Author Topic: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)  (Read 260194 times)

Offline russianhalo117

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #200 on: 02/21/2017 04:41 pm »
Announcement of opportunity for the launch of multiple light satellites on a Vega flight

VEGA is a small launcher developed by ESA composed of three solid propellant stages and a bi-liquid upper stage. The launch system has been designed to carry a 1500 kg Spacecraft on its reference low earth orbit mission (700 km circular polar). The launcher has to date successfully performed all its eight flights.

In 2014 ESA initiated activities to preliminary assess the feasibility of an improved service dedicated to SmallSats to expand the launcher in-orbit capability to ride-share concepts. The Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) is planned to be ready for a first flight on a Vega launch in the second half of 2018.

VEGA SSMS project is targeted to the definition of VEGA service elements tailored for light satellites, notably: a) adapter and dispenser system structures, mechanisms and avionics; b) mission analysis and launch preparation processes and tools by adaptation of the VEGA standard ones.

The objective of this Announcement of Opportunity is to identify and pre-select Candidate Spacecrafts for a first Vega flight based on SSMS hardware and processes. The selection process is described at chapter 4. The European Commission adopted on 26 October 2016 the Communication on the Space Strategy for Europe. With the objective of reinforcing Europe's autonomy in access to space, the Commission identified possible areas of action which include supporting research and innovation efforts, in particular to ensure Europe's ability to react to and anticipate disruptive changes; encouraging the development of commercial markets for new space activities.
A similar project is underway for Soyuz-ST and Ariane-62 versions

Offline Kosmos2001

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #201 on: 02/21/2017 04:57 pm »
[...]
A similar project is underway for Soyuz-ST and Ariane-62 versions

Of course, pretty much everybody is subject to the requirements of the market.

Offline A12

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #202 on: 06/18/2017 12:53 pm »
Italian news press agency ANSA has published today an article saying the new P120C passed static dynamic pressure test.
 
http://www.ansa.it/canale_scienza_tecnica/notizie/spazio_astronomia/2017/06/18/completato-con-successo-il-primo-test-del-motore-p120c_54e7dfb3-ff56-4f0d-918b-0b76c6a27b41.html
« Last Edit: 06/18/2017 12:54 pm by A12 »

Offline bolun

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #203 on: 06/18/2017 08:50 pm »
Italian news press agency ANSA has published today an article saying the new P120C passed static dynamic pressure test.
 
http://www.ansa.it/canale_scienza_tecnica/notizie/spazio_astronomia/2017/06/18/completato-con-successo-il-primo-test-del-motore-p120c_54e7dfb3-ff56-4f0d-918b-0b76c6a27b41.html

Avio's press release (English)

http://www.avio.com/en/press-release/avio-is-ready-for-the-international-paris-air-show/

Quote
NEW P120C SOLID ROCKET MOTOR:  FIRST BOOSTER CASE SUCCESSFULLY TESTED

At the eve of the International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget (Paris, France), the operational tests for the first P120C casing were successfully completed at the Avio facility in Colleferro. The P120C is the largest monolithic carbon-fibre   solid propellant motor in the world, designed to equip on the new Vega C and Ariane 6 launchers, set for their first launch in 2019 and 2020.

This first model, made of highly-resistant carbon fibre, was produced at the Avio facility in Colleferro, using the most advanced Fibre Placement and Filament Winding technologies, with a composite material specifically designed and produced by Avio for space applications.

The mechanical tests were carried out using a platform specifically designed and built to simulate the actual conditions of a space launch: pressurization inside the combustion chamber, engine thrust and mechanical loads resulting from the launcher’s operational phases.

The technological casing, equipped and complete with instrumentation, was subjected to a test cycle up to the maximum engine operating pressure as well as a series of axial load cycles, which demonstrated that the prototype fully corresponded to engineering predictions for its mechanical behaviour.

The new and visionary Avio motor will now be sent to the facilities in French Guiana for the first loading of inert propellant at the Regulus plant, following which motor integration tests will proceed at Europropulsion.

At the International Paris Air Show, Avio (Hall 1 Stand 318), will showcase the 1:10 scale models of Vega C, Vega E and Vega Light, alongside a brand new scale model of the SSMS (Small Spacecrafts Mission Service) for multiple satellites launches. Also real pieces to be seen, such as the first Vinci turbopump for Ariane 6, the LOx engine Mira, the Zefiro 23 nozzle and the composite skirts of the following motors: Z23, Z40, P80 and P120C.

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #204 on: 06/20/2017 07:34 am »
Avio posted images of their Paris Air Show 2017 stand on Twitter

(I guess) Visible are:
In the middle Vega C.

From Left to right:
Vega E - P88 or P120C Nozzle - Myra Thrust chamber  - - Vega Light - Turbopumps - SSMS rideshare stack

Vega Light looks to me to be a Vega E without P120C first stage.
So a modified Z40c-VUS and ~2.4m diameter fairing.

