Vega

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Since the late 1970's European Space Agency (ESA) and the commercial launch company Arianespace have operated the Ariane series of launchers. The current model, the Ariane 5 is one of the most succesful heavy lift launchers currently in operation. In recent years Arianespace has entered a joint venture with Russia's Starsem, the commercial operators of the venerable Soyuz launcher. This is a highly successful medium lift launch vehicle, with more than 1,700 launches to it's name. Currently a launch pad is being built at the European Kourou launch site in French Guiana for the Soyuz. This left a gap in the Ariane / Starsem capabilities - a light launch vehicle. ESA is developing a booster to fill this gap; the Vega launch vehicle.

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Vega

Main Data

Height 30 m

Diameter 3 m

Liftoff mass 137 tonnes

Payload mass* 1500 kg

Although there is a growing tendency for satellites to become larger, there is still a need for a small launcher to place 300 to 2000 kg satellites, economically, into the polar and low-Earth orbits used for many scientific and Earth observation missions.

Europe’s answer to these needs is Vega, named after the second brightest star in the northern hemisphere. Vega will make access to space easier, quicker and cheaper.

Costs are being kept to a minimum by using advanced low-cost technologies and by introducing an optimised synergy with existing production facilities used for Ariane launchers.

Vega has been designed as a single body launcher with three solid propulsion stages and an additional liquid propulsion upper module used for attitude and orbit control, and satellite release. Unlike most small launchers, Vega will be able to place multiple payloads into orbit.

Development of the Vega launcher started in 1998. The first launch is planned for 2007 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana where the Ariane 1 launch facilities are being adapted for its use.

* Launch in circular orbit, 90°inclination, 700 km

Source: ESA - Launch Vehicles

Edited October 30, 2007 by Waspie_Dwarf
corrected typo.

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Control system tests begin for Vega’s main engine

Artist’s impression of the Vega launch vehicle climbing through the Earth’s atmosphere.

Credits: ESA - J. Huart

15 June 2006
Development of Vega, Europe’s new launcher for small payloads, continues at full speed. A dedicated test facility for the directional control system of the main engine has been completed and performance measurements are under way.

The Vega development programme is performing a crucial series of tests during 2006, including engine firings, mechanical and electrical performance verifications, and system-level trials. Among the many test campaigns, measuring the performance of the control loop of Vega’s first stage was started in May.
Vega's first stage, known as P80, is a solid-fuel rocket motor which includes a Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system consisting of two electromechanical actuators that operate a movable nozzle. The TVC system moves the nozzle to control the pitch and yaw of the launcher (the attitude of the vehicle in relation to the flight direction) during flight.


The Vega P80 thrust vector control system validation model, a structural model
representative of the interstage 0/1 stiffness and the actuator attachment points, with
a pressure vessel for the nozzle flexible joint. The thrust cone is visible, inverted within
the test apparatus. The exit of the nozzle is closed so that it and the flexible joint on
which it moves can be pressurised to simulate flight conditions. The pressurisation
system is below the metallic floor.

Credits: ESA - S Corvaja, ELV SpA, Avio SpA

In order to characterise the TVC behaviour under the various conditions that could occur during flight and to verify the functionality of the control loop, a dedicated validation facility has been constructed at ELV SpA, in Colleferro (Italy).

The TVC Validation Model allows examination of all aspects of system performance using fully representative hardware, specifically:

• the two electromechanical actuators, designed and manufactured by SABCA of Belgium
• their associated electronics unit – known as the Integrated Power Distribution Unit – also designed and manufactured by SABCA of Belgium
• a mechanically representative model of the rocket nozzle – designed and manufactured by Snecma Propulsion Solide of France
• a battery set employing lithium-ion technology – to provide a more complete representation of operational conditions in some test scenarios – designed and manufactured by Saft of France.

The control room for the Vega P80 Thrust Vector Control system validation model,
from which the tests are controlled and the measurements recorded. The control room
is situated in a strengthened bunker to protect the occupants from any risk linked to the
pressurisation system

Credits: ESA - S Corvaja, ELV SpA, Avio SpA

The design, manufacture and assembly of the components of the TVC Validation Model have been lead by Europropulsion SA, a jointly-owned subsidiary of Snecma Propulsion Solide (France) and Avio SpA (Italy), which is the Prime Contractor for the P80 main engine. The construction of the test plant, including mechanical parts and ground support equipment for electronic command and measurement acquisition, has been carried out under the responsibility of ELV SpA, the Prime Contractor for the Vega launch vehicle. The management of the P80 demonstrator programme is under the responsibility of the P80 Integrated Project Team (ASI , CNES and ESA), located at the CNES facility in Evry, France.
The TVC subsystem tests are expected to last for several months. They will allow checking of the control sequence that will be used during the first P80 motor static firing test, scheduled to be conducted in Kourou during the last quarter of 2006.

At a later stage, during the system test campaigns, the TVC Validation Model will also be used for overall system verification. It will be controlled by a test version of the Vega onboard computer and flight software, making use of the inertial measurement system simulator and the simulated flight dynamics environment.

Source: ESA - News Edited November 27, 2006 by Waspie_Dwarf

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Vega's second stage motor roars to life

A static test firing of the Zefiro 23 second-stage engine of
Europe's new Vega launch vehicle was conducted on Monday
26 June 2006, at the Italian Ministry of Defence test centre in
Salto di Quirra, Sardinia.

Credits: ESA-S. CORVAJA

26 June 2006
ESA PR 21-2006. ESA’s Vega small satellite launch vehicle has made a new step toward its maiden flight, late next year, with the success of the first firing test on its second stage motor, the Zefiro 23.

The static firing was performed today, 26 June, at the Italian Ministry of Defence test centre in Salto di Quirra, Sardinia. The 7.5m tall, 2m diameter motor, featuring a carbon epoxy filament wound casing, delivered more than 100 metric tons of thrust (1,070 kN), burning some 24 metric tons of solid propellant in 75 seconds.
Numerous data were gathered during the test and are now under analysis to improve technical knowledge of the motor’s behaviour and refine the launcher’s future performance. Also tested during the firing were various subsystems, including a thrust vector control system that will steer the motor’s nozzle to provide flight control. After this success, the motor will proceed with its critical design review, at which stage its technical characteristics will be finalised.


A static test firing of the Zefiro 23 second-stage engine of Europe's new Vega launch
vehicle was conducted on Monday 26 June 2006, at the Italian Ministry of Defence test
centre in Salto di Quirra, Sardinia.

Credits: ESA-S. CORVAJA

Built by Avio in Colleferro, near Rome, the Zefiro 23 motor will be the basis for the second stage of ESA’s Vega launcher. The first firing test with the third stage motor – the Zefiro 9 – was performed in December 2005. Conducted on behalf of ESA’s Vega development programme, these two firing tests followed three static firings of the Zefiro 16 demonstrator in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Both the Zefiro 23 and Zefiro 9 will undergo an additional ground firing test each to complete their development and qualification.

“The Zefiro 23 is one of the largest composite casing solid rocket motors ever test fired in Western Europe, noted Antonio Fabrizi, ESA’s director of launchers, but it will be dwarfed shortly, when we will fire Vega’s first stage motor, the P80, with its 88 tons of propellant, in Kourou, French Guiana, in November.”

“With this new motor firing, the Vega programme has passed another milestone in good time”, continued Fabrizi, “and I praise our industrial team as well as our partner the Italian Space Agency, for this achievement. Now let’s proceed and make sure we will be able to meet our schedule for the next phases.”

The first Vega flight is currently set for the end of 2007 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.


Artist’s impression of the Vega launch vehicle climbing through the Earth’s atmosphere.

Credits: ESA - J. Huart

Under development since 1998 with the support of seven ESA Member States (Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden), ESA’s Vega small satellite launcher is an all-solid three-stage vehicle with a liquid-fuelled injection module. ELV SpA, a joint venture of Avio and ASI, the Italian Space Agency, was delegated the responsibility for Vega development. CNES, the French space agency, holds similar responsibility for the P80 first stage.

Vega is designed to loft single or multiple payloads to orbits up to 1,500 km in altitude. Its baseline payload capability is about 1,500 kg to a circular 700-km high sun-synchronous orbit but it can also loft satellites from 300 kg to more than 2 metric tonnes, as well as piggyback microsatellites. This range of performance covers the needs for multiple applications in the fields of remote sensing, environmental monitoring, Earth science, space science, fundamental science and research and technology for future space applications and systems. Once qualified, Vega will be marketed and operated by Arianespace, as a complement to Ariane 5 and Soyuz, and will address the small satellite launch market.

