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International Space Flight (ESA, Russia, China and others) => ESA Launchers - Ariane, Soyuz at CSG, Vega => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 12/21/2005 07:37 pm

Title: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/21/2005 07:37 pm
http://www.esa.int/launchers/SEMNL68A9HE_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Terrible Twosome on 12/22/2005 01:20 am
Cool. Vega is another option that should keep things interesting on access to space.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: realtime on 12/22/2005 04:25 am
Composite case.  Interesting.  Wonder how it would scale to SDLV SRBs?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 09/15/2006 03:05 pm
First Vega P80 nozzle delivered

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.  

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMHV38LURE_index_0.html

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: meiza on 09/15/2006 03:22 pm
Why does the Vega program move on so slowly?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: nacnud on 09/15/2006 03:39 pm
Whats the rush, faster is more expensive and Vega is supposed to be cheap.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: hektor on 09/16/2006 05:29 pm
Elon will take care of Vega
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: MKremer on 09/16/2006 06:42 pm
Quote
meiza - 15/9/2006  10:09 AM

Why does the Vega program move on so slowly?

There's more than one major (EU, etc.) program and center involved, plus the R&D is being done to apply for more than just the Vega booster application. The more people directly involved, and mangement/program layers and bureaucracies involved, and testing evaluations and approvals required, the longer these sort of things take. (compared with private industrial developments)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: edkyle99 on 09/29/2006 09:46 pm
Quote
meiza - 15/9/2006  10:05 AM

Why does the Vega program move on so slowly?

At first, there was a lot of politics that delayed European program approval until 2001.  Then, to gain approval, Vega was morphed a bit into an R&D effort meant to improve the Ariane 5 P80 solid rocket boosters.  This added much time to the development effort, since the current metal P80 cases are being replaced by new carbon epoxy filament wound cases.  There are also new igniters, a new electromechanical TVC, a new HTPB 1912 propellant, new carbon phenolic nozzles, etc.  

The current plan is to fly by the end of 2007, as I understand it.  The second and third stage qualification motor tests were performed earlier this year in Italy.  The first stage motor qual test is set to occur in Kourou in late November.

Then Europe will have a $20-ish million 1.5 tonne to LEO/P launcher in a world with other options, like the $12 million equivalent payload Rokot/Briz KM

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: edkyle99 on 11/27/2006 06:33 pm
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMFVWC4VUE_index_0.html

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: anik on 11/30/2006 06:06 pm
Successful firing of Vega’s first-stage motor in Kourou
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMTHGD4VUE_index_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Space Lizard on 11/30/2006 06:48 pm
Three times smaller than Ariane 5's EAP = three times less smoke.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: edkyle99 on 12/01/2006 01:27 am
ESA seems to downplay P80's status a bit.  Although P80 won't be the heaviest solid rocket motor *segment*, I believe it will be the world's heaviest single-segment solid rocket *motor* in service when it flies.  I suppose it will also have the highest total-impulse of any single-segment solid rocket motor.  Thrust too, probably.

Here is a link to a series of interesting P80 test preperation images.

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMD83D4VUE_index_0.html

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: edkyle99 on 12/01/2006 05:38 pm
I am attaching a crop of the P80 DM1 test firing image, which provides a nice view of the BEAP (test stand).  The full ESA image is available at:

http://esamultimedia.esa.int/images/launcher/vega/P80_1.jpg

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: maskims on 07/24/2007 06:38 am
http://www.astrium.eads.net/press-center/press-releases/astrium-wins-study-for-new-vega-upper-stage

I'm curious about the "Russian/Ukrainian propulsion system", whether this is about developing a new engine or switching to liquid fuel with an RD-?? type engine like on Zenit.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: sammie on 07/24/2007 11:45 am
Supposedly it will be the RD-861G  (http://RDhttp://www.astronautix.com/engines/rd861g.htm)liquid propellant engine (others give the RD-869 designation). Its an update from an engine used on the Tsyklon 3 LV and Ikar upper stage. It's produced by Yuzhnoye in the Ukraine, although others say Russia took over.
I also remember reading somewhere that the same engine would serve as upper stage on Dnepr. But can't find anything to back that up.

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: CentEur on 07/25/2007 11:52 am
Quote
maskims - 24/7/2007  8:38 AM

http://www.astrium.eads.net/press-center/press-releases/astrium-wins-study-for-new-vega-upper-stage

I'm curious about the "Russian/Ukrainian propulsion system", whether this is about developing a new engine or switching to liquid fuel with an RD-?? type engine like on Zenit.

