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italian-space-agency-plans-its-relaunch-318226/ "Italian Space Agency plans its relaunch"] ''Flight International'' 31 October 2008</ref>

During January 2007, [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) announced that the agency was studying the use of [[Global Positioning System]] (GPS) navigation in order to support launches of the Vega and Ariane.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/gps-navigation-may-guide-europes-vega-211833/ "GPS navigation may guide Europe's Vega"] ''Flight International'' 30 January 2007</ref> At the 2009 [[Paris Air Show]], it was revealed that the adoption of more cost-effective engine to replace the upper stages of the Vega have been postponed due to a failure to reduce the overall costs of the launcher, making it much less worthwhile to pursue.<ref>Coppinger, Rob; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-air-show-commercial-soyuz-vega-launchers-fac-327883/ "PARIS AIR SHOW: Commercial Soyuz, Vega launchers face up to cost pressures"] ''Flight International'' 14 June 2009</ref> Despite this finding, efforts to improve the efficiency of the third stage continued.<ref>Peruzzi, Luca; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italy-has-sights-and-budget-set-firmly-on-the-co-345402/ "Italy has sights – and budget – set firmly on the cosmos"] ''Flight International'' 28 July 2010</ref> At this point, the certification of all four stages of the Vega launch was anticipated to be achieved prior to the end of 2009, while the first launch was scheduled to take place during 2010.<ref>Peruzzi, Luca; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-air-show-face-the-facts-with-avio-chief-execu-328132/ "PARIS AIR SHOW: Face the facts with Avio chief executive Orazio Ragni"] ''Flight International'' 16 June 2009</ref> The first flight was intended to be flown with a scientific payload, rather than a "dummy" placeholder;<ref>Coppinger, Rob; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/maiden-vega-to-fly-science-payload-to-conduct-tests-214417/ "Maiden Vega to fly science payload to conduct tests with lasers"] ''Flight International'' 5 June 2007</ref><ref name="jan 2012 slip" /> but had intentionally avoided a costly commercial satellite.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/space-time-and-vegas-heavy-burden-367361/ "Space, time and Vega's heavy burden"] ''Flight International'' 26 January 2012</ref> By late 2010, the first flight had been delayed into 2011.<ref>Peruzzi, Luca; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italy-special-towards-the-stars-349620/ "Italy special: Towards the stars"] ''Flight International'' 16 November 2010</ref>

=== Into flight ===
During October 2011, all major components of the first Vega rocket departed Avio's [[Colleferro]] facility, near [[Rome]], by sea for Kourou. At this point, the first launch was anticipated to occur during December 2011 or January 2012.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/esa-counting-down-to-historic-launches-362772/ "ESA counting down to historic launches"] ''Flight International'' 17 October 2011</ref><ref>Thisdell, Dan`; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vega-on-track-for-january-maiden-flight-from-esas-f-365888/ "Vega on track for January maiden flight from ESA's French Guiana launch site"] ''Flight International'' 13 December 2011</ref> During early January 2012, it was reported that the launch date would slip into the following month.<ref name="jan 2012 slip">Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vega-maiden-launch-could-slip-into-february-366618/ "Vega maiden launch could slip into February"] ''Flight International'' 6 January 2012</ref><ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/fingers-crossed-and-re-crossed-as-vega-moves-toward-367369/ "Fingers crossed and re-crossed as Vega moves toward maiden flight"] ''Flight International'' 26 January 2012</ref> On 13 February 2012, the first launch of the Vega rocket occurred for Kourou; it was reported as being an "apparently perfect flight".<ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vega-maiden-launch-goes-to-plan-368170/ "Vega maiden launch goes to plan"] ''Flight International'' 13 February 2012</ref><ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/success-of-vega-rocket-flight-boosts-avio-profile-368564/ "Success of Vega rocket flight boosts Avio profile"] ''Flight International'' 22 February 2012</ref>

During mid-2011, it was postulated that an evolved 'Europeanised' upgrade of the Vega rocket could be developed in the medium-to-long term future.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-esa-to-fire-up-next-gen-launcher-358697/ "PARIS: ESA to fire up next-gen launcher"] ''Flight International'' 24 June 2011</ref> Following the successful first launch, various improvements for the Vega were postulated. The [[German Aerospace Center]] (DLR) was reportedly enthusiastic on the prospects of developing a European alternative to the Vega's final, fourth stage; however, it was widely believed that there should be no change to Vega hardware for roughly 10 years in order to consolidate operations and avoid unnecessary costs early on.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/spaceflight-partners-look-to-enhance-vega-368664/ "SPACEFLIGHT: Partners look to enhance Vega"] ''Flight International'' 23 February 2012</ref> [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) was also keen to take advantage of potential commonalities between the Vega and the proposed [[Ariane 6]] heavy launcher.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-europes-next-rocket-has-high-hurdles-to-c-379500/ "IN FOCUS: Europe's next rocket has high hurdles to clear"] ''Flight International'' 27 November 2012</ref>