Source: ESA - News

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First Vega P80 nozzle delivered

Integrated nozzle for P80 motor, before shipment to French Guiana.

15 September 2006
On 14 September 2006 a ceremony took place at the facilities of Snecma Propulsion Solide (SPS) in Bordeaux, France, to mark the occasion of the delivery of the first nozzle for the P80 solid rocket motor. The P80 is the first stage of the Vega small launcher.

The P80 nozzle delivery is a key milestone for the Vega programme. It is the result of several years of intensive development activities, during which Snecma Propulsion Solide performed the detailed definition of the various components of the nozzle, and validated new manufacturing processes. They achieved a major step forward in this area of technology aimed at reducing costs. This is a major event for Vega but it is also a precursor to future updates in the design of Ariane 5 boosters.


Integrated Elements of the qualification model of the P80 nozzle before their integration.
From left: J. Pasquier, CEO Europropulsion, and P. Pascal, CNES P80 project manager.

Once arrived in Kourou, the completed nozzle will be integrated with the P80 solid rocket motor, under preparation, for the first firing test planned for end November 2006.
The delivery was also an opportunity to acknowledge the significant work performed by the industrial teams at SPS and to recognise its industrial capability in space activities. SPS undertakes diverse activities in the area of military systems and in space programmes, with its involvement in Ariane 5 and Vega. Together, these activities permit SPS to take a long term view regarding the industrial teams and allow the maintenance of industrial capability in solid propulsion, both in development and production.


Speech of Antonio Fabrizi, ESA Director of Launchers during the ceremony for the delivery of the P80 Nozzle.
Also present at the ceremony: M. Eymard, CNES Director of Launchers; S. Scippa, CEO ELV SpA; J. Pasquier, CEO Europropulsion; G. Lasagni, Avio Space Business Unit; M. Laroche, SPS; P.Bonguet, Programmes Director Arianespace.

The ceremony was attended by ESA’s Director of Launcher Programmes, Mr Antonio Fabrizi, as well as representatives from the French National Space Agency (CNES), Arianespace (France), Europropulsion (France), AVIO SpA (Italy), Snecma Propulsion Solide (France) and ELV SpA (Italy). A short roundtable allowed an exchange of views on the launcher sector and its ongoing evolution.

Source: ESA - News

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Vega upper composite passes tests at ESTEC

Structural model of the upper composite of the Vega launch
vehicle on the 'multishaker' electrodynamic shaker in the
Test Centre at ESA-ESTEC. The octagonal structure at the
top of the image is a mechanically representative model
of a payload.

Credits: ESA - A.Le Floc'h

5 October 2006
The upper composite of ESA’s new small launcher has passed its vibration tests at ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) with flying colours. Vega’s components are built and tested at various locations across Europe. The first launch is planned for the end of 2007 from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Vega, which is being built by European industry under the leadership of ELV SpA (Italy), is a small launch vehicle designed to carry payloads in the range 300 kg to 2.5 tonnes into low Earth orbits. The typical reference for Vega’s launch capacity is to carry 1500 kg to a 700 km-altitude polar orbit. Vega will be particularly suitable for the launch of scientific and Earth observation missions.

Vibrations


Artist’s impression of the Vega launch vehicle climbing through the Earth’s atmosphere.

Credits: ESA - J. Huart

During the launch of a rocket, vibrations occur due to engine ignition, the thrust of the engines and the high-speed flow of air over the body of the vehicle as it accelerates through the Earth’s atmosphere.
The upper composite that has just been tested is the top part of the launcher, which houses the navigation, communications and control equipment. The payload is carried on top of the composite, protected by a streamlined fairing, or nosecone. During testing, a mechanically representative model of a real satellite was used.

In order to confirm that the upper composite will be able to withstand the vibrations that it will experience during launch, it was mounted on the ‘multi-shaker’ in the Test Centre at ESTEC. This electrodynamic vibration table applied accelerations to the base of the composite while around 400 accelerometers and 40 strain gauges measured the movements and forces within the structure. This confirms that the design calculations are correct.

“The vibration tests went well and we are on schedule” said Vega Test Manager Wolfgang Teichert. “We have carried out most of the tests for the final stage of the launcher”.

Final exam


Structural model of the upper composite of the Vega launch vehicle on the 'multishaker'
electrodynamic shaker in the Test Centre at ESA-ESTEC. The octagonal structure at
the top of the image is a mechanically representative model of a payload.

Credits: ESA - A.Le Floc'h

At the end of 2006, reports on all the tests will be presented at the ‘Critical Design Review’. If Vega passes this ‘final exam’, production of components for the qualification flight launcher can proceed.


Industry day

The fourth Vega industry day is taking place on Thursday 5 October 2006 at ESA-ESTEC and the adjacent Space Expo in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. All the space industry members committed to the Vega Small Launcher programme are involved. The industry day is an occasion for all participants in the Vega programme to share an overview of the key technical and programmatic achievements in the development activities being carried out under the responsibility of the three main industrial contractors for the Vega programme:

• Vitrociset SpA (Italy) – ground segment
• Europropulsion SA (France/Italy) – solid propellant motor and P80 first stage
• ELV SpA (Italy) – launch vehicle

It will also be an opportunity to focus on the upcoming programme milestones leading to the qualification flight. Later flights, planned in the context of the Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment (VERTA) programme, will also be discussed. VERTA includes support for five demonstration flights that will serve to launch selected ESA payloads and showcase Vega’s capabilities.

Source: ESA - News

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P80 - a newcomer in the solid propulsion stakes

The Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)+ press release is reproduced below:

24 November 2006

Europe’s family of launchers is set to grow, with a kid brother for Ariane 5 called Vega expected some time late next year. Vega is designed for the launch of small satellites, complementing its larger stable mate. The Vega project was initiated by ESA in 1999. CNES is leading development of the P80 engine that will power the 1st stage of the new launcher.

The P80 will in fact carry 88 tonnes of solid fuel needed to get the light Vega launcher off the ground.


Vega Launcher (artist's view).
Copyright : ESA/Jacky Huart


This new engine will mark a major step forward in solid propulsion technology.


Innovating …


The P80 is the 1st of a new generation of solid rocket boosters. Each of the engine’s materials and components is the result of research into space technologies. The architectures of the igniter and nozzle have been simplified, and performance-enhancing materials have been used for the engine casing and thermal protection.

A reduction in costs


All the innovations on the P80 are intended to bring down recurring costs. For the project contractors, P80 is an opportunity to experiment and invest for the future, since the new engine will not only power Vega but also serve as a testbed for technologies that may be employed in the near future on the larger boosters of heavy-lift launchers like Ariane 5.


P80 : Transfer from BIB* to BETS** (Kourou, 07-11-06)
Copyright : ESA-CNES 2006, CSG/Ph. Baudon

Certain project partners are therefore contributing funding to the project and have helped to trim development costs, which is a vital factor in this highly competitive arena.

After the manufacturing and validation phases, the first test rig firing is scheduled for 30 November 2006 in French Guiana, overseen by the Ground Systems Sub-Directorate (SDS) of CNES’s Launchers Directorate (DLA), assisted by Europropulsion.

Teams are pulling out all the stops to make this firing test a success, coming after the successful 1st tests of the Zefiro 9 and Zefiro 23 engines that will power Vega’s 3rd and 2nd stages, respectively.


* BIB : Booster Integration Building
** BETS : Booster Engine Test Stand

+CNES is the French National Space Centre

Source: CNES Press Release

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Kourou prepares for P80 motor test

Artist’s impression of the Vega launch vehicle climbing through the Earth’s atmosphere.

Credits: ESA - J. Huart

27 November 2006
On 30 November, the P80 motor which is to power Vega’s first stage will undergo its maiden static firing on the same test pad used to demonstrate Ariane 5’s solid booster stages in Kourou, French Guiana.

The Solid Booster Test Bench (BEAP) is the unique test pad at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s Spaceport. Since 1993, it has seen the successful testing of Ariane 5 Solid Booster Stage (EAP) motors. Of course, none was actually intended to lift off and the facility is equipped with safety systems to prevent a booster breaking loose from the test bench and leaving the ground. In this case, large blades would cut its envelope open, allowing the solid propellant to burn freely without providing any thrust.