{speculation mode:
Could VEGA F be something for after the Prometheus engine has been developed? P120C + 3.4m diameter Prometheus 2th stage, fairing 3.4 or >4m. 
And as replacement for Vega a expendable or resuable Promethee - VUS (2.4m diameter)? }
« Last Edit: 06/21/2017 11:18 pm by Rik ISS-fan »

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #205 on: 06/20/2017 12:51 pm »
Quote
Our first #VegaC launch services contract! We’ll orbit 4 satellites in @AirbusSpace’s next-gen very high-resolution optical constellation

https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/877105397965959169

Offline Kosmos2001

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #206 on: 06/21/2017 08:33 am »
{speculation mode:
Could VEGA F be something for after the Prometheus engine has been developed? P120C + 3.4m diameter Prometheus 2th stage, fairing 3.4 or >4m. 
And as replacement for Vega a expendable or resuable Promethee - VUS (2.4m diameter)? }

Vega l is a brand new operational concept. it is the lightweight derivative of Vega family
https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/877443106416840704

Vega l is a targeted for 300-500 kg P/L in SSO according to the version. More info on our booth
https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/877443311807627265

Avio just posted a picture (see attachment) on their Twitter account. Any guesses? 1*Z-23 + 2*Z-9? Or one Z-23 + liquid upper stage.
« Last Edit: 06/21/2017 10:08 am by Kosmos2001 »

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #207 on: 06/21/2017 11:17 pm »
Avio just posted a picture (see attachment) on their Twitter account. Any guesses? 1*Z-23 + 2*Z-9? Or one Z-23 + liquid upper stage.
.
With Z23 it will not work. My source for this is a 2007 CNES paper.
I think Vega E and Vega L are further evolutions of Vega C. I don't expect them before 2023.
Avio has for a long time been pushing for a Vega Upper Stage (VUS) with a LOx-Methane Myra Engine.
Vega E is a three stage launcher: P120C (P142) - Z40c (Z36) - VUS
Vega L is most likely Vega E without first stage, but Avio needs to develop a new grain geometry for the Z40 (Z36).
So I think Vega L will become: P40C (P36) - VUS. (also named Micro Vega or Vega Light)

But since they have to develop a new grain geometry, why not increase the stage length so they get a P50 or P60.
I wonder if a direct Vega replacement can be made by replacing P120C with a P80 (P88). So Vega+: P80 - Z40 -VUS.
Another possibility could be to use a P60 instead of a P120C  so Vega+: P60 - Z40 - VUS.

Z23 and Z9A are 1.92m in diameter; Z40c (and P40/P50/P60) are 2.34m; P80 are 3m (as are the A5 solids) and P120c is 3.4m in diameter. The current Vega fairing has a 2.6m outer diameter, Vega C will get a 3.3m fairing. 

In the DLR studies for Vega evolutions there was also a Vega F Two stage to orbit. It used a Vinci upper-stage.
Let me propose a Vega-F with P120C and a Romeo or Prometheus engine powered 2th stage.
But this is all speculation and slightly off topic in a update threat.

[This used to be an update and discussion threat. Now it's update only. Discussions here
« Last Edit: 07/05/2017 04:03 pm by Rik ISS-fan »

Offline ringsider

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Avio announces Vega-Light R&D project
« Reply #208 on: 06/28/2017 08:09 am »
After Vega E there will be Vega Light, which is currently in the research and development stage. CEO Giulio Ranzo said that the aim is to have a "mini-launcher for satellites weighing 300-350 kilograms. It could be a possible development to meet market demand."

http://www.ansa.it/english/news/science_tecnology/2017/06/21/future-vega-launcher-models-showcased_ef2693b8-6752-4b91-bd03-c56461ccc07c.html

Pic from Paris Air Show [zubenelgenubi: attached]:-

I don't know if that is cost-effective or not. Vega hasn't exactly been cheap.
« Last Edit: 07/21/2021 11:25 pm by zubenelgenubi »

Offline Hobbes-22

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #209 on: 07/05/2017 11:42 am »
by the way, the engine's name is Vinci, not Vince.

 ;)

Online Chris Bergin

Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #210 on: 07/05/2017 02:26 pm »
By the way, this is an update thread. Please set up a thread to discuss your comments. ;)
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Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #211 on: 07/06/2017 08:42 pm »
ESA has updated it's website with pages for Vega C and Vega E.
ESA also published a Ariane 6 and Vega C flyer

And let's not forget Space Rider with factsheet

Offline bolun

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #212 on: 08/04/2017 08:29 am »
Vega fairings compared

The fairing, that protects the mission payload from the thermal, acoustic and aerodynamic stresses on the ascent to space, is made using out-of-autoclave technology developed in collaboration with ESA by Ruag Space Switzerland with ELV as prime contractor.