The news says "The upper stage currently envisaged for Vega, (...) will have a Russian/Ukrainian propulsion system." and then goes on about replacing it with the German VENUS. I understand its engine would be EU made too, otherwise the whole 'Europeanising' becomes doubtful.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: maskims on 07/26/2007 06:59 am
You're right, the Russo-Ukrainian engine mentioned is part of VEGA's current design on the AVUM upper stage. For some reason I thought "upper stage" was referring to VEGA's 3rd stage whose engine Zefiro-9 is Italian mase (by Avio). There's no "switching" to liquid propellant unlike what I said then since AVUM is already liquid-fueled.

However I see that the RD-861G sammie mentions:
http://www.astronautix.com/engines/rd861g.htm

doesn't match ESA's description of AVUM's engine:
http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/vega/avum.html

So there must still be something I'm missing.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: CentEur on 07/26/2007 08:18 am
Quote
maskims - 26/7/2007  8:59 AM

However I see that the RD-861G sammie mentions:
http://www.astronautix.com/engines/rd861g.htm

doesn't match ESA's description of AVUM's engine:
http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/vega/avum.html

So there must still be something I'm missing.

There's a typo on ESA AVUM page. Look into VEGA brochure (page 14) and you'll see that AVUM thrust is 2450 kN. Then compare it with the throttled thrust of RD-869. Looks similar to me.  :)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: maskims on 07/26/2007 11:25 am
It does match the RD-869, thanks !
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: sammie on 07/28/2007 05:57 pm
Im still not sure whether its the RD-869 or RD-861K. I did find a news report that the latter was test-fired at the beginning of this year, albeit for the Tsyklon 4 programme.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: CentEur on 07/29/2007 02:08 pm
Quote
sammie - 28/7/2007  7:57 PM

Im still not sure whether its the RD-869 or RD-861K. I did find a news report that the latter was test-fired at the beginning of this year, albeit for the Tsyklon 4 programme.

Not only RD-869 throttled thrust matches that of AVUM (from VEGA brochure), also the Isp is almost identical. RD-861K thrust is way to big and Isp differs more.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 12/05/2007 12:49 pm
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).

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMXE029R9F_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 03/31/2008 09:45 am
Successful qualification firing test for Zefiro 23
 
31 March 2008
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.

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMSEBR03EF_index_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: meiza on 03/31/2008 02:23 pm
How are they avoiding the oscillations occurring with solids? I've heard that Vega is advanced in this regard, which is one of the reasons it's been so slow to develop.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Spirit on 03/31/2008 06:56 pm
Since the Zefiro 9 underperformed on the second test firing, is it going to be modified and tested a third time or fly as-is?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Felix on 03/31/2008 09:27 pm
Quote
Spirit - 31/3/2008  7:56 PM

Since the Zefiro 9 underperformed on the second test firing, is it going to be modified and tested a third time or fly as-is?

“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.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMSEBR03EF_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Felix on 03/31/2008 10:59 pm
A couple of older Vega news:

Vega launch vehicle modal characterisation test successfully completed (December 2007)
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEM6MD2MDAF_0.html

Qualification of Vega on-board computer completed (October 2007)
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMARLAMS7F_0.html

Contract for Vega roll and attitude control subsystem signed (August 2007)
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMS7DWUP4F_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: slavik on 04/08/2008 10:38 pm
Yuzhnoye SDO has shipped the VG 143 Main Engine, that is a part of Liquid Propulsion System for the Upper Module of European VEGA Lunch Vehicle
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Delicious on 04/18/2008 06:15 am
I can not understand well with you. What's the meaning?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: William Graham on 04/18/2008 09:19 am
Quote
Delicious - 18/4/2008  6:15 AM

I can not understand well with you. What's the meaning?
I think he means that the upper stage engine has left the factory, and is on its way to wherever integration of the upper stage is taking place.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: slavik on 04/23/2008 10:58 am
2GW_Simulations: correct
2Delicious: is there any other interpretation for my post?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: osiossim on 07/01/2008 06:23 am
GUIANA DEBUT OF SOYUZ, VEGA DELAYED UNTIL 2ND HALF OF 2009

http://www.space.com/spacenews/spacenews_summary.html#BM_2
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Felix on 08/19/2008 02:28 pm
Vega Readies for Flight - Status and Qualification Flight Preparation
http://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bulletin135/bul135f_bianchi.pdf (http://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bulletin135/bul135f_bianchi.pdf)

The development of Vega passed major milestones in 2007 and 2008, providing essential results in terms of test data and design consolidation. These will lead to the Qualification Flight from Europeís Spaceport in French Guiana at the end of 2009. This will be an important step in the implementation of the European strategy in the launcher sector and the guarantee of access to space for Europe, as  endorsed  by  the  ESA  Ministerial Council in 2003.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: EE Scott on 08/19/2008 02:52 pm
Vega is a very interesting vehicle.  Keep these updates coming.  Thanks!
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: yaroslav on 09/28/2008 06:54 am
vega avum engine, ukraine, aviasvit
(http://www.aviation.com.ua/forum/upload/3994.jpg)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Giovanni DS on 09/28/2008 06:45 pm
Very interesting, thanks for the image.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 10/09/2008 03:25 pm
In 2012, Vega will carry ESA’s Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle into space. The vehicle will then return to Earth to test a range of enabling systems and technologies for atmospheric re-entry. A new video with computer generated animations of the vehicle and its mission is now available.