Recently, the BEAP has been modified in order to accommodate a different kind of booster for static firing. While it shares its three metre diameter with Ariane 5's booster stages, the P80 motor is much shorter than the 31.2-metre-tall EAP – it is only 11.7 metres high. Nevertheless, it is the largest European solid rocket motor of its kind.

The largest monosegment booster


Artist's impression of Vega on the launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in French Guyana.

Credits: ESA-J.Huart

Unlike the EAP’s motor, whose 238-tonne propellant load is cast in three segments which are later assembled together, the P80 features only a single segment with about 88 tonnes of solid propellant. Although this is less than the biggest of the EAP segments, it is far more than any other composite single-segment solid motor ever tested. For comparison, to date the record is held by the motor of the SRB-A booster stage on Japan’s H-2A launcher, with 66 tonnes of solid propellant.

The P80’s propellant load was cast some 6 km from the BEAP, at the Guiana Propellant Plant (UPG) where the EAP’s lower segments are also loaded. In fact, the P80 used the same pit. After an initial test with inert propellant in April 2004, real propellant was poured in the first qualification model of the P80 last August.

“The propellant is not exactly the same as on the EAP’s”, explains Stefano Bianchi, Vega Programme Manager at ESA. “We adapted the propellant mix and the granulometry to increase its performance and density.”

As for the EAP segments, once the propellant’s polymer binder had solidified, the mandrel forming the exhaust canal for hot gases was extracted and the motor underwent numerous inspections to make sure that no bubbles or cracks had formed inside the binder. In a solid motor, these kinds of defects could have explosive consequences. After inspection, the motor was prepared for its test firing.

The P80 is not simply the new motor developed for the first stage of ESA’s Vega small launch vehicle. It is a multidisciplinary demonstrator to validate advanced technologies which could later be applied to Ariane 5’s boosters.


Technological advances

The most obvious change is to the booster casing. It is made of filament wound graphite epoxy, a technology largely used on smaller motors for civilian launchers as well as ballistic missiles. Much lighter than the stainless steel currently used on Ariane boosters, it provides a dramatic increase in payload capacity.

Other improvements in the motor include a new design of igniter with a simplified architecture, also using a carbon-fibre case.

The P80 nozzle looks like a shorter version of the EAP nozzle but its design was revised to achieve more simplicity, incorporate fewer elements, and reduce production costs. New thermal insulation material and a narrower throat improve the expansion ratio and overall performance. The new type of flexible joint makes it a lot easier to steer and has allowed the replacement of heavy hydraulic actuators by much lighter electromechanical ones for thrust vector control.

“There are lots of challenges on this test”, says Stefano Bianchi. “As on every maiden firing, there is also a lot to learn.”

Preparing for Vega


Artist's impression of Vega on the launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in French Guyana.

Credits: ESA-J.Huart

The firing test is planned for 30 November at around 15:00 UTC/GMT (12:00 local time, 16:00 CST/Paris). The timing will depend on wind conditions, to make sure the cloud resulting from the exhaust will not drift over populated areas.

The test will last about 100 seconds, with the motor delivering some 200 tonnes of average thrust.

Developed under a separate programme managed by an integrated team led by CNES, the French space agency, on behalf of ESA, the P80 is the last of Vega’s motors to undergo static firing. The Zefiro 9 and the Zefiro 23, due to power the third and second stages of ESA’s small launch vehicle, were test fired in December 2005 and June 2006 respectively, at Italy’s test centre in Salto di Quirra, Sardinia.

After the 30 November test, it is planned that each of the three motors will undergo an additional static test before the maiden flight of the Vega launcher, which will complement Ariane 5 and Soyuz in the small satellite segment of the launch market.

Source: ESA - News

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Successful firing of Vega’s first-stage motor in Kourou

Vega’s first-stage motor came to life on 30 November 2006 at 12:30 Kourou time
(15:30 UT) when it was ignited for its first static firing test at the Guiana Space Centre,
Europe’s Spaceport, in Kourou, French Guiana.

Credits: ESA/CNES-SOV

30 November 2006
ESA PR 42-2006. The largest European mono-segment filament-wound case solid propellant motor ever developed came to life at 12:30 Kourou time today (15:30 UT) when it was ignited for its first static firing test at the Guiana Space Centre,
Europe’s Spaceport, in Kourou, French Guiana.

Watch the firing of Vega's first-stage motor

The P80 motor - which will power the first stage of ESA’s Vega launch vehicle - delivered a mean thrust of about 190 tonnes for over 100 seconds, representing roughly one third of the thrust delivered by each of Ariane 5’s solid booster stages (EAPs). A peak of 250 tonnes was reached 7 seconds into the test.

“The first data we have at hand show that the firing closely followed the predicted pressure curve” said Antonio, Fabrizi, ESA’s Director of Launchers. “ This event concludes the first set of development tests conducted for the Vega launcher in 2006, a very intensive and successful year for the Programme. This excellent result marks a milestone that contributes significantly to further increasing confidence in the Vega launcher, the exploitation of which is currently being prepared by Arianespace following the signature of a Convention with ESA in November this year.”

“Among the various features of the P80 programme, beyond the technical achievements and the innovation involved, it is important to underline the remarkable contribution in terms of industrial investment, made possible by the expectations of a successful exploitation of the Vega launcher,” added Fabrizi.

More than 600 parameters were recorded in the course of the firing test to check that the many new technologies introduced in this motor performed as intended.

Based on the industrial capability acquired with the three-segment Solid Rocket Motor powering Ariane 5’s EAP and about the size of one of their lower segments, the P80 motor features many new developments which might later be used on Europe’s workhorse heavy launcher to improve its performance in terms of capabilities and cost.

A technology demonstrator


Vega P80 first stage motor being transferred from the Booster
Integration Building (Bâtiment d'Intégration des Propulseurs -
BIP) to the Booster Engine Test Stand (Bâtiment d'Essai
d'Accélérateur à Poudre - BEAP)

Credits: ESA/CNES-SOV

About 12 m high and 3 m in diameter, the P80 motor is loaded with 88 tons of solid propellant. Unlike previous motors of this size or larger developed in Europe or in the rest of the world, it is made of a single propellant segment instead of several segments cast separately before being assembled together.

Taking advantage of its common dimensions, the propellant casting was carried out at the Guiana Propellant Plant (UPG) in Kourou, in the same pit as the 100-tonne lower segments of Ariane 5’s EAPs. However, instead of the EAP’s stainless steel outer structure, P80 has a lightweight filament-wound composite casing. It also incorporates a newly simplified design of igniter with a carbon fibre structure.

A new composite steerable nozzle was developed, with a simplified architecture made of fewer elements to reduce production costs. It also includes complex-formed cast metal parts and a new thermal insulation material. The nozzle joint was made more flexible than on previous models to facilitate thrust vector control through electromechanical actuators. This is an additional technology improvement on a motor of that size, as they usually rely on a more complex hydraulic system.

“As expected, the P80 withstood high combustion pressure, of above 80 bars,” commented Stefano Bianchi, Vega Programme manager at ESA. “Despite this highly demanding environment, it apparently performed perfectly, although we’ll need some more time to fully analyse the vast amount of data we have just collected.”

Today’s test was performed on the solid booster test stand (BEAP) in Kourou, the same facility used for firing tests on Ariane 5’s EAPs. The motor will now be disassembled for detailed analysis. Some of its parts, such as the nozzle, will be returned to Europe.

New step towards Vega


Artist's impression of Vega on the launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in French Guyana.

Credits: ESA-J.Huart

The P80 is developed both as Vega’s first stage and as a technology demonstrator under a specific ESA programme managed by an integrated project team led by CNES, the French space agency, with an industrial team led by the French-Italian joint-venture Europropulsion, under delegation from Avio SpA of Italy. Among the main industrial subcontractors involved in the P80 are SABCA of Belgium (thrust vector control system), Snecma Propulsion Solide of France (nozzle) and APP of the Netherlands (igniter).

This was the first of two firings for the P80. A second test is tentatively planned by mid 2007. Additional test firings of the Zefiro 23 and then the Zefiro 9 motors – which will power Vega’s second and third stages - are also scheduled in 2007. This P80 firing test is a major achievement for the Vega Programme, as well as for solid propulsion capability in Europe and completes the series of major Vega milestones planned and completed in 2006. This demonstrates the programme maturity and allows to perform the final consolidation of the planning for the remaining activities, clearing the way to the Vega maiden flight in 2008.