Following on from the first launch, a further four flights were conducted under the vestiges of the VERTA programme (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment), during which observation or scientific payloads were orbited while validating and readying the Vega rocket for more lucrative commercial operations.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-europe-forges-ahead-in-space-373311/ "IN FOCUS: Europe forges ahead in space"] ''Flight International'' 3 July 2012</ref> The second launch, performed on 6 May 2013, which followed a considerably more demanding flight profile and carried the type's first commercial payload, was also successful.<ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/for-flexible-vega-second-launch-a-step-up-in-comp-384870/ "For 'flexible' Vega, second launch a step up in complexity"] ''Flight International'' 18 April 2013</ref> In the aftermath of this second launch, [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) declared the Vega rocket to be "fully functional".<ref>Thisdell, Dan; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vegas-second-success-confirms-functionality-385689/ "Vega's second success 'confirms functionality'"] ''Flight International'' 9 May 2013</ref> The lapse of more than one year between the inaugural flight and the second one was mainly due to the fact that the Italian manufacturer had to completely redevelop the Flight Control Software, due to the restrictions on French export control imposed on the software used on the first flight.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-06-11 |title=French Export Restrictions Snare Vega Flight Software |url=https://spacenews.com/french-export-restrictions-snare-vega-flight-software/ |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref>

Since entering commercial service, Arianespace markets Vega as a launch system tailored for missions to [[Polar orbit|polar]] and [[Sun-synchronous orbit|Sun-synchronous]] orbits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arianespace.com/launch-services-vega/performance.asp|title=Vega — Performance|publisher=Arianespace}}</ref> During its qualification flight, Vega placed its main payload the {{convert|386.8|kg|||adj=on}} [[LARES (satellite)|LARES]] satellite, into a circular orbit at the altitude of {{convert|1450|km||}} with an [[Orbital inclination|inclination]] of 69.5°.<ref>I. Ciufolini et al.; ''The Design of LARES: A Satellite for Testing General Relativity'' IAC-07-B4.2.07, proceedings of the 58th International Astronautical Congress, India, Hyderabad, 2007</ref>

== Specifications ==
=== Technical specifications ===
{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable sticky-header"
! Stage<br><ref name="avioPdf">{{cite web|url=http://www.avio.com/files/catalog/pdf/avum_78.pdf|title=Vega Satellite Launcher|publisher=Avio|access-date=23 April 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101022341/http://www.avio.com/files/catalog/pdf/avum_78.pdf|archive-date=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="elvP80">{{cite web|url=http://www.elv.it/en/launcher-vega/composizione-lanciatore/|title=Vega – Launcher composition (interactive)|publisher=ELV|access-date=23 April 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323093515/http://www.elv.it/en/launcher-vega/composizione-lanciatore|archive-date=23 March 2014}}</ref>

! Stage 1<br />[[P80 (rocket stage)|P80FW]]
! Stage 2<br />[[Zefiro (rocket stage)|Zefiro 23]]
! Stage 3<br />[[Zefiro (rocket stage)|Zefiro 9]]
! Stage 4<br />AVUM
|-
! Height
| {{cvt|11.7|m|ftin}}
| {{cvt|7.5|m|ftin}}
| {{cvt|3.5|m|ftin}}
| {{cvt|1.7|m|ftin}}
|-
! Diameter
| {{cvt|3|m|ftin}}
| {{cvt|1.9|m}}
| {{cvt|1.9|m}}
| {{cvt|1.9|m}}
|-
! Propellant type
| Solid<br>([[Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene|HTPB]]/[[ammonium perchlorate|AP]]/[[aluminium powder|Al]])
| Solid<br>(HTPB/AP/Al)
| Solid<br>(HTPB/AP/Al)
| Liquid<br>([[UDMH]]/{{chem2|N2O4|link=Dinitrogen tetroxide}})
|-
! Propellant mass
| {{cvt|88365
|kg}}
| {{cvt|24000|kg}}
| {{cvt|10500|kg}}
| {{cvt|550|kg}}
|-
! Motor dry mass
| {{cvt|7330|kg}}
| {{cvt|1950|kg}}
| {{cvt|915|kg}}
| {{cvt|131|kg}}
|-
! Motor case mass
| {{cvt|3260|kg}}
| {{cvt|900|kg}}
| {{cvt|400|kg}}
| {{cvt|16|kg}}
|-
! Average thrust
| {{cvt|2200|kN}}
| {{cvt|871|kN}}
| {{cvt|260|kN}}
| {{cvt|2.42|kN}}
|-
! Burn time
| 114 sec.
| 77 sec.
| 120 sec.
| Up to 667 sec.
|-
! Specific impulse
| {{cvt|280|isp}}
| {{cvt|287.5|isp}}
| {{cvt|296|isp}}
| {{cvt|315.5|isp}}
|}

=== Payload ===
[[Arianespace]] had indicated that the Vega launcher was able to carry {{cvt|1500|kg}} to a circular [[polar orbit]] at an altitude of {{cvt|700|km}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arianespace.com/vehicle/vega/ |title=Vega — Overview|work=Arianespace }}</ref>

The payload fairing of the Vega was designed and was manufactured by [[RUAG Space]] of Switzerland.<ref>Coppering, Rob; [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a-significant-role-with-esa-187728/ "A significant role with ESA"] ''Flight International'' 21 September 2004</ref> It has a diameter of {{convert|2.6|m|ftin|}}, a height of {{convert|7.8|m|ftin|}} and a mass of 400&nbsp;kg. The cylindrical part of the fairing has an outer diameter {{convert|2.6|m|ftin|}} and a height of {{convert|3.5|m|ftin|}}.<ref name="Vega_bulletin_109">{{cite web |last1=Barbera |first1=R. |last2=Bianchi |first2=S. |title=Vega: The European Small-Launcher Programme |url=https://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bullet109/chapter7_bul109.pdf |publisher=ESA, bulletin 109 — february 2002 |access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref>

=== Three solid motor stages ===
The first three stages are solid propellant engines produced by [[Avio]], that was the prime contractor for the Vega launcher through its company ELV.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.aviogroup.com/en/catalog/space/propulsione_spaziale|title=Space Propulsion|website=aviogroup.com|access-date=16 February 2012}}</ref>