More at:

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMQDO4N0MF_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 10/24/2008 04:05 pm
Successful first test for Vega’s Zefiro 9-A solid-fuel rocket motor

Yesterday, the Zefiro 9-A motor successfully completed its first firing test at the Salto di Quirra Inter-force Test Range in Sardinia (Italy). This was the penultimate firing test for the engine prior to the Vega launcher’s qualification flight, scheduled to take place by the end of 2009.

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM0KERTKMF_index_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: JulesVerneATV on 02/02/2009 12:59 pm
   
Widespread interest for the 2nd European CubeSat Workshop
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM8S7WPXPF_index_0.html
23 January 2009
The Second European CubeSat Workshop, organised by the ESA Education Office, was held at the European Space Technology and Research Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands from 20 to 22 January 2009.
 
Following the success of a similar workshop in 2008, there was an even higher level of interest shown by universities and students for this year’s event, with more than 200 participants representing universities from many countries.

The first day of the workshop programme included a series of talks about the status of the nine CubeSats that will be launched as a secondary payload on the maiden flight of Europe's Vega launch vehicle – a flight opportunity offered to universities by the ESA Education Office, in cooperation with the Agency's Launchers Directorate. 
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: kanarkusmaximus on 02/03/2009 11:59 am
   
Widespread interest for the 2nd European CubeSat Workshop
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM8S7WPXPF_index_0.html
23 January 2009
The Second European CubeSat Workshop, organised by the ESA Education Office, was held at the European Space Technology and Research Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands from 20 to 22 January 2009.
 

Hehe, I was there. Yes, it was very interesting event.

To me, presentations about 'lessons learned' were the most interesting - especially when words about 'what went wrong' were said.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: antonioe on 02/18/2009 01:00 am
Since there is considerable interest in the development of the Vega launcher, I decided to try a small experiment in scientific extrapolation. ;D

I first heard of the Vega initiative (by that name) in the 1987 Frascati conference on small satellites, where three presentations described new small launcher developments: Vega, AMROC's ILC-1, and Pegasus (I presented the latter).  There was a good-humored bet among the three presenters on the subject of which of our rockets would launch first (AMROC's George Koopman won, although it was a sad victory).

I have been able to locate predictions of Vega's first launch dating from September of 1998 (at which time the first launch was predicted to occur "end of 2002".)  I have also located four more published predictions dating from 2000 to last December.  The data set is thus:

Date    1st Launch    Citation
Sep-98    Dec-02   http://esapub.esrin.esa.it/rfs/rfs18/CAPORICCI.pdf
Dec-00   Jan-05    http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/vega_funding_001219.html
Mar-03   Jun-06    http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Vega_Launcher_To_Orbit_Smaller_Payloads_In_Arianespace_Service.html
Nov-05   Dec-07    http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/VEGA.pdf
Jan-08   Dec-08    http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/ASEKMU0TCNC_0.html

As you can see, the dates of the prediction and the predicted dates of the first flight seem to be converging!  A linear fit of these dates projects a launch date of March, 2011.  A quadratic fit, April 2009 (not likely...) A cubic predicts October 2010 (possible...) a quartic January 2009 (no...)

Having some personal experience in developing small solid-motor launch vehicles, my bet is not earlier than October 2010, but - unless the program is canceled - no later than March 2011.

Any takers?

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 02/21/2009 07:16 am
The Vega mobile gantry completes its initial rollout evaluation at Europe’s Spaceport ELA-1 launch site

http://www.arianespace.com/news-soyuz-vega/2009/2009_02_20_gantry_rollout.asp

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. 

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: ShuttleDiscovery on 02/21/2009 07:56 am
I'm really looking forward to Vega, and seeing Soyuz launching from French Guiana. I hope we won't have to wait much longer... :)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 03/15/2009 08:13 pm

More about the Vega mobile gantry.

9 March 2009

Vega mobile gantry ready at launching position:
 
The Vega mobile gantry, inside which Europe’s new, small launch vehicle will be integrated and tested, successfully completed its first full-travel movement tests on 18 February, at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

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 (umbilical mast, fluid connections, etc.).