ESA’s Vega small satellite launcher is an all-solid three-stage vehicle with a liquid-fuelled injection module, developed with the support of seven ESA Member States (Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden). ELV SpA, a joint venture of Avio SpA and ASI, the Italian Space Agency, was delegated the responsibility for Vega launcher development.

Vega is designed to lift single or multiple payloads to orbits of up to 1,500 km in altitude. Its baseline payload capability is about 1,500 kg to a circular 700-km-high sun-synchronous orbit but it can also loft satellites ranging from 300 kg to more than 2 tonnes, as well as piggybacking microsatellites. This range of performance covers the needs for multiple applications in the fields of remote sensing, environmental monitoring, Earth science, space science, fundamental science and research and technology for future space applications and systems. Once qualified, Vega will be marketed and operated by Arianespace at the Guiana Space Centre , as a complement to Ariane 5 and Soyuz, and will address the small to mid-sized satellite launch market.

Source: ESA - News Edited December 1, 2006 by Waspie_Dwarf

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Anomalous behaviour affects firing test of Vega’s Zefiro 9 motor

29 March 2007


Artist's view of Vega on the launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana

Credits: ESA - J. Huart

On Wednesday 28 March, at around 15:00, the second firing test of the solid rocket motor ‘Zefiro 9’ – the motor that will power the third stage of ESA’s future small launcher Vega - took place at the Salto Di Quirra Inter-force Test Range in Sardinia, Italy.

The first results of the test indicate that the behaviour of the motor and the actuation of the nozzle were in accordance with predictions up until 35 seconds after ignition, when a sudden drop in the motor’s internal pressure was detected. The pressure stabilised at a value lower than the nominal, leading to a longer combustion time than the expected 105 seconds.

More than 400 sensors fitted to the motor monitored its behaviour during and after the firing test. The first visual investigation conducted on site after the firing showed that the nozzle of the motor was damaged, but no further damage was observed on the motor case or on the test bench.

ESA and Industry teams have already started a thorough analysis and assessment of the data collected during the test. The causes of the anomaly have not been identified yet and an investigation board is being set up for this purpose. The board shall recommend preventative and other appropriate actions to preclude the recurrence of similar anomalies for the finalisation of the motor qualification.


Successful firing test of Vega's Zefiro 9 engine in December 2005 in Sardinia

Credits: Avio

This was the second firing test of the Zefiro 9 motor. The first test took place successfully in December 2005. The first firing tests of the other Vega solid rocket motors - Zefiro 23 (second stage) and P80 (first stage) held on 26 June 2006 at Salto di Quirra and on 30 November 2006 in Kourou respectively, also went well. Three more firing tests, in the years 1999-2000, were conducted successfully for the Zefiro 16 motor, the forerunner of the Zefiro family of solid rocket motors.

The Zefiro 9 motor is developed by AVIO SpA and is based on advanced technologies in the field of solid rocket propulsion. It has an overall height of 3.17 m and a diameter of 1.92 m, contains approximately 10 tonnes of propellant and provides a maximum thrust of 305 kilonewton in vacuum.

Vega is a single body launcher composed of three solid propellant stages and a liquid propellant upper module. It is approximately 30 metres high and weighs a total of 137 tonnes at lift-off. Vega will be able to launch satellites of up to 1500 kg into a 700 km-altitude polar orbit, and it will also be useable in a wide range of scientific and Earth observation missions. The maiden flight for ESA’s small launcher remains scheduled to take place in 2008.

The Vega launcher is being developed with the support of seven ESA Member States (Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden). ESA has contracted the development activities of the launcher to ELV SpA, a joint venture between Avio SpA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI).

Source: ESA - News

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Qualification of Vega on-board computer completed

16 October 2007

Vega on-board computer

Credits: Saab Space

The development of the on-board computer for the Vega launcher has reached an important milestone with the successful completion of flight qualification activities. The computer is one of the first units in the Vega programme to achieve qualification.

Saab Space has been in charge of the development of this new generation of On-Board Computer (OBC), with an architecture based on the ERC-32 CPU kernel and a Saab Space developed Computer Core Support (COCOS) ASIC. Compared with today's Ariane 5, the VEGA OBC provides more than 10 times higher performance with 4 times more RAM. It is contained in a slim mechanical package that consumes just 25% of the volume and less than half of the total mass of its predecessor, while at the same time being more tolerant of the space radiation environment. Saab Space has also developed the embedded software for boot and ground services, together with the LN-1 low-level flight software.

Vega on-board computer next to its predecessor from Ariane 5

Credits: Saab Space

Leif Johansson, Saab Space project manager for the Vega OBC, expressed his satisfaction with this major achievement: “We are now looking forward to confirmation of the good test results and excellent performance of the OBC through the verification that will be carried out at system level and, later on, with the qualification flight.” Mr Johansson also warmly congratulated his team for the good work they have performed.

Saab Space has a well-known and widely acknowledged expertise in this domain, having already developed the OBCs for the Ariane launcher family and for other space applications.

Several models of the Vega OBC have been produced, beginning with the structural and engineering models needed for the development and qualification activities and for the software and system validation that was carried out in Europe and French Guiana. Completion of qualification means that the first flight model will be delivered in the near future for integration into the avionics module of Vega's AVUM (Attitude and Vernier Upper Module) restartable fourth stage.

The Vega Launch Vehicle Programme is managed by the ESA Integrated Project Team from ESA-ESRIN. Once Vega becomes operational, following a maiden flight scheduled for the end of 2008, it will be able to place satellites with masses of 300 to 2000 kilograms economically into the polar and low-Earth orbits used for many scientific and Earth observation missions.

Source: ESA - Launchers

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Vega main engine test in Kourou

5 December 2007

P80 static firing test being performed on 4 December 2007, using the solid booster test stand (Bâtiment d'Essai d'Accélérateur à Poudre - BEAP) at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This is the same facility that is used for firing tests on Ariane 5's solid-propellant boosters.

Credits: ESA / CNES / CSG-SOV

A prototype of the P80 rocket motor, which will power the first stage of ESA's new small launcher - Vega, was successfully tested on 4 December at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Ignition occurred at 12:35 local time (15:35 UTC/GMT).

The motor delivered a mean thrust of about 190 tonnes for a nominal duration of 111 seconds. This is roughly one third of the thrust delivered by each of Ariane 5's solid booster stages.

More than 600 parameters were recorded during the firing test to monitor the performance of the motor. Initial analysis confirms that the measurements are fully in line with predictions.

Solid propellant rockets cannot be shut down once they have been ignited. The test engine was equipped with specially designed cutters to break open the casing and stop the test, should a malfunction have made this necessary.

Qualification for flight

P80 static firing test being performed on 4 December 2007, using the solid booster test stand (Bâtiment d'Essai d'Accélérateur à Poudre - BEAP) at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This is the same facility that is used for firing tests on Ariane 5's solid-propellant boosters.

Credits: ESA / CNES / CSG-SOV

The first firing of the P80 took place on 30 November 2006. This was a qualification model and served to finalise the validation of the motor behaviour predictions and of the chosen technologies.

The motor tested yesterday was representative of the flight configuration. Once the data recorded during the test have been analysed and the engine has undergone post-test inspection, this firing is expected to complete qualification of the P80 in readiness for Vega's maiden flight, scheduled to take place by the end of 2008.

The P80 motor is about 12 metres high and 3 metres in diameter, and is loaded with 88 tonnes of solid propellant. Unlike previous motors of this size, it contains a single propellant segment, instead of several segments cast separately before being mated together.

Taking advantage of its similar dimensions, the propellant casting for the P80 is carried out at the Guiana Propellant Plant in Kourou, in the same pit as the 100-tonne lower segments of Ariane 5's solid boosters. However, instead of the steel outer structure used for the Ariane boosters, the P80 has a lightweight, filament-wound composite casing. It also incorporates a new, simplified design of igniter with a carbon fibre structure.

A new, steerable nozzle fabricated from composite material has been developed, with a simplified architecture made up of fewer elements, to reduce production costs. It also includes complex-formed cast metal parts and a new thermal insulation material. The nozzle joint is more flexible than on previous engines, allowing thrust vector control by means of electromechanical actuators. This is an additional technological improvement on a motor of this size, which usually needs to employ a more complex hydraulic system.