{{asof|2011}}, the design and production process of the three engine types intended for the three stages of Vega were planned to be verified in two [[Rocket engine test facility|ground-test firings]] — one for design evaluation and one in the final flight configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avio.com/files/catalog/pdf/zefiro_9_77.pdf|title=VEGA Satellite Launcher|publisher=Aviogroup.com|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211154448/http://www.avio.com/files/catalog/pdf/zefiro_9_77.pdf|archive-date=11 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite conference|last=Neri|first=Agostino|title=Vega Launch System Final Preparation for Qualification Flight|book-title=Proceedings of 47th AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference|publisher=AIAA|date=4 August 2011|location=San Diego, California (USA)|url=https://info.aiaa.org/tac/SMG/STTC/Minutes/STTC%20Meeting%20Materials%20080411/Vega%20Program%20Status%20JPC%2011%20for%20STTC.pdf|access-date=9 December 2013|archive-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213005910/https://info.aiaa.org/tac/SMG/STTC/Minutes/STTC%20Meeting%20Materials%20080411/Vega%20Program%20Status%20JPC%2011%20for%20STTC.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{update after|2012}}<!-- were these tests ever done? when? the source does not show that, but merely plans -->

==== P80FW ====
{{Main|P80 (rocket stage)}}

The P80FW was the first stage of Vega and its designation reflected its characteristics: "P" stands for ''powder'' (the French term for solid propellant), "80" refers to its roughly 80 tonnes of propellant (later increased to 88 tonnes), and "FW" signifies ''filament wound'' referring to the construction of the motor casing as a single-piece carbon-fibre composite shell

The P80FW included a [[thrust vectoring]] control (TVC) system, developed and made in Belgium by [[SABCA]], consisting of two electromechanical actuators that operate a movable nozzle with flexible joint using lithium-ion batteries.<ref name=caporicci104 /> The 3&nbsp;m diameter case was composed of [[Carbon fiber reinforced polymer|graphite epoxy]] [[Filament winding|filament wound]] case and low density rubber was used for the internal insulation. The [[Rocket engine nozzle|nozzle]] was made of light low-cost carbon phenolic material; a consumable casing was used for the igniter. The [[Propellant|solid propellant]] loaded has low binder content and high [[aluminium]] percentage ([[Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene|HTPB 1912]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.astronautix.com/engines/p80.htm|title=Solid propellant rocket stage|website=astronautix.com|publisher=Encyclopedia Astronautica|access-date=4 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621050752/http://www.astronautix.com/engines/p80.htm|archive-date=21 June 2013}}</ref>

The first test firing of the P80FW engine took place on 30 November 2006 in [[Kourou]], and the test was concluded successfully.<ref>[http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMTHGD4VUE_0.html ESA: Successful firing of Vega's first-stage motor in Kourou]</ref>

The second test firing of the P80FW first stage engine took place on 4 December 2007 in Kourou. Delivering a mean thrust of 190 tonnes over 111 seconds, the engine's behaviour was in line with predictions.<ref>[http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMXE029R9F_0.html ESA: Vega main engine test in Kourou]</ref>

The future version of the stage, [[P120 (rocket stage)|P120C]], also with its name derived from the design phase propellant weight of 120 tonnes, will increase the propellant mass to 141–143 tonnes.<ref name="avioP120C">{{cite web|url=http://www.avio.com/en/vega/vega-c/vega-c-1-stadio-p120c-motor/|title=VEGA C: 1° Stage – P120C Motor|publisher=Avio|access-date=5 May 2017|archive-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830054947/http://www.avio.com/en/vega/vega-c/vega-c-1-stadio-p120c-motor/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Zefiro 23 ====
{{Main|Zefiro (rocket stage)}}
[[File:Tuyère de l%27étage Z23 du lanceur Vega DSC 0024.JPG|thumb|Nozzle of the Zefiro 23, Paris Air Show 2015]]

The development of the Zefiro motor was initiated by [[Avio]], partially funded by the company and partially funded by a contract from the [[Italian Space Agency]] (ISA). A Zefiro 23 forms the second stage of Vega. Its [[Carbon fiber reinforced polymer|carbon-epoxy]] case was [[Filament winding|filament-wound]] and its carbon phenolic nozzle includes a [[Reinforced carbon–carbon|carbon-carbon]] throat insert. The propellant loading was {{convert|23|t|lb|}}.<ref name=caporicci104>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bullet104/caporicci104.pdf|title=The Future of European Launchers: The ESA Perspective|author=M. Caporicci
|publisher=European Space Agency|date=November 2000}}</ref>

The Zefiro 23 second stage engine was first fired on 26 June 2006 at [[Salto di Quirra]]. This test was successful.<ref>[http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMH4REFWOE_Expanding_0.html ESA: Vega's second stage motor roars to life]</ref>

The second test firing of the Zefiro 23 second stage engine took place on 27 March 2008 also at Salto di Quirra. This successful test qualified the rocket engine.<ref>[http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMSEBR03EF_index_0.html Successful qualification firing test for Zefiro 23]</ref>

==== Zefiro 9 ====
{{Main|Zefiro (rocket stage)}}

The first engine completed was Zefiro 9, the third-stage engine. The first test firing was carried out on 20 December 2005, at the [[Salto di Quirra]] Inter-force Test Range, on the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] coast in southeast [[Sardinia]]. The test was a complete success.<ref>[http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMNL68A9HE_index_0.html ESA: Successful first test for Vega's Zefiro 9 engine]</ref>

After a critical design review based on the completed first test firings,<ref>[http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMGM4SVYVE_0.html ESA: Vega Critical Design Review begins]</ref> the second test-firing of the Zefiro 9 took place at Salto di Quirra on 28 March 2007. After 35 seconds, there was a sudden drop in the motor's internal pressure, leading to an increased combustion time.<ref>[http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMCVFT4LZE_index_0.html ESA: Anomalous behaviour affects firing test of Vega's Zefiro 9 motor]</ref> No public information was available for this sudden drop of internal pressure, and whether any flaws were present in the motor's design.