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.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMUJ3ITYRF_0.html (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMUJ3ITYRF_0.html)

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 04/10/2009 09:19 pm
XaTcobeo Cubesat of the University of Vigo (Spain) is scheduled in the maiden flight of Vega launcher.

The main objetives of the project are:

-  Verification of a new system for measuring the amount of ionizing radiation (RDS).
-  Development of a new Software defined reconfigurable radio (SRAD) system.
-  Experimental solar panel deployment system (PDM).
-  Students' education and experience.

http://www.xatcobeo.com/cms/ (http://www.xatcobeo.com/cms/)

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: faustod on 04/29/2009 04:45 pm
All the solid stages of VEGA are now qualified for flight!
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/hyperbola/2009/04/new-european-vega-rockets-soli.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 04/30/2009 02:58 pm
Second firing test for Vega’s Zefiro 9A solid rocket motor

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.

Read the full story here: http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM688BNJTF_index_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 05/08/2009 07:27 pm

Brochures of Vega launcher (Avio Group)

http://www.aviogroup.com/files/download/93/Presentazione%20Vega%2020mar09_rev4.pdf

http://www.aviogroup.com/files/download/49/Elv.pdf

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: yaroslav on 06/24/2009 10:46 am
http://news.siteua.org/%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%80/70854/%D0%A3%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82_%D0%B4%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8C_%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F_%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8F_Vega

Yuzhnoye and Yuzhmash (Dnipropetrovsk) are going to supply the first flight engine for the Vega in August
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 06/26/2009 08:07 am
Vega launch site is readied for integration and qualification tests
June 25, 2009

http://www.arianespace.com/news-soyuz-vega/2009/2009_06_25_vega_launchsite_update.asp

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.
 
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.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: tobi453 on 06/26/2009 05:06 pm
Since there is considerable interest in the development of the Vega launcher, I decided to try a small experiment in scientific extrapolation. ;D

I first heard of the Vega initiative (by that name) in the 1987 Frascati conference on small satellites, where three presentations described new small launcher developments: Vega, AMROC's ILC-1, and Pegasus (I presented the latter).  There was a good-humored bet among the three presenters on the subject of which of our rockets would launch first (AMROC's George Koopman won, although it was a sad victory).

I have been able to locate predictions of Vega's first launch dating from September of 1998 (at which time the first launch was predicted to occur "end of 2002".)  I have also located four more published predictions dating from 2000 to last December.  The data set is thus:

Date    1st Launch    Citation
Sep-98    Dec-02   http://esapub.esrin.esa.it/rfs/rfs18/CAPORICCI.pdf
Dec-00   Jan-05    http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/vega_funding_001219.html
Mar-03   Jun-06    http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Vega_Launcher_To_Orbit_Smaller_Payloads_In_Arianespace_Service.html
Nov-05   Dec-07    http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/VEGA.pdf
Jan-08   Dec-08    http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Access_to_Space/ASEKMU0TCNC_0.html

As you can see, the dates of the prediction and the predicted dates of the first flight seem to be converging!  A linear fit of these dates projects a launch date of March, 2011.  A quadratic fit, April 2009 (not likely...) A cubic predicts October 2010 (possible...) a quartic January 2009 (no...)

Having some personal experience in developing small solid-motor launch vehicles, my bet is not earlier than October 2010, but - unless the program is canceled - no later than March 2011.

Any takers?



Vega maiden flight has been delayed until October 2010:
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/06/14/327885/paris-air-show-soyuz-french-guiana-launch-delayed-to.html

Good prediction, antonioe! ;)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 09/14/2009 06:14 pm
Vega updates, according to ESA bulletin number 139 (August 2009)

Page 63

- First launch November 2010

Page 76

On 28 April, the Zefiro 9A solid rocket final qualification test firing took place at the Salto di Quirra Interforce Test Range in Sardinia, Italy. The test verified the behaviour of the Zefiro 9A motor in a fully flight- representative configuration, and confirmed the design performance and collected information for system studies at stage level.

The AVUM liquid propulsion system firing test campaign of long-duration runs was completed except for hot-restart and depletion tests.

The P80 Ground Qualification Review began in June; the Insulated Motor Case generic qualification tests on the development model were achieved, except burst tests that are planned for September.

After in-plant qualification, the second release of the Vega Control Centre has been installed at the Vega launch site.


Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/20/2009 06:15 pm

First test of Vega launch pad components

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.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMTRFOC02G_0.html (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMTRFOC02G_0.html)

More about the "Fardier":

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMTRFOC02G_1.html (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMTRFOC02G_1.html)

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 12/16/2009 08:22 pm

Vega test firing:  Zefiro 9-A motor (third stage)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&feature=related&v=ITM9RCvs78U (http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&feature=related&v=ITM9RCvs78U)

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 01/18/2010 06:22 am
Launch pad development could delay Vega until 2011

The debut launch of Europe's new Vega small satellite launcher could slip until 2011, mainly due to potential delays in the development of ground systems at the rocket's launch site in South America.