The Vega fairing shell on the right is made using out-of-autoclave technology and has no metallic joints compared to the heritage version on the left.

http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2017/08/Vega_fairings_compared

Image credit: ESA

Offline bolun

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #213 on: 09/27/2017 04:15 pm »
INERT PROPELLANT CASTING LOADING OF THE FIRST FULL SCALE P120C SRM COMPLETED

18 September 2017 – Regulus, an Avio/ArianeGroup joint venture, has completed the loading with inert propellant of the first Booster Case of the new P120C Solid Rocket Motor in French Guyana. Regulus is in charge of solid propellant manufacturing and casting for Vega and Ariane Launch Vehicles.

About 142 Tons of inert propellant have been produced and cast in the Booster Case, that was shipped this summer from Avio premises in Italy, to demonstrate and validate new manufacturing equipment, machines and process.

It represents the largest single casting of a solid propellant motor ever done.
Propellant curing is current on-going and, after cooling and casting tooling removal, the Loaded Case will be submitted to an intensive set of tests and checks (RX inspection, propellant mechanical test) .

This represents an important milestone to free the way to the casting of the active propellant of the first P120C SRM, devoted to the first static firing test foreseen in the first half of 2018.

The P120C is the new first stage motor common to the new generation European launchers Ariane 6 and Vega C and it is jointly developed by Avio and the Ariane Group under their joint venture Europropulsion.

http://www.avio.com/en/press-release/inert-propellant-casting-loading-of-the-first-full-scale-p120c-srm-completed/

Offline bolun

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #214 on: 09/28/2017 09:24 am »
AVIO: CONTRACT SIGNED WITH ARIANESPACE FOR 10 VEGA AND VEGA C LAUNCHERS

Wednesday 27 September in Lyon, during the Italian-French summit, Avio and Arianespace signed a contract for the production and supply of 10 Vega launchers. The ceremony was attended by French President Emanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

The supply includes 6 Vega Launchers and 4 Vega C launchers, that will operate between 2019 and 2021.

“The agreement we signed today, just over a month since the tenth successful launch of Vega, underlines, on one hand, the fruitful relationship with Arianespace and, on the other, the great reliability of our products as acknowledged by Arianespace’s international customers” – said Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio.

http://www.avio.com/en/news-en/avio-contract-signed-with-arianespace-for-10-vega-and-vega-c-launchers/

Offline bolun

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #215 on: 11/08/2017 09:03 am »
http://www.avio.com/en/press-release/vega-eleventh-consecutive-successful-mission/

Quote
... “In the meantime, in our facilities in Colleferro we’re continuing to develop launchers that are capable of offering ever greater performance. We have completed the second P120 casing and we’re now ready for the bench-test firing of the first Z40 engine, for the second stage of Vega C.”

http://www.avio.com/en/vega/vega-c/vega-c-2-stadio-z40-motor/

Quote
VEGA C: 2° STAGE – Z40 MOTOR (MAIN CHARACTERISTICS)

- Motor length: 7,6 m
- Diameter: 2,3 m
- Propellant mass: 36,2 t
- Motor dry mass: 3006 kg
- Motor case mass: 2080 kg
- Average thrust: 1304 kN
- Specific impulse: 293,5 s
- Combustion time: 92,9 s
« Last Edit: 11/08/2017 09:07 am by bolun »

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #216 on: 11/08/2017 04:47 pm »
AFAIK Vega (C) batch orders and usage.
There are 11 Vega and 4 Vega C in the pipe line.
Nine launches have been booked into the orderbook.
So five Vega and one Vega C are still available for the 2019-2021 time frame.
« Last Edit: 11/08/2017 04:48 pm by Rik ISS-fan »

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #217 on: 11/17/2017 06:37 pm »
Quote
Like its predecessor, the structural casing of P120 is made of carbon fibre,  which is built from pre-impregnated epoxy sheets through filament winding and automatic fabric deposition. It will contain 141 tons of  solid propellant. #VegaC #Avio #Arianespace

https://twitter.com/avio_group/status/931542224155836417

Offline calapine

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #218 on: 11/17/2017 08:47 pm »
I hope dumb questions are allowed here too...this is an autoclave, correct?

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: ESA - Vega Updates
« Reply #219 on: 11/17/2017 10:12 pm »
I hope dumb questions are allowed here too...this is an autoclave, correct?
I think you are correct. Avio uses the same production proces as with the P80's, they use a autoclave. In Germany a new production proces was developed. DLR did a pressure test of a shorter P120c demonstrator (FORC). But the real tooling for the German production line still has to be build.

Could this be the casing for the P120c that will do the static firing test next year?

Most likely this is a P80. a-vt.be
 
No it's not. flyorbitnews.com

Most likely the P120C factory isn't operational jet. Most likely Avio is using the P80 tooling to produce the P120c's. I read that two static firing tests are planned. Possibly the first is produced inside the autoclave and the second without the autoclave. This way the new proces can be checked against the current production proces.

« Last Edit: 11/17/2017 10:36 pm by Rik ISS-fan »

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