On 23 October 2008, an enhanced version of the Zefiro 9 with a modified nozzle design, the Zefiro 9-A, was successfully tested.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM0KERTKMF_index_1.html |title=Successful first test for Vega's Zefiro 9-A solid-fuel rocket motor|date=24 October 2008|publisher=ESA}}</ref>

On 28 April 2009, the final qualification test firing of Zefiro 9-A took place at the Salto di Quirra Interforce Test Range in [[Sardinia]], [[Italy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM688BNJTF_index_0.html|title=Successful second test for Vega's Zefiro 9-A solid-fuel rocket motor|date=30 April 2009|publisher=ESA}}</ref>

=== Attitude & Vernier Upper Module (AVUM) ===
[[File:Vega-C upper stage shaker test.jpg|thumb|AVUM undergoing vibration test at [[European Space Research and Technology Centre|ESTEC]] Test Centre in [[Noordwijk]].]]

The Attitude & Vernier Upper Module (AVUM), developed by Avio, serves as the [[upper stage]] (fourth stage) of the Vega rocket, designed to place payloads into precise orbits while performing roll and attitude control functions. It is composed of two main components: the AVUM Propulsion Module (APM) and the AVUM Avionics Module (AAM).<ref name="avioAvum">{{cite web|url=http://www.avio.com/it/catalog/space/propulsione_spaziale/avum/|title=AVUM |publisher=Avio|access-date=23 April 2014|language=it|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202005015/http://www.avio.com/it/catalog/space/propulsione_spaziale/avum|archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref> The APM is powered by the Ukrainian-built [[RD-843]] rocket engine, a lightweight, pressure-fed liquid-fuel system that uses [[unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine]] (UDMH) fuel and [[dinitrogen tetroxide]] ({{Chem2|N2O4}}) oxidizer as propellants.<ref name="nkau843">[https://web.archive.org/web/20190722175649/http://www.nkau.gov.ua/en/news/chronicle-of-news/1224-the-successful-launch-of-european-vega-launcher-with-ukrainian-upper-stage-engine-3 THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF EUROPEAN VEGA LAUNCHER WITH UKRAINIAN UPPER-STAGE ENGINE] State Space Agency of Ukraine 21 November 2018</ref><ref name="nkau868">[https://www.nkau.gov.ua/en/space-complexes/launch-vehicles/vega Vega] State Space Agency of Ukraine</ref> This engine is capable of multiple restarts, enabling high-precision orbital adjustments, multi-payload deployment, and controlled de-orbiting to reduce space debris. The AAM houses the vehicle’s core avionics subsystem, integrating advanced [[guidance, navigation, and control]] systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Vega/SEMNLCWWVUG_0.html|title=Vega Launcher|publisher=ESA|date=6 February 2012|access-date=16 February 2012}}</ref>

== Variants ==
There was a concept study for a new medium-size launcher based on Vega and [[Ariane 5]] elements. This launcher would use an Ariane 5 P230 first stage, a Vega P80 second stage and an Ariane 5 third stage using either storable or cryogenic fuel.<ref name="caporicci104" />

The future upgraded Vega (''LYRA program'') has exceeded the feasibility study and was planned to replace the current third and fourth stages with a single low cost LOX/Liquid methane stage with a new [[guidance system]]. The purpose of the program was to upgrade the performance by about 30% without significant price increase.<ref>{{cite web|title=LIRA 124; VEGA evolution |url=http://www.asi.it/en/activity/transportation/lyra|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125045654/http://www.asi.it/en/activity/transportation/lyra|archive-date=25 January 2012 |access-date=17 February 2012|publisher=Agenzia Spaziale Italiana}}</ref>

On 14 February 2012, one day after the successful first launch of Vega, the [[German Aerospace Center]] (DLR) moved to be included in the program. Johann-Dietrich Wörner, at that time head of [[German Aerospace Center|DLR]], said [[Germany]] wanted to join the project. Germany would provide a replacement for the RD-843 engine on the AVUM fourth stage, currently made in [[Ukraine]]. The Vega launcher manager stated that it will not fly in the near future because it takes some time to develop, but he confirmed it will be on agenda in the next meeting of ministers in late 2012. That way, all components of the rocket would be built inside the [[European Union]] (EU), excluding the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] made ones.<ref name="spaceflightnow" />

The revised Vega-C first stage, renamed ''P120C'' (Common), has been selected as [[Booster (rocketry)|booster]] for the first stage of the next generation [[Ariane 6]] rocket at [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) Council meeting at Ministerial level in December 2014.<ref name="asiNews32582">{{cite web|date=2 December 2014|title=ESA Ministerial Council: a historic leap forwards for space activities |url=http://www.asi.it/it/node/32582|access-date=5 May 2017|publisher=Agenzia Spaziale Italiana}}</ref>