"I think Vega will be launched around the 31st of December, and we will see in April whether it is just before or just after," said Jean-Jacques Dordain, the European Space Agency director general.

More at: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1001/18vega/ (http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1001/18vega/)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 02/10/2010 05:58 pm

From ESA Bulletin Number 141 (February 2010)

Quote

Vega

Launcher qualification took place of the inter-stage 2/3, and payload adapter, propellant tanks and liquid propulsion qualification reviews were completed following the successful system test-firing campaign(UCFire). The main critical item remains the Roll and Attitude Control subsystem qualification, not yet completed. The data package of the launch vehicle was delivered in December for the launch system qualification review, and is under analysis. The update of the flight programme software and activities for the LARES mission (Vega qualification flight) have started.

The last P80 test (case-burst test) was made at the beginning of December. Activities on the P80 Thrust Vector Control are complete, and the data package for this qualification review is under finalisation.

In the ground segment, integrated tests are ongoing and are planned to complete by April, except for activities of washing columns, optical shelters and security systems, modified recently after Soyuz experience. The preparation of the ground qualification review and ground segment Technical Qualification Review has started.


Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 03/16/2010 06:43 pm

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

January 28, 2010

Vega's combined testing, integration and a rehearsal launch campaign 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.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-soyuz-vega/2010/2010_01_28_vega_launch_contract.asp

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: osiossim on 04/19/2010 02:37 pm
From the Head of the ESA in Russia Rene Pieschel;


Roscosmos: " When can place the first missile launch "Vega"? For some reason it constantly delayed start?

Mr. Pieschel: "Vega" is planned to start towards the end of the year. Testing of both the rocket and its ground-based launch site at Kourou go according to plan, although, as we know, we have a definite schedule slippage, associated primarily with technical problems. We are trying to overcome them."


And the rest is here; http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10048
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: osiossim on 05/04/2010 06:42 am
Delays Continue To Affect Vega, European Soyuz Programs

http://www.spacenews.com/launch/100430-delays-vega-european-soyuz.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: simonth on 05/04/2010 07:19 pm
Delays Continue To Affect Vega, European Soyuz Programs

http://www.spacenews.com/launch/100430-delays-vega-european-soyuz.html

Hmmm, Vega in early 2011 instead end of 2010 was kind of expected, but that the second Soyuz launch is delayed well into 2011 is odd. They really seem to have a bunch of problems with Soyuz from Kourou. I believe they are questioning the logic of flying Soyuz from French Guyana for quite some time already.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 06/28/2010 01:01 pm

French Export Restrictions Snare Vega Flight Software

French government technology-transfer restrictions have forced managers of Europe’s Vega rocket program to embark on an 11th-hour effort to develop new Vega flight-control software in Italy to replace the planned French system, according to European government and industry officials.

http://www.spacenews.com/civil/100611-french-export-restrictions-snare-vega.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: LEGO Space on 07/14/2010 04:00 pm
Successful qualification firing test for Zefiro 23
 
31 March 2008
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.

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMSEBR03EF_index_0.html

I didn't know the Salto di Quirra missile range was still in use, since the Alfa SLBM project was abandoned after italy was pressured to sign the NPT.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: mmeijeri on 07/14/2010 04:05 pm
French Export Restrictions Snare Vega Flight Software

I wonder if the reason behind this is that Vega is a natural precursor to the BBPPH (~ three segment Ariane 5 SRB + Vega single segment first stage SRB + Ariane 5 cryogenic upper stage) successor to Ariane 5, whereas France prefers a Delta IV-like successor based on the Ariane cryogenic core plus cryogenic upper stage.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 08/19/2010 08:39 pm
Vega updates, according to ESA bulletin number 143 (August 2010)

Page 57

Quote
First launch early 2011

Page 71

Quote

The main achievements are the successful Zefiro 9A Verta 2 firing test on 25 May, completion of the Payload Adaptor qualification review, delivery of Vega Electrical Simulator to Kourou and finalisation of the P80 SRM qualification review.

The first part of the Launch System Ground qualification review started in March and will be completed as planned in July.

Qualification of the Roll Attitude Control System thrusters is ongoing, with additional tests to consolidate the test database, to be completed in July. All other Vega subsystems have been qualified or have finished qualification testing.

The qualification tests at system level of the avionics and software are continuing. For the ground segment, the Mobile Gantry installation is complete and the first integrated tests will be complete by mid-July.