P80 static firing test being performed on 4 December 2007, using the solid booster test stand (Bâtiment d'Essai d'Accélérateur à Poudre - BEAP) at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This is the same facility that is used for firing tests on Ariane 5's solid-propellant boosters.

Credits: ESA / CNES / CSG-SOV

“The first data received show that the pressure curve is following perfectly the prediction. It is an outstanding result,” said Caroline Cros, the ESA team member responsible for P80 development “and I congratulate the industrial team, as well as our CNES and ASI partners, for this achievement.”

Today's test was performed on the solid booster test stand (Bâtiment d'Essai d'Accélérateur à Poudre - BEAP) in Kourou, the same facility used for firing tests on Ariane 5's solid-propellant motors. The P80 will now be disassembled for detailed inspection. Some of its components will be returned to Europe for examination and analysis.

“The qualification of the P80 motor is a cornerstone. It is the biggest mono-segment, filament-wound-case solid-fuel rocket motor ever developed and this takes us a step closer to the Vega maiden flight,” said Stefano Bianchi, ESA's Head of the Vega programme. “The programme has a tight schedule for the maiden flight. We can proceed - as from today - with increased confidence. Let's make sure we will meet the next major milestones as scheduled.”

About P80 and Vega

The P80 is being developed both as Vega's first stage and as a technology demonstrator. The development is part of the Vega programme, managed by an integrated project team led by ESA and involving staff from ESA, ASI - the Italian Space Agency and CNES - the French space agency. CNES also has a major responsibility in the management of the P80 development.

The industrial team is led by the French-Italian joint venture Europropulsion, under delegation from Avio SpA of Italy. Among the main industrial subcontractors involved in the P80 are SABCA of Belgium (thrust vector control system), Snecma Propulsion Solide of France (nozzle) and APP of the Netherlands (igniter).

ESA's Vega small satellite launcher is an all-solid-propellant, three-stage vehicle with a liquid-fuelled injection module, developed with the support of seven ESA Member States (Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, The Netherlands, and Sweden).

ELV SpA, a joint venture between Avio SpA and ASI, is the prime contractor for the Vega launcher development.

Vega is designed to lift single or multiple payloads to orbits of up to 1 500 km in altitude. Its baseline payload capability is to carry 1 500 kg to a circular, 700 km altitude, Sun-synchronous orbit. It can launch satellites ranging in mass from 300 kg to more than 2 tonnes.

This range of performance covers the needs of multiple applications in the fields of remote sensing, environmental monitoring, Earth science, space science, fundamental physics and research and technology for future space applications and systems.

Once qualified, Vega will be marketed and operated by Arianespace at the Guiana Space Centre, as a complement to Ariane 5 and Soyuz. It will serve the small to mid-sized satellite launch market.

Source: ESA - News

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Vega launch vehicle modal characterisation test successfully completed

20 December 2007

Artist’s impression of the Vega launch vehicle climbing through the Earth’s atmosphere.

Credits: ESA - J. Huart

The modal characterisation test for Vega - ESA's new, small launcher - has been successfully completed at the premises of IAB GmbH in Ottobrunn, Germany.

The goal of the Modal Characterisation Test (MOCO) was to obtain the launch vehicle's modal parameters, in order to improve the robustness of the data (bending mode frequencies, shape and damping) used in the design of the guidance and control algorithms.

The MOCO test specimen consisted of a structural model of the launcher and payload, without its first stage and payload fairing. Its total height was 16.3 meters, with a mass of 40 tonnes. The model was rigidly mounted on the test site's 800 tonne seismic mass.

Vega MOCO test setup

Credits: ELV SpA

“We had to organise the test campaign, manage the logistics to obtain all the elements from several places in Europe and assemble, here in Munich, three-quarters of the Vega launcher for the first time. It was really challenging, but we managed to make it in two months,” said Raffaele di Stefano (ELV), the AIT manager for the MOCO test.

The test technical responsible, J. L. Leofanti (ELV) - reviewing the test execution and results - said: “when we reached the structural resonance, with the launcher moving several centimetres at the tip, our minds were completely concentrated on the test results, but at the same time we felt a great satisfaction with the job done.”

Vega upper stages modal analysis

Credits: ELV SpA

Vega is a single body launcher composed of three solid propellant stages and a liquid propellant upper module. It is approximately 30 metres high, with a total mass of 137 tonnes at lift-off. Vega will be able to launch satellites of up to 1500 kg into a 700 km-altitude polar orbit, and it will be usable for a wide range of scientific and Earth observation missions. The maiden flight is scheduled to take place towards the end of 2008.

The Vega launcher is being developed with the support of seven ESA Member States (Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden). ESA has contracted the development activities of the launcher to ELV SpA, a joint venture between Avio SpA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI).

Source: ESA - Launchers

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Successful qualification firing test for
Zefiro 23

31 March 2008

Zefiro 23 second firing test, conducted at the Salto Di Quirra Inter-force Test Range in Sardinia, Italy, on 27 March 2008.

Ignition of the qualification model of the Zefiro 23 solid-propellant rocket motor occurred at 13:15 CET. In just 14 seconds, the thrust reached 930 kN, equivalent to nearly 95 tonnes of force.

This was the second and final firing test for the Zefiro 23, in which over 24 tonnes of propellant was consumed with a flame temperature of over 3000 K. The burn lasted approximately 75 seconds and initial results show the test to be a success.

Credits: AVIO Space

On 27 March 2008, the second stage motor for Vega - Europe's new small launcher - successfully completed a static firing test at the Salto Di Quirra Inter-force Test Range in Sardinia, Italy.

Ignition of the qualification model of the Zefiro 23 solid-propellant rocket motor occurred at 13:15 CET. In just 14 seconds, the thrust reached 930 kN, equivalent to nearly 95 tonnes of force.

This was the second and final firing test for the Zefiro 23, in which over 24 tonnes of propellant was consumed with a flame temperature of over 3000 K. The burn lasted approximately 75 seconds and initial results show the test to be a success.

Performance as predicted

The combustion chamber pressure and motor thrust were well within the test prediction. Large amplitude movements of the thrust vector control system were executed - simulating worst-case manoeuvres - and the performance was very satisfactory. Additionally, modifications implemented in the nozzle design following the anomaly experienced during the previous Zefiro 9 test were proven to be effective.

“The success of this test demonstrates the soundness of the design and rewards the enormous efforts of the team that has worked on the project,” stated Francesco Betti, Head of the Design Department at Avio's Space Division.

The motor will now be transported back to Avio's facility at Colleferro (Italy) for a thorough inspection of all its components and the data obtained from the 400 sensors deployed during the test will be analysed in more detail.

“The project team will rendezvous at Salto Di Quirra in June for the Zefiro 9 firing test,” announced Paolo Bellomi, Technical Director of ELV, the Vega launcher prime contractor.


Two motors now qualified

In the past 27 months, four Vega test firings have taken place at Salto Di Quirra, each one a milestone in the development of the Vega launcher. The Zefiro 23 is the second Vega solid rocket motor to achieve qualification, following the P80 first stage motor, which completed qualification testing in December 2007.

“The teams of Avio, ELV, SABCA APP and of the Integrated Programme Team of ESA, CNES and ASI did a great job. This success paves the way for the Vega maiden flight,” said Stefano Bianchi, Head of the Vega Programme at ESA.


About Vega

Vega is a single body launcher composed of three solid-propellant stages and a liquid-propellant upper module. It is approximately 30 metres high, and weighs a total of 137 tonnes at lift off. Vega's reference launch capacity is to carry a 1500 kg payload into a 700 km-altitude polar orbit, but the launcher is also designed to serve a wide range of scientific and Earth observation missions.

Source: ESA - News

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I have neglected this subject for a while. In the interest of completeness I shall try to fully update the subject. This will include some posts (like the one below) which are now out of date, but will enable the full story to be followed.

Waspie_Dwarf

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Announcement of opportunity for second flight of Vega small launcher in mid-2010

Artist's impression of Vega small launcher in flight.

Credits: ESA - J. Huart

Proposal submission deadline: 30 September 2008

25 July 2008

On Friday 25 July, ESA announced an opportunity to embark payloads on the second flight of the Vega small launcher planned for mid 2010. This will be the first of five flights that are planned to demonstrate Vega’s versatility to the space community.