Avio was also considering a "Vega Light" that would omit the first stage of either the Vega-C or Vega-E and would be targeted at replenishing satellite constellations. The vehicle would be capable of launching between 250–300&nbsp;kg or 400–500&nbsp;kg depending on whether it was derived from a Vega-C or Vega-E, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|date=22 November 2017|title=Avio Considers 'Vega Light' Mini-Launcher |url=http://aviationweek.com/awinspace/avio-considers-vega-light-mini-launcher|access-date=28 November 2017|publisher=Aviation Week and Space Technology}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=[[Avio]] |url=https://spacenews.com/vega-c-a-new-generation-launcher/ |title=Vega C, a new generation launcher |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=2 March 2021 |access-date=4 March 2021 |quote=Avio was developing a scaled-down version of Vega C, named Vega C Light. This rocket will not be equipped with the P120 C, consisting only of Zefiro 40, Zefiro 9 (improved) and AVUM plus stages.}}</ref>

=== Vega C ===
{{main|Vega C}}
[[File:Maquette Vega C DSC 0020.JPG|thumb|upright=0.4|Model of Vega-C at Paris Air Show 2015]]

Vega&nbsp;C was an evolution on the original Vega launcher to enable better launch performance and flexibility.<ref name="VEGA C {{!}} Avio">{{cite web|title=VEGA C {{!}} Avio|url=https://www.avio.com/vega-c|publisher=Avio|access-date=2021-01-17|website=avio.com}}</ref> Development started following the December 2014 ESA Ministerial Council with the goal to meet the change in payload demands, both in regards to an increase in medium-sized institutional payloads, and to compete with cheaper launch providers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Media backgrounder for ESA Council at Ministerial Level |url=http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Ministerial_Council_2014/Media_backgrounder_for_ESA_Council_at_Ministerial_Level|date=27 November 2014|publisher=ESA|access-date=2021-01-17|website=esa.int}}</ref>

This new evolution incorporates various changes to the Vega stack. The first stage [[P80 (rocket stage)|P80FW]] motor will be replaced with the [[P120 (rocket stage)|P120C]], the same booster due to be used on the [[Ariane 6]] launcher, and the Zefiro 23 second stage will also be replaced with the Zefiro 40. The larger AVUM+ will replace the AVUM fourth stage, while the third Zefiro 9 stage will be carried over from the base version of the launcher.<ref name="VEGA C {{!}} Avio" />

These modifications will enable new mission parameters using various payload adapters and upper stages. The new rocket will be able to carry dual payloads using the Vespa-C payload adapter, or a single large satellite in addition to smaller payloads using the Vampire and SMSS multiple payload dispenser. Orbital transfer capability was also available with the Vega Electrical Nudge Upper Stage, or VENUS.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vega-C|url=https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Vega-C|access-date=2021-01-17|website=www.esa.int}}</ref>

Return missions are also available using the reusable [[Space Rider]] vehicle, currently in development by ESA and due to launch on a Vega-C no earlier than July 2025.

On 13 July 2022, Vega-C had its debut flight, during which it delivered the [[LARES 2]] and six other satellites to orbit.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Vega/Vega-C_successfully_completes_inaugural_flight |title=Vega-C successfully completes inaugural flight |editor=European Space Agency |website=www.esa.int|date=2022-07-13 |access-date=2022-07-14}}</ref> This launch came as a way of filling the gap after the Russian rockets became unavailable due to the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62155260 | title=Successful debut flight for Europe's Vega-C rocket | date=13 July 2022 | publisher=BBC News  |access-date=2022-07-14 }}</ref> On 21 December 2022 (UTC), Vega-C suffered a launch failure due to an anomaly with the Zefiro 40 second stage resulting in the loss of two spacecraft for the [[Pléiades (satellite)|Airbus Pléiades Neo Earth-imaging constellation]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.space.com/arianespace-vega-c-launch-failure-december-2022 | title=Europe's Vega C rocket fails on 2nd-ever mission, 2 satellites lost | website=[[Space.com]] | date=21 December 2022 }}</ref>

Following the failure, the next launch was delayed until late 2024 to allow the redesign of a rocket motor nozzle.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/esa-delays-vega-c-return-to-flight-to-late-2024/ | title=ESA delays Vega C return to flight to late 2024  | first=Jeff | last=Foust |date =October 2, 2023 | publisher=Spacenews}}</ref>

=== Vega-E ===
{{main|Vega E}}
The Vega E (or Vega Evolution) is a further evolution of the Vega-C. The first stage P120C motor will be replaced with the P160C, the same booster due to be used on the Ariane 6 Block 2 launcher.

The Zefiro 9 and AVUM+ third and fourth stages will be replaced with a cryogenic upper stage powered by [[liquid oxygen]] and [[liquid methane]]. This variant offers even more flexibility than Vega-C, with the ability to deliver multiple satellites into different orbits on a single launch.<ref>{{cite web|title=VEGA E {{!}} Avio |url=https://www.avio.com/vega-e|publisher=Avio|access-date=2021-01-18|website=avio.com}}</ref>

{{As of|2021|March}} Avio was finalizing the development of the new [[M10 (rocket engine)|M10]] methane engine used in the new upper stage. The engine design was the result of a collaboration between Avio and [[Chemical Automatics Design Bureau]] (KBKhA) ended in 2014.<ref name="eucassMIRA">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.eucass-proceedings.eu/articles/eucass/abs/2019/01/eucass2019_447/eucass2019_447.html |chapter=Development of LM10-MIRA liquid oxygen – liquid natural gas expander cycle demonstrator engine |last1=P. Bellomi |last2=M. Rudnykh |last3=S. Carapellese |last4=D. Liuzzi |last5=G. Caggiano |last6=L. Arione |last7=A.A. Gurtovoy |last8=S.D. Lobov |last9=V. S. Rachuk |title=Progress in Propulsion Physics – Volume 11 |date=2019-02-08 |pages=447–466 |doi=10.1051/eucass/201911447 |isbn=978-5-94588-228-7 |s2cid=139531422 |access-date=2021-03-23}}</ref>