Tests at Kourou, for qualification of the launcher/ground interfaces, will start in June, combined with the electrical and software test campaigns.

http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/publications/ESA-Bulletin-143/pageflip.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: osiossim on 09/08/2010 10:43 am
Vega launcher production contracts signed by ESA, Arianespace and ELV


http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMQQ0HONDG_1.html

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 09/08/2010 01:40 pm
Arianespace signs Vega production contracts with ESA and ELV
Evry, September 8, 2010

Arianespace and the European Space Agency signed yesterday in Paris the production contract for the first operational Vega launch.

At the same time, Arianespace and Vega prime contractor ELV signed the VERTA framework contract, covering the five Vega launchers to be delivered after the qualification flight.

The framework contract provides for ELV to deliver five Vega launchers to Arianespace. Vega is a small launch vehicle with three solid-propulsion stages, and a fourth stage with a reignitable liquid rocket engine.

Arianespace will start operation of the new Vega launch system in 2011, alongside the Ariane 5 heavy launcher and the Soyuz medium launcher. These three vehicles comprise the European launcher family operated by Arianespace at the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Used primarily to orbit scientific and Earth observation satellites, Vega offers payload capacity of 1,500 kg into polar orbit at 700 km altitude.

The Vega launcher was purpose-designed to meet Arianespace customers’ requirements, and is perfectly suited to the launch of small satellites into low Earth orbit or Sun-synchronous orbit. Vega aims to quickly establish itself as the best launcher in its class.

ELV, based in Colleferro, Italy, is the industrial prime contractor for the Vega program, and is owned 70% by Avio and 30% by the Italian space agency ASI. Vega is a European Space Agency program, jointly financed by Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden. 

http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2010/09-08-2010-verta-contract.asp
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 10/12/2010 07:22 pm
Quote
Vega, the light launcher.
The new Vega launch system offers payload capacity of 1,500 kg to an orbit of about 700 km, and will primarily be used for scientific and Earth observation satellites. Purpose-designed to meet demand from Arianespace’s customers, and ideally suited for the launch of small satellites into low or Sun-synchronous orbits, Vega aims to quickly establish itself as the best launcher in its class.

Arianespace signed the Verta framework contract in September, covering the five Vega launches after the qualification flight. The Vega launch pad will be handed over by the end of the year, and the first launch is slated for 2011.

www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2010/10-11-2010-launch-system-manufacturers-meeting.asp
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 11/11/2010 03:59 am
Vega’s P80 first stage is rolled out to the Spaceport’s Vega launch facility

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.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-soyuz-vega/2010/2010_11_05_vega-update.asp
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/16/2010 10:34 am
Vega test campaign starts at Europe’s Spaceport
 
16 November 2010

A mock-up of Europe’s Vega launcher first stage was transferred on 26 October from the Booster Integration Building to the Vega Launch Zone at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
 
This marks the first step towards the operational readiness of the Vega launch system and paves the way for next year’s qualification flight.

 http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMMHY46JGG_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 02/08/2011 06:53 pm
The Vega launcher’s four stages are stacked for validation at the Spaceport

February 8, 2011

http://www.arianespace.com/news-soyuz-vega/2011/2011_2_4_vega_update.asp

The assembly of a representative Vega launcher is nearly complete at the Spaceport as part of validations for the mechanical, electrical and fluid elements of this newest member in Arianespace’s launch vehicle family at its launch site in French Guiana.

After stacking the inert first, second and third solid propellant stages on the Vega launch pad, team members now have added the bi-propellant liquid upper stage, called the AVUM (Attitude and Vernier Upper Module).  The next step will be installation of the payload fairing with a satellite mockup and payload adapter, followed by a loading exercise with the AVUM’s propellant.

The photo report, below, provide highlights of the Vega’s build-up process to date, which is underway inside the mobile gantry at the ZLV launch facility

This view of Vega’s ZLV launch site shows the vehicle’s P80 first stage, Zefiro 23 second stage and Zefiro 9 third stage in their stacked configuration on the launch pad. All three stages are filled with an inert material that realistically simulates the solid propellant load for flight-worthy launchers in terms of volume and mass.
 

The Zefiro 9 third stage is highlighted in a close-up photo, installed atop the Zefiro 23 second stage inside the Spaceport’s Vega mobile gantry. With a propellant mass of nine metric tons, the Zefiro 9 shares the same novel filament winding technology used by Italy’s Avio for the external cases in all three of Vega’s solid propellant stages. During a Vega mission, the Zefiro 9 will have a 116-sec. combustion time.
 

 A conic-shaped skirt is used to connect Vega’s three-meter-diameter P80 first stage with the launcher’s 1.9-meter-diameter Zefiro 23 second stage. The P80 is the largest monolithic engine ever built using filament winding for a solid propellant stage, and is designed to carry an 88-metric ton propellant load for a combustion time of 106 seconds. Vega’s Zefiro 23 stage carries 24 tons of propellant, and will have a 72-second combustion time during flight.
 