Vega is ESA’s new, small launcher, composed of three solid propellant stages and a bipropellant, liquid-fuelled upper stage. Development started at the end of 2000 and the Vega launch system is now in its qualification phase.

The Vega qualification flight is planned for November 2009. A few months later, once the flight data has been analysed, a flight qualification review will be conducted.

Vega research and technology accompaniment programme

The VEga Research and Technology Accompaniment (VERTA) programme started in 2006 and has three main components:

• the procurement of five launches (VERTA flights)
  
• a Customer Service Improvement (CSI) programme
  
• production accompaniment and technological activities
  

The objective of the VERTA flights is to demonstrate to the space community the flexibility of Vega launch system. These launches will carry several ESA missions such as ADM-Aeolus, Swarm, LISA Pathfinder and Proba-3.

The main activity of the CSI programme is the development of the multiple-payload launch capability for Vega.

The Vega exploitation phase will start with the five VERTA flights, from early 2010. Arianespace will operate the Vega launch system from the European Spaceport in Kourou (Centre Spatial Guyanais – CSG), as an addition to the existing launcher fleet of Ariane 5 and Soyuz, providing the necessary capabilities and flexibility to cover all customers’ needs.

ESA and Arianespace are cooperating to implement the VERTA 1 flight, starting with this Announcement of Opportunity.

Announcement of Opportunity

Vega project logo

Credits: ESA

The objective of this Announcement of Opportunity (AO) is to commence the payload selection process for the VERTA 1 flight (Vega second flight). The selection process is organised in two phases, this international AO, followed by a Call for Proposal (CFP).

The AO is open to any private or public entity, without restriction as to nationality.

VERTA 1 mission objectives

The primary objective of the VERTA 1 mission is to demonstrate the multiple-payload capability of the Vega launch system.

The orbit currently under consideration for the mission is a low-Earth, Sun-synchronous orbit in the 500–800 km altitude range. The selection of the target orbit will be made by ESA on the basis of the results of this AO and the best technical and economic compromise.

The following spacecraft accommodation possibilities are currently under consideration and will be adapted depending on the results of this AO:

• two spacecraft, each with a mass in the range 300–500 kg
  
• one 300–500 kg spacecraft and several 100–150 kg spacecraft
  
• multiple spacecraft with masses in the 100–150 kg range
  

In addition, the VERTA 1 mission will provide a flight opportunity for a number of very small educational spacecraft that will be the subject of an AO from ESA’s Education Office.

“Vega is now entering a new and exciting phase by offering this flight opportunity to the space community. I'm convinced that the service Vega has to offer will fulfil the expectations of users worldwide,” said Stefano Bianchi, the head of the Vega programme.

The Announcement of Opportunity document can be downloaded here. Responses are due by 30 September 2008.

Source: ESA - Launchers

Edited November 25, 2010 by Waspie_Dwarf

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Payload passengers sought for Vega’s 2010 validation flight

September 3, 2008

Vega’s flexibility as a new-generation lightweight launcher will be demonstrated during five flights from Europe’s Spaceport – the first of which has been opened to proposals for candidate passenger payloads.

These five missions – which are called VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) flights – are designed to underscore Vega’s capabilities to the space community. They are slated to start in mid 2010, following Vega’s qualification launch in November 2009.

Proposals for payloads to be carried on the initial VERTA mission are being accepted through September 30 by the European Space Agency (ESA) – which is overseeing the Vega launcher’s development. Arianespace will operate Vega in commercial service from the Spaceport, and the company is working in conjunction with ESA on implementing the VERTA missions.

ESA issued the VERTA 1 mission’s announcement of opportunity for payloads this summer, which is open to any private or public entity, without restriction to nationality.

Primary objective of the VERTA 1 mission is to demonstrate the Vega launch system’s multiple-payload capability. The mission profile currently under consideration is to a low-Earth, Sun-synchronous orbit in the 500–800 km. altitude range. Final selection of the target orbit will be made by ESA on the results of responses to its announcement of opportunity, along with considerations of the best technical and economic compromise.

The following payload possibilities for VERTA 1 currently are under evaluation, with the final determination based on responses received from the international space community:

• Two spacecraft passengers, each with a mass in the 300–500 kg. range,
  
• One 300–500 kg. spacecraft, and several 100–150 kg. spacecraft,
  
• Multiple spacecraft with masses in the 100–150 kg. range.
  

In addition, the VERTA 1 mission will include a flight opportunity for a number of very small educational spacecraft, which will be the subject of a separate announcement of opportunity from ESA’s Education Office.

More details on the VERTA 1 flight opportunity are available from the ESA website.

Source: Arianespace - News

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Vega mobile gantry – first movement test

The Vega mobile gantry, in which Europe’s new, small launch

vehicle will be integrated and tested.

As with Ariane launchers prior to Ariane 5, Vega is assembled and

tested on its launch pad. The launcher preparation takes place inside

a mobile gantry that houses all the support equipment needed to assemble

and check the launcher. The gantry is moved back from the pad a few

hours before launch.

Credits: ESA CNES Arianespace / Service optique vidéo du CSG

25 November 2008

The Vega mobile gantry, inside which Europe’s new, small launch vehicle will be integrated and tested, successfully completed its first movement tests earlier this month at Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

As with Ariane launchers prior to Ariane 5, Vega is assembled and tested on its launch pad. The launcher preparation takes place inside a mobile gantry that houses all the support equipment needed to assemble and check the launcher. The gantry is moved back from the pad a few hours before launch.

Vega will lift off from the former Ariane 1 launch platform (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 1 – ELA1), which is approaching the completion of its refurbishment programme.

The Vega mobile gantry made its first short journeys on the former ELA1 during the afternoon and early morning of Friday 14 and Saturday 15 November 2008. These test movements took place almost 29 years after the first launch from ELA1 and some 19 years after the last Ariane 3 lift off, inaugurating a new era for this venerable launch pad.

This move of the 50-metre high structure, which weighs over 1000 tonnes, was the first post-integration check of the hydraulic system that drives the wheels that position the gantry. The objective was to perform a preliminary evaluation of the system behaviour during motion. The moves were limited to a maximum displacement of five metres.

A complete movement test will be performed before the end of 2008, with a comprehensive performance check along the 80-metre rail track running on top of the ELA1 launch platform, or bunker.

The test results revealed a smooth movement of the mobile gantry. The positioning error was close to zero and the reactivity to the operator’s actions very high, thanks to the user-friendliness of the joystick that controls the movement. The capability of the system to provide the required movement speeds (ranging from one to five metres/minute) was proven. Tests relating to end-stop switch and speed switch activation, emergency stop operation, braking capability, and other important functions were also successful.

The horizontal movement system of the mobile gantry is powered by two electric motors of some 70 kW capacity, for 100% redundancy. These operate the hydraulic pumps supplying pressurised oil to the six motorised wheels (two on the north side and four on south side). The system has to be able to move a total mass of 1300 tonnes with a maximum wind speed during operation of 23 m/s (just over 80 km/h).

Both the structure and the translation system of the mobile gantry are under the responsibility of Rheinmetall (Italy), mechanical subcontractor to the Vega Ground Segment Prime Contractor, Vitrociset (Italy).

Vega is a single-body launcher composed of three solid-propellant stages and a liquid-propellant upper module. It is approximately 30 m high, and weighs a total of 137 tonnes at lift-off. The reference mission for Vega’s launch capacity is to carry 1500 kg into a 700km-altitude polar orbit, but Vega will be able to launch a wide range of scientific and Earth-observation missions.

The Vega launcher qualification flight is scheduled to take place before the end of 2009.

Source: ESA - Launchers

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The Vega mobile gantry completes its initial rollout evaluation at Europe’s Spaceport ELA-1 launch site

These images show the ELA-1 facility’s mobile gantry moving from its parked location to the operational position around the site’s fixed umbilical

mast – where Vega will be assembled on the launch pad.

February 20, 2009

The launch site for Arianespace’s new Vega lightweight vehicle came alive for the first time this week as the facility’s mobile gantry performed its initial rollout test at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

This mobile gantry is part of the infrastructure at the Spaceport’s ELA-1 launch site, which had been used in the past for missions with Ariane 1 and 3 vehicles. The original facility is being upgraded and updated, with the new gantry meeting Vega’s operational requirements.