Avio successfully conducted the first series of testing of the [[M10 (rocket engine)|M10]] engine between May and July 2022<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.avio.com/press-release/first-half-2022-results |title=First Half 202 Results |date=9 September 2022 |access-date=16 September 2022 |work=[[Avio]]}}</ref> with the maiden flight of the Vega-E planned for 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://avio-data.teleborsa.it/2023%2f2023-Half-Year-Financial-Report_20230908_104224.pdf |title=2023 half-year financial report |access-date=10 September 2023 |work=Avio}}</ref>

== Costs ==
Development costs for the Vega rocket totaled €710 million, with ESA spending an additional €400 million to sponsor five development flights between 2012 and 2014.<ref name="SpaceNews20120213">{{cite web |url=http://www.spacenews.com/launch/120213-vega-succeeds-debut.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202150651/http://www.spacenews.com/launch/120213-vega-succeeds-debut.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 February 2013|title=Europe's Italian-led Vega Rocket Succeeds in Debut|publisher=SpaceNews|date=13 February 2012|first=Peter B.|last=de Selding}}</ref> Estimates of commercial launch costs in 2012 were projected to be €32 million, including Arianespace's marketing and service costs, or €25 million for each rocket alone, assuming a launch rate of 2 per year. 
{{quote|text="Our belief was that we can charge up to 20% more per launch than our biggest competitors and still win business because of the value we provide at the space center here and with Arianespace" |sign=Francesco De Pasquale, managing director of ELV SpA, 2012|source=SpaceNews<ref name="SpaceWeb20120123" />}}

In 2012, the managing director of ELV estimated that if the sustained flight rate were to increase to four flights per year, the price of each individual launch vehicle could potentially decrease to €22 million.<ref name="SpaceWeb20120123">{{cite web |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/vega-expected-be-price-competitive-russian-rockets|title=Vega Expected to be Price-competitive With Russian Rockets|publisher=SpaceNews|date=23 January 2012|first=Peter B. |last=de Selding}}</ref>{{update after|2016}}<!-- what did these cost data end up in actuality? what do the cost accountants and auditors say the actual marginal costs per launch are running for Vega? --> 

In the event, by November 2020, Vega had never flown more than three flights in a single year, with an average flight rate of just under two launches per year.

== List of flights ==
{{main|List of Vega launches}}
{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable sticky-header"
! Flight
! Date / time ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]) <ref name="sworld.com.au">{{cite web|title=Ariane Launch Manifest|url=http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/space/ariane-man.txt|first=Steven |last=Pietrobon|date=10 October 2018|access-date=16 October 2018}}</ref>
! Payload
! Payload mass
! Orbit
! Launch Outcome
|-
![[Vega flight VV01|VV01]]
| 13 February 2012<br />10:00:00
| {{hlist | [[LARES (satellite)|LARES]] | [[ALMASat-1]] | [[e-st@r]] | [[Goliat]] | [[MaSat-1]] | [[PW-Sat]] | [[ROBUSTA]] | [[UniCubeSat-GG]] | [[Xatcobeo]] }} 
| {{cvt|680|kg}}
| [[Low Earth Orbit|LEO]]
| {{Success}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lares, AlmaSat-1 & Others |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/530 |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=nextspaceflight.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
![[Vega flight VV02|VV02]]
| 7 May 2013<br />02:06:31
| {{hlist | [[PROBA-V]] | [[VNREDSat-1|VNREDSat 1A]] | [[ESTCube-1]] }}
| {{cvt|254.83|kg}} <!-- Refernce only said the individual payload's masses and they were combined together to get the total payload mass. --><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/VV02-PROBA-V-VNREDSat-1-GB-1.pdf|title=SECOND VEGA LAUNCH FROM THE GUIANA SPACE CENTER (Press Kit)|publisher=Arianespace|date=May 2013|website=arianespace.com|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV03|VV03]]
| 30 April 2014<br />01:35:15
| [[KazEOSat 2|KazEOSat 1]]
| {{cvt|830|kg}} <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/VV03-launchkit-EN2.pdf|title=THIRD VEGA LAUNCH FROM THE GUIANA SPACE CENTER (Press Kit)|publisher=Arianespace |date=September 2015|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=KazEOSat 1 |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/532 |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=nextspaceflight.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
! [[Vega flight VV04|VV04]]
| 11 February 2015<br />13:40:00
| [[Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle|IXV]]
| {{cvt|1845|kg}} <ref name=":1">{{cite web|date=September 2015|title=February 2015 {{!}} VV04 {{!}} IXV (Press Kit)|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/VV04-launchkit-GB.pdf|access-date=20 March 2020|website=arianespace.com|publisher=Arianespace}}</ref>
| [[Transatmospheric orbit|TAO]]
| {{Success}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=IXV & AVUM VV04 |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/533 |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=nextspaceflight.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
![[Vega flight VV05|VV05]]
| 23 June 2015<br />01:51:58
| [[Sentinel-2A]]
| {{cvt|1130|kg}} <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/VV05-launchkit-GB.pdf|title=June 2015 {{!}} VV05 {{!}} Sentinel-2A (Press Kit) |publisher=Arianespace|date=September 2015|website=arianespace.com|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV06|VV06]]
| 3 December 2015<br />04:04:00
| [[LISA Pathfinder]]
| {{cvt|1906|kg}} <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/VV06-launchkit-GB2.pdf|title=December 2015 {{!}} VV06 {{!}} LISA Pathfinder (Press Kit)|publisher=Arianespace
|date=November 2015|website=arianespace.com|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>
| [[Halo orbit]] [[Lagrangian point|Earth–Sun L1]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV07|VV07]]
| 16 September 2016<br />01:43:35
| {{hlist | PeruSat-1 | 4&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[Terra Bella]] satellites }} 
|{{cvt|870|kg}}<!-- The Reference only said their individual masses, we combined them together to get the total payload mass. --><ref>{{cite web|last=Arianespace|date=September 2016|title=Launch Kt {{!}} September 2016 {{!}} VV07 {{!}} PerúSAT-1 SkySats-4 to 7|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/VV07-launchkit-GB-3.pdf|access-date=20 March 2020|website=arianespace.com}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-