Vega’s Attitude and Vernier Upper Module (AVUM) is lowered onto the stacked launcher inside the mobile gantry. This stage operates on N2O4/UDMH propellant, which is loaded through the launch pad's fixed umbilical mast. In addition to its role of inserting the Vega launcher’s payload into orbit, the AVUM provides roll and attitude control during flight using a hydrazine propellant control system. The AVUM also carries main components of the launcher’s avionics.
 
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Stephan on 02/10/2011 06:47 pm
http://www.arianespace.com/news-soyuz-vega/2011/2011_2_9_vega_update.asp

The first Vega payload fairing comes together at the Spaceport

February 9, 2011

Encapsulation of the first Vega payload fairing is now complete at the Spaceport, readying it for integration on a representative version of the new lightweight launcher, which has been assembled on the launch pad in French Guiana.

During activity in the Spaceport’s S3B payload processing facility, the fairing was assembled with a spacecraft model mounted on the cone-shaped adapter that serves as the interface with Vega.

Produced by RUAG Space in Switzerland, the fairing is composed of two lightweight half shells that protect Vega’s payload during its initial ascent, and which are jettisoned once the launcher leaves the dense layers of the atmosphere.  The assembled fairing weighs approximately 470 kg., with a diameter of 2.6 meters and a height of 7.18 meters – providing an internal payload volume of 20 square meters.

For this initial payload encapsulation exercise, a spacecraft model from EADS CASA Espacio is being used to represent a typical Vega payload in terms of size and mass.

The completed fairing will be transported to Vega’s ZLV launch facility at the Spaceport for installation atop the representative launcher that has been stacked inside the mobile gantry.  This vehicle consists of the inert first, second and third solid propellant stages, as well as the bi-propellant liquid upper stage.

The Vega payload fairing’s encapsulation process is shown in this photo series. At left, the satellite model has been positioned in one of the two payload fairing’s half shells, while the other half-shell is readied for the encapsulation. A close up image (second from left) details the satellite model installed on its cone-shaped adapter. In the two photos at right, the fairing’s half shells are brought together to complete the encapsulation.

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 02/15/2011 08:33 pm
Build-up of the first Vega launcher is complete at the Spaceport

February 15, 2011

The first Vega has been assembled at the Spaceport, marking a key milestone in preparations for the introduction of this lightweight vehicle in Arianespace’s launcher family.

Build-up of the Vega was competed with the installation of its payload fairing, which topped off the vehicle inside the mobile gantry at the Spaceport’s ZLV launch facility. 

This is a representative launcher that is being used for combined testing of Vega with its ground-based infrastructure.  It consists of inert first, second and third stages, the bi-propellant Attitude and Vernier Upper Module (AVUM), and the flight-worthy payload fairing that ultimately will be used for a future Vega mission.

The completed Vega stands approximately 30 meters tall, and is located on the launch table of the refurbished Spaceport facility that previously was used for the first member of Europe’s successful Ariane family: the cornerstone Ariane 1 vehicle.

Vega is tailored to carry the growing number of small scientific spacecraft and other lighter-weight payloads under development or planned worldwide.  Its target payload lift capability is 1,500 kg. on missions to a 700-km. circular orbit.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-soyuz-vega/2011/2011_2_15_vega_update.asp
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 02/24/2011 08:07 pm
Europe’s new, small launcher takes shape
 
18 February 2011

A full-scale mock-up of the new Vega launcher has been assembled on the vehicle’s launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana as part of the combined test campaign before the maiden flight later this year.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMJT6PT1KG_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 04/21/2011 02:13 pm
Vega completes mechanical system tests
 
21 April 2011

Europe’s new Vega small launcher has taken the next step towards its maiden flight later this year with completion of mechanical testing of a full-scale mock-up at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

Launch system tests continue
 
The mechanical and electrical interfaces between the vehicle and the ground segment are now being tested.

In the coming months, the Flight Readiness Review will give the final green light for the maiden qualification flight, in the second half of 2011.

This flight will be followed by five missions to demonstrate the system's flexibility.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMIV1ASJMG_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 05/20/2011 10:29 am
Vega completes system tests on launch pad

ESA’s new Vega small launcher has taken the next step towards its maiden flight later this year with completion of mechanical testing of a full-scale mock-up at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana in April.

One particular test showed that the vehicle and the pad structure can withstand high winds during the hours before launch.

Other important work included ventilation and thermal testing, inertial platform alignment and performance testing, and umbilical tests. During thermal testing, the temperature of the vehicle, in particular the fairing and avionics, was monitored.

These tests were performed during daytime and night time to cover both launch situations.

A dry-run of the final countdown tested launch operations and the rollout of the mobile gantry.