During launch vehicle build-up and payload integration on the pad, the mobile gantry is moved into position around the fixed umbilical mast, offering protection from the weather and providing proper working conditions for launch team personnel. Once Vega’s assembly is complete, the gantry is rolled back to its parked position, clearing the launch pad for this lightweight vehicle’s liftoff.

The 50 meter-tall gantry structure has a maximum speed of 5 meters per minute, and it covers an 80-meter distance between the parked position and operational location.

Following the gantry’s initial rollout test, the structure will remain in its operational location for several weeks. This will allow certain launch pad tasks to be finished, including the completion of work on the umbilical mast, along with the installation of mobile access platforms and fluid supply lines.

Source: Arianespace - News

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Vega mobile gantry ready at launching position

Vega mobile gantry

Credits: ESA / CNES / Arianespace / Optique vidéo du CSG - S. Martin

9 March 2009

The Vega mobile gantry, inside which Europe’s new, small launch vehicle will be integrated and tested, recently completed its first full-travel movement tests at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

As with Ariane launchers prior to Ariane 5, Vega is assembled and tested on its launch pad. The launcher preparation takes place inside a mobile gantry that houses all the support equipment needed to assemble and check the launcher. The gantry is moved back from the pad a few hours before launch.

Vega will lift off from the former Ariane 1 launch platform (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 1 – ELA1), which is approaching the completion of its refurbishment programme.

The complete movement test was targeted both at checking the moving system performance – in preparation of final acceptance tests – and the interfaces with the launch pad structures (for example: the umbilical mast and fluid connections).

The test resulted in a smooth movement of the mobile gantry on its rails. These have been reused from Ariane 3’s mobile gantry. The detailed analysis of the test results will identify any limited additional refurbishment activities that may be necessary.

Vega mobile gantry, viewed from the bunker causeway.

Credits: ESA

The mobile gantry will now remain at the north position to complete the test measurements and analysis. After that, a sequence of integrated tests is planned to start by mid-March 2009. It will lead to the acceptance of the Vega Ground Segment.

The horizontal movement system of the mobile gantry is powered by two electric motors of some 75 kW capacity, for 100% redundancy. These operate the hydraulic pumps supplying pressurised oil to the six motorised wheels (two on the north side and four on south side). The system has to be able to move a total mass of 1300 tonnes, with a maximum wind speed during operation of 23 metres/s (just over 80 km/h).

Both the structure and the translation system of the mobile gantry are under the responsibility of Rheinmetall (Italy), mechanical subcontractor to the Vega Ground Segment Prime Contractor, Vitrociset (Italy).

Vega is a single-body launcher composed of three solid-propellant stages and a liquid-propellant upper module. It is approximately 30 metres high, and weighs a total of 137 tonnes at lift-off. The reference mission for Vega’s launch capacity is to carry 1500 kg into a 700 km-altitude polar orbit, but Vega will be able to launch a wide range of scientific and Earth-observation missions.

Source: ESA - Launchers

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Second firing test for Vega’s Zefiro 9A solid rocket motor

Credits: ESA

30 April 2009

On 28 April, the final qualification test firing of the third stage solid propellant motor for Europe’s new small launch vehicle took place at the Salto di Quirra Interforce Test Range in Sardinia, Italy.

At 15:30, the peace and quiet of the Sardinian coast was suddenly interrupted by a powerful, deep roar as a Zefiro 9A motor ignited for its final qualification-firing test. The motor took almost two minutes to completely burn its propellant load, during which time engineers and technicians, representatives of Avio, ELV and ESA/IPT held their breath, waiting for the outcome of this important test.

The main objectives of the test were to verify the behaviour of the Zefiro 9A motor in a fully flight-representative configuration, to confirm the design performance and to collect information for system studies at stage level.

As soon as the test was over, the project team met in order to verify the preliminary results for ballistic performance (pressure and thrust curves) and the thrust vector control behaviour. This first analysis confirmed the overall success of the test.

After the first qualification test, completed in October 2008, Tuesday’s firing was the final step in the complete qualification test programme for the Zefiro 9A. This test also completes the overall ground qualification test campaign for all three Vega solid rocket motors.

For Massimo Panicucci, Product Assurance Manager in the Vega Integrated Project Team, this was the sixth Zefiro solid rocket motor static firing test. “A firing is the last verification step following a long series of reviews and key points where quality representatives of industry and ESA scrutinise and certify all the operations necessary for the correct execution of the test. This success brings me further motivation for the milestones that still have to be accomplished before the Vega qualification flight.”

The Zefiro 9A motor, 3.17 metres long with a diameter of 1.92 metres, is loaded with 10 tonnes of solid propellant and forms the third stage motor of the Vega launcher.

Vega

Vega is a single-body launcher composed of three solid-propellant stages and a liquid-propellant upper module. It is approximately 30 meters high and weights a total of 137 tonnes at liftoff. The benchmark for Vega’s in-orbit launch capacity is 1500 kg into a 700 km-altitude polar orbit used by many scientific and Earth observation missions.

Vega, together with the mid-class Soyuz launcher, will ensure that a full range of launch services will be available for Europe, thereby allowing optimised mission planning based on the exact performance required in each case for the lowest cost.

Source: ESA - Launchers

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Vega launch site is readied for integration and qualification tests

June 25, 2009

The Vega launch site in French Guiana has completed its initial preparation phase, and is ready for facility integration and qualification tests that should lead to the first flight of Arianespace’s new lightweight launcher in 2010.

Build-up of a pathfinder Vega at the Spaceport will

include a flight-qualified payload fairing, to be used

for one of the lightweight launcher’s introductory

flights.

Vega will be operated from the Spaceport’s ELA-1 facility, which previously was used between 1979 and 1989 for missions with the Ariane 1 and 3 launcher versions. It entered service with the Ariane 1’s maiden flight in December 1979, and was last used for an Ariane 3 launch in July 1989.

Refurbishment activity already completed at ELA-1 for its new role with Vega includes upgrading and resurfacing the concrete launch pad, installing a new purpose-built mobile gantry, refurbishing the support infrastructure (including electrical power and the environmental control system), and connecting the site’s various supply lines.

Claude-Henri Berna, the Arianespace Vega program director in French Guiana, said an important upcoming milestone is integrated testing of the facility with all systems and subsystems – ranging from the mobile gantry’s elevator and overhead crane to the launch site’s electrical power system.

This activity should start this summer, and will be followed by the assembly of a pathfinder Vega using non-flight or inert components in stacking the three-stage vehicle early next year. The vehicle will be topped off with a flight-qualified payload fairing, which subsequently is to be used on one of Vega’s introductory flights.

A four-month launch campaign for qualification purposes is targeted to begin just after the combined tests with the pathfinder Vega, after which the launch system will be authorized for its entry into service.

Vega is powered by three solid propellant stages and is topped off

with the bi-propellant AVUM (Attitude and Vernier Upper Module) –

which can perform up to five burns to deploy the launcher’s payload

in its final orbit.

Berna said training has begun with a group of Arianespace Vega launch team members, including mission directors, payload managers and launch site operations managers.

Vega launch teams will follow the same operational launch campaign procedures as for Ariane 5 flights, which maintains continuity in Arianespace’s overall mission process. Berna said this also opens the possibility of assigning personnel to either a Vega or Ariane 5 mission – enhancing flexibility, and providing a broader experience for team members.

Following the maiden qualification mission, a series of flights will be conducted with a full range of payload configurations in order to validate Vega for its various applications on missions with small- and medium-sized spacecraft to low-Earth and Sun-synchronous missions. This is expected to involve:

• A launch with one payload weighing approximately 1,000 kg.,
  
• A dual-passenger arrangement that carries a small and a medium-sized spacecraft,
  
• A flight with two 400-kg.-class satellites,
  
• A mission with a primary payload and a piggyback passenger, and
  
• A launch with the European Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) atmospheric reentry demonstrator
  

Source: Arianespace - News

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First test of Vega launch pad components

The ‘Fardier’ specialised transport vehicle in front of the mobile gantry. The Fardier(French for dray – a vehicle for

carrying heavy loads) carries the P80 first stage of the Vega launcher from the Regulus propellant-loading plant to

the launch table.

The Fardier is carrying five metal-and-concrete dummy loads, each weighing 20 tonnes, to simulate the P80 during

testing of the mechanical systems that transfer the first stage of the launcher from the Fardier onto the launch

table.

During launcher integration, the Fardier will carry the P80 from the Regulus propellant-loading plant to the Vega

launch zone.