![[Vega flight VV08|VV08]]
| 5 December 2016<br />13:51:44
| [[Göktürk-1|Göktürk-1A]]
| {{cvt|1060|kg}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/VV08-launchkit-GB.pdf|title=Launch Kit {{!}} December 2016 {{!}} VV08 {{!}} GÖKTÜRK-1|last=Arianespace|date=November 2016|website=arianespace.com|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV09|VV09]]
| 7 March 2017<br />01:49:24
| [[Sentinel-2B]]
| {{cvt|1130|kg}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Arianespace|date=February 2017|title=Launch Kit {{!}} March 2017 {{!}} VV09 {{!}} Sentinel-2B|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/VV09-launchkit-EN.pdf|access-date=20 March 2020|website=arianespace.com}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV10|VV10]]
| 2 August 2017<br />01:58:33
| {{hlist | [[OPTSAT-3000]] | [[VENμS]] }}
| {{cvt|632|kg}}<!-- Reference only said the individual masses we combined them together to get the total payload mass. --><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/VV10-launchkit-EN.pdf|title=Launch Kit {{!}} August 2017 {{!}} VV10 {{!}} OPTSAT-3000 Venμs|last=Arianespace|date=July 2017|website=arianespace.com|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV11|VV11]]
| 8 November 2017<br />01:42:31
| [[Mohammed VI-A]] (MN35-13A)
| {{cvt|1110|kg}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/VV11-launchkit-EN3.pdf|title=Launch Kit {{!}} November 2017 {{!}} V11 {{!}} MOHAMMED VI – A satellite |last=Arianespace|date=October 2017|website=arianespace.com|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV12|VV12]]
|22 August 2018<br />21:20:09 <ref>{{cite tweet|user=esaoperations|author=ESA Operations|number=1032379307652395008|title=Exact #Vega liftoff time of flight #VV12 with #Aeolus is confirmed as 21:20:09.478Z|date=22 August 2018|access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref>
|[[ADM-Aeolus]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Launch Schedule|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/|access-date=11 August 2018|website=Spaceflight Now}}</ref><ref>[http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/The_Living_Planet_Programme/Earth_Explorers/ADM-Aeolus/Wind_laser_survives_extremes "Wind laser survives extremes"] ESA Retrieved 29 April 2014</ref><ref name="2 Lidar">{{cite news|last1=de Selding|first1=Peter B.|date=22 May 2015|title=Cost, Schedule Woes on 2 Lidar Missions Push ESA To Change Contract Procedures|publisher=SpaceNews|url=http://spacenews.com/cost-schedule-woes-on-2-lidar-missions-push-esa-to-change-contract-procedures/|access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref>
|{{cvt|1357|kg}} <ref>{{cite web|last=Arianespace|date=August 2018|title=Launch Kit {{!}} August 2018 {{!}} VV12 {{!}} AEOLUS|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DDP-VV12-GB.pdf|access-date=20 March 2020|website=arianespace.com}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV13|VV13]]
| 21 November 2018<br />01:42:31 <ref name="VV13">{{cite press release|url=http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/vega-vv13-success/|title=Arianespace orbits the MOHAMMED VI–B satellite on 13th successful Vega launch in a row|publisher=Arianespace|date=21 November 2018|access-date=21 November 2018}}</ref>
| [[Mohammed VI-B]] (MN35-13B) <ref name="VV13" />
| {{cvt|1108|kg}} <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/VV13-launchkit-EN.pdf|title=Launch Kit {{!}} November 2018 {{!}} VV13 {{!}} MOHAMMED VI – B satellite |last=Arianespace|date=November 2018|website=arianespace.com|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV14|VV14]]
| 22 March 2019<br />01:50:35 <ref>{{cite tweet|author=Arianespace|user=Arianespace|number=1108826825327812609|title=Arianespace's first Vega flight in 2019 – and third overall this year – lifts off today from the Spaceport in French Guiana|date=21 March 2019|access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref>
| [[PRISMA (spacecraft)|PRISMA]]<ref name="prismaLaunch">{{cite web|author=ASI|title=PRISMA Launch Date|url=http://www.prisma-i.it/index.php/en/news/program/128-prisma-launch-date|access-date=16 October 2018}}</ref>
| {{cvt|879|kg}} <ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/DDP-VV14-GB.pdf|title=LAUNCH KIT March 2019 VV14 PRISMA|last=Arianespace|date=March 2019 |website=arianespace.com|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-

![[Vega flight VV15|VV15]]
| 11 July 2019<br />01:53
| Falcon Eye 1
| {{cvt|1197|kg}}
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Failure}} <ref name="VV15-failure">{{cite web|title=Arianespace Flight VV15: Mission failure|work=Arianespace |url=http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/arianespace-flight-vv15-mission-failure/}}</ref>
|-
![[Vega flight VV16|VV16]]
| 3 September 2020<br />01:51:10 <ref>{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/|title=Launch Schedule|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=2 September 2020|access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref>
| [[SSMS PoC Flight]] (53&nbsp;satellites)
|
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV17|VV17]]
| 17 November 2020<br />01:52:20 <ref name="SFN20201114">{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/|title=Launch Schedule|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=14 November 2020|access-date=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| [[SEOSat-Ingenio]] and [[TARANIS]]
| {{cvt|925|kg}}
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Failure}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV18|VV18]]
| 29 April 2021<br />01:50 <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arianespace.com/press-release/vega-vv18-launch-success/ |title=18th Vega mission marks Arianespace's second successful launch in 72 hours |publisher=[[Arianespace]] |date=29 April 2021 |access-date=29 April 2021}}</ref>
| {{hlist | [[Pléiades (satellite)|Pléiades Neo 3]] | NorSat-3 | Bravo | ELO Alpha | [[Lemur-2]] × 2 }}
| {{cvt|1278|kg}}
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV19|VV19]]
| 17 August 2021<br />01:47 <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arianespace.com/press-release/vv19-vega-launch-success/ |title=19th Vega mission demonstrates Arianespace's ability to deliver for the most innovative projects for the benefits of its clients |publisher=[[Arianespace]] |date=17 August 2021 |access-date=17 August 2021}}</ref>
| {{hlist | [[Pléiades (satellite)|Pléiades Neo 4]] | BRO-4 | LEDSAT | RADCUBE | SUNSTORM }}
| {{cvt|1029|kg}}
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
![[Vega flight VV20|VV20]]
| 16 November 2021<br />09:27:55<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.arianespace.com/press-release/vv20-arianespaces-vega-launcher-successfully-orbits-three-ceres-satellites/ |title=VV20: Arianespace's Vega launcher successfully orbits three CERES satellites |work=[[Arianespace]] |date=16 November 2021 |access-date=16 November 2021}}</ref>
| [[CERES (satellite)|CERES 1/2/3]]
| {{cvt|1548|kg}}
| [[Semi-synchronous orbit|Semi-synchronous]]
| {{Success}}
|-
! [[Vega flight VV23|VV23]]
| 9 October 2023<br>01:36<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://newsroom.arianespace.com/flight-vv23-success-to-the-benefit-of-thailand-taiwan-and-10-cubesats/ |title=Flight VV23: success to the benefit of Thaland, Taiwan and cubesats |date=9 October 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=Arianespace}}</ref>
| {{hlist|[[THEOS-2]]|TRITON|ANSER × 3|CSC × 2|[[ESTCube-2]]|MACSAT|N3SS|PRETTY|PROBA-V CC}}
|
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|-
! [[Vega flight VV24|VV24]]
| 5 September 2024<br />01:50
| [[Sentinel-2C]]
| {{cvt|1143|kg}}
| [[Sun-synchronous orbit|SSO]]
| {{Success}}
|}

== Comparable rockets ==
* [[Delta II]] 7420 (retired)
* [[Epsilon (rocket)|Epsilon]]
* [[Firefly Alpha]]
* [[Minotaur IV]]
* [[Minotaur-C]]
* [[Rokot]] (retired)
* [[Soyuz-2-1v]]
* [[Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle]]
* [[List of Vega launches]]

== See also ==
{{Portal|Spaceflight}}
* [[Vega-C]]
* [[List of Vega launches]]
* [[Solid rocket]]
* [[Comparison of orbital launchers families]]
* [[Comparison of orbital launch systems]]

== Notes ==
{{noteslist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Vega (rocket)}}

* [http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/SEMH3E67ESD_0.html Vega launcher], European Space Agency
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131204045557/http://www.elv.it/en/ ELV – European Launch Vehicle s.p.a.]
* [http://www.avio.com/en/vega/vega/vega-launcher/ Vega Launcher, Avio]
* [http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM4AU0A90E_index_0.html First stone for Vega at Europe's Spaceport]
* [http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/VEGAbrochure.pdf Vega brochure]
* [http://www.aviogroup.com/files/catalog/pdf/motore_p80_75.pdf Vega Leaflet]
* [http://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bulletin128/bul128_inbrief.pdf Vega Nozzle]
* [http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/vegasimulator Telemetry Simulator of VEGA]
* {{cite video|date=1 February 2012|title=A star rocket is born|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNspeRxpnjs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/UNspeRxpnjs| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|medium=Television production|publisher=Euronews|access-date=3 February 2012}}{{cbignore}}
* {{cite video|date=31 January 2012|title=Vega's First Launch Campaign|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaUMSLU0aig |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/YaUMSLU0aig| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|publisher=European Space Agency|access-date=3 February 2012}}{{cbignore}}

{{Arianespace launches}}
{{Expendable launch systems}}
{{European Space Agency}}
{{European launch systems}}
{{Rocket families}}

[[Category:Vega (rocket)| ]]
[[Category:Space launch vehicles of Europe]]
[[Category:Solid-fuel rockets]]
[[Category:Italian Space Agency]]
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 2012]]
[[Category:Arianespace]]
[[Category:Italian inventions]]