Credits: ESA

18 November 2009

Earlier this month, a number of Vega launch pad mechanical components were tested to verify their ability to transfer the launch vehicle’s first stage from a specialised transport vehicle, known as the ‘Fardier’, to the launch table.

The tests involved several elements under the P80 first stage solid rocket motor: the dolly interface, the upper and lower pallets, and the launch table.

The dolly interface ensures the alignment of the lower pallet wheels with respect to the transfer rails. The lower pallet allows the transfer of the stack comprising the pallets and the first stage from the Fardier to the launch table. The upper pallet is the ground interface of the launcher.

The first-stage mass was simulated by five metal-and-concrete dummy loads, each weighing 20 tonnes. All the elements were integrated on the top of the Fardier in the Regulus propellant-loading plant operated by Avio Group (Italy). The Fardier, now carrying more than 150 tonnes, then travelled from Regulus to the Vega launch zone.

An important step towards the launch campaign

Mauro Cardone, Manager of the Vega Ground Segment within the Integrated Project Team (IPT), said: “The transfer of the pallet plus the first stage dummy onto the launch pad table is the initial step in the validation of first stage integration during flight campaign activities.”

Michel Debraine, representative of the Vega IPT at the Guiana Space Centre, highlighted it as “an important step towards the launch campaign”.

The dolly interface, the upper pallet and the lower pallet are the responsibility of Rheinmetall (Italy), mechanical subcontractor to the Vega Ground Segment Prime Contractor, Vitrociset (Italy).

Vega is a single-body launcher composed of three solid-propellant stages and a liquid-propellant upper module. It is approximately 30 m tall and weighs a total of 137 tonnes at liftoff. The reference mission for Vega’s launch capacity is to carry a 1500 kg payload into a polar orbit with an altitude of 700 km, but Vega will be able to launch a wide range of scientific and Earth-observation missions.

Source: ESA - Launchers

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

January 28, 2010

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.

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.

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.

Source: Arianespace - News

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Arianespace wins ESA contract for Vega qualification campaign and combined testing support

Rome, January 28, 2010

Today in Rome, Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Markus Bertschi, Launcher Programmes Department Head at the European Space Agency (ESA), signed a contract defining Arianespace’s support services for the qualification campaign and combined testing of the Vega light launcher.

Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall (right) and Markus

Bertschi, Launcher Programmes Department Head at the European

Space Agency, shake hands following signature of the support

contract for Vega’s testing and initial launch campaign.

The signing ceremony was attended by Italian leaders of the Vega project, including Francesco Depasquale, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company ELV, prime contractor for the Vega launcher.

The contract with ESA defines Arianespace’s legal responsibilities and operational services to be provided during the combined testing and the initial Vega integration and launch campaign.

The combined tests, to be carried out at the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana starting in April 2010, are based on a launch campaign rehearsal using a representative launcher model. In particular, these tests will be used to validate the ground/launcher interfaces, as well as the procedures for launcher operation and control. The qualification campaign will follow the combined tests.

The initial Vega launches after the qualification flight are part of “VERTA”, a development support program set up by ESA. The framework contract for this program, providing for five Vega missions, was signed by Arianespace and ESA on December 22, 2009.

Vega will start operation towards the end of 2010, joining the Ariane 5 heavy launcher and the Soyuz medium launcher as part of Arianespace’s family of European launchers based at the Guiana Space Center. Vega will primarily be used for scientific and Earth observation missions, and offers payload capacity of 1,500 kg into polar orbit at 700 km altitude.

Vega is a European Space Agency program, financed by Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden. ELV is jointly owned by Avio (70%) and the Italian space agency ASI (30%).

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading launch Service & Solutions company, delivering innovative offer to its customers since 1980. Backed by its 23 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace proposes an unrivalled launcher family, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for their culture of commitment and excellence. As of January 1, 2010, Arianespace had launched a total of 277 payloads, including more than half of all the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a backlog of more than 20 Ariane 5 and 15 Soyuz launches, equal to three years of business

Source: Arianespace - News - Press Releases

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Vega launcher production contracts signed by ESA, Arianespace and ELV

Antonio Fabrizi, ESA Director of Launchers and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace

Credits: Arianespace

8 September 2010

As Vega’s development is coming to an end with the qualification flight scheduled in 2011, two contracts were signed to allow the project to move on to the next phase.

Yesterday ESA and Arianespace signed the work order for production of the first Vega launcher, after qualification, as part of the Vega flexibility demonstration flights frame contract signed in December 2009.

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

Antonio Fabrizi, ESA Director of Launchers, Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace and Francesco De Pasquale, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ELV SpA, signed the contracts during a ceremony in Paris, France.

“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,"said Mr Fabrizi.

"Together with Ariane-5 and Soyuz, Vega will contribute to providing Europe with the full range of launch services required for Europe’s institutional and commercial missions with greater flexibility."

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

About Vega

Our century began with a significant interest in smaller satellites, in particular for scientific and Earth observation missions. In order to provide an affordable response to European institutional needs and to maintain its competitiveness in the world's launch services market, Europe has developed the Vega launch system.

Vega will be able to inject payloads into a low polar orbit (300 km to 1500 km). With a height of 30 m and a diameter of 3 m, it will be able to place a 1.5-tonne payload into orbit.

Vega is a 'single-body' launcher with three solid-propellant stages (P80, Zefiro 23 and Zefiro 9) and an additional liquid-propellant stage (AVUM). Unlike most small launchers, it will be able to place multiple payloads into orbit.

The 'VERTA' (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) programme covers a batch of five missions designed to demonstrate the flexibility of the Vega launch system. At a planned rate of two launches per year, the programme will allow the smooth introduction of Vega for commercial exploitation.

Altogether, seven ESA Member States (Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden) are contributing to the programme. The industrial prime contractor of the Vega launch vehicle is the company ELV SpA, 70% of which is owned by AVIO SpA and 30% by the Italian space agency, ASI.

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.

Source: ESA - Launchers

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Vega’s P80 first stage is rolled out to the Spaceport’s Vega launch facility

The P80 first stage’s rollout is highlighted in this photo series. In the two images at left, the stage departs from the Spaceport’s Booster Integration Building

on a low-slung transporter vehicle, and then moves into the Vega launch zone. The third photo shows the transporter arriving in front of the Vega’s mobile

gantry, which is positioned over the launch pad. At right, the P80 stage is transferred atop its pallet onto the launch pad through the gantry’s two open doors.

November 5, 2010

A representative P80 first stage for Vega is now on the launch pad in French Guiana, marking a milestone in preparations for next year’s introduction of this lightweight vehicle, which will be operated by Arianespace in commercial missions.

The P80 first stage was rolled out to the Spaceport’s Vega launch zone on October 26 as the initial step in combined testing of Vega with its ground-based infrastructure. This full-scale stage is complete with instrumentation, and has been filled with a simulated load of solid propellant.

“The rollout involved the P80’s transfer from its Booster Integration Building to the Spaceport’s Vega launch zone, demonstrating the procedures that will be used with actual launcher hardware,” explained Claude-Henri Berna, the Arianespace Vega program director in French Guiana. “It was carried out under management of the European Space Agency and performed by the French CNES space agency, while also bringing together the launcher’s industrial contractors, along with Arianespace as the future operator.”

A special wheeled vehicle was used for transporting the Vega first stage, which is installed on a pallet similar to those used with Ariane 5’s solid propellant boosters, although smaller in size. Once positioned at the Vega launch complex, the pallet/booster combination was transferred from its low-slung transporter vehicle onto the launch pad via a short set of parallel rails.

The P80 stage was developed by Italy’s Avio for Vega program prime contractor ELV, and is one of the largest, most powerful one-piece solid-propellant boosters ever built. It utilizes a novel filament-wound case, and will burn 88 metric tons of propellant during a powered flight lasting 109 seconds.

The current combined testing phase of Vega and its ground infrastructure at the Spaceport will continue, culminating with the assembly of all four stages on the launch pad, along with the integration of a simulated satellite payload and its protective fairing. This activity will continue through the end of March 2011, and is to be followed by a qualification campaign with actual flight hardware. The completion of these steps will clear the way for Vega’s inaugural launch, which is targeted for mid-2011.

Vega’s launch site is built on the former launch pad for Ariane 1, which was the initial member of the European-developed Ariane launcher family.

Source: Arianespace - News