In the coming months, the Flight Readiness Review will give the final green light for the maiden qualification flight, in the second half of 2011.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMVRKJSDNG_mg_1.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: antonioe on 05/22/2011 01:45 am
Since there is considerable interest in the development of the Vega launcher, I decided to try a small experiment in scientific extrapolation. ;D
...
...

Having some personal experience in developing small solid-motor launch vehicles, my bet is not earlier than October 2010, but - unless the program is canceled - no later than March 2011.

Any takers?


Fortunately  there were none.  I hope I'm better at designing LV's than predicting other people's first flight dates.  I hope they can make it in 2011.

Forza Vega!  In bocca al lupo!
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 08/31/2011 01:58 pm
http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/publications/ESA-Bulletin-147/pageflip.html

From ESA Bulletin Number 147 (August 2011)

Quote
The launch vehicle Flight Programme Software CDR is complete. The Roll Attitude Control Subsystem main tests to qualify the subsystem for the maiden flight are complete, in particular the first subsystem firing tests and the thermal tests allowing start of the qualification review.

On the Vega Launch System, the mechanical system tests were performed with a full scale model integrated on the launch pad, including rehearsal of off-nominal operations and launch vehicle unmounting. The objective of these tests was to validate the mechanical and electrical interfaces between the vehicle and the ground segment.

The P80 Solid Rocket Motor flight unit is complete, with the exception of the igniter, which will be integrated just before transfer to the Vega launch pad, in line with safety and storage constraints. The final acceptance loop of the various subsystems of the ground segment is close to completion with the preparation of the relevant End Item Data Package.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: anik on 09/21/2011 07:19 pm
http://www.spacenews.com/civil/110921-vega-debut-pushed-january.html

"Maria Flamina Rossi, head of future-launcher planning at the 19-nation European Space Agency (ESA), said Vega is now on track for a January launch"
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 09/30/2011 08:19 pm
The launch of Vega is drawing near

 2011/09/28
 
The European satellite launcher built in Italy has left Avio’s industrial plant for the European Space Centre in French Guyana

Rivalta di Torino (TO), 28 September 2011 – The transport operations began for the Vega satellite launcher. The stages of the launch vehicle were transferred from Avio’s Colleferro industrial plant (Rome) to the port of Livorno to be taken on board a ship specially fitted out by Arianespace. In the next few weeks, the launcher will reach the European Space Centre in Kourou, where the launch campaign will begin prior to the maiden flight foreseen between December 2011 and January 2012.

http://www.aviogroup.com/en/media_room/press_release/2011/the_launch_of_vega_is_drawing_near
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 10/04/2011 05:02 pm
First Vega starts journey to Europe’s Spaceport

4 October 2011

The first elements of Europe’s new Vega small launcher left Italy last Thursday to begin their long journey to Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, marking the final step towards its inaugural flight in January.

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMJY89U7TG_index_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/06/2011 08:28 am
The first Vega for launch is heading to the Spaceport in French Guiana

October 5, 2011

The no. 1 Vega to operate from French Guiana is ready for its initial voyage, which will take the lightweight launcher from Europe to South America by sea – positioning the vehicle for an inaugural flight next January at the Spaceport.

Stocked aboard the MN Colibri roll-on/roll-off ship, the Vega is scheduled to depart Rotterdam in the Netherlands tomorrow on a transatlantic crossing to French Guiana for unloading and transfer to the Spaceport.   This will clear the way for a Flight Readiness Review on October 13-14, enabling the mission’s three-month launch campaign to begin in November.

Vega’s liftoff next January – with a multi-spacecraft payload composed of the LARES satellite and nine small cubesats from European universities – will serve as the vehicle’s qualification flight, opening a series of missions to demonstrate the launch system’s flexibility.

When it joins Arianespace’s family of launchers, Vega will be capable of lofting payload masses ranging from 300 kg. to 2,500 kg. depending on the type of orbit and altitude required by customers. The baseline mission is for a payload lift performance of 1,500 kg. to a 700 km. polar orbit.

For the upcoming ocean voyage, the MN Colibri is carrying Vega’s Zefiro-23 and Zefiro-9 solid rocket motors for its second and third stages, along with the launcher’s bi-propellant liquid AVUM upper stage – all of which were delivered from Avio’s facility in Colleferro, Italy, where they were produced.

These components were brought to the MN Colibri at the Port of Livorno in Italy, after which the vessel sailed to Rotterdam where the cargo was to be increased with the Vega’s Swiss-built payload fairing, the Dutch-produced interstage structure that links the launcher’s first two stages, as well as the LARES laser relativity satellite from Italy’s ASI space agency.

The MN Colibri is one of two sea-going vessels used by Arianespace in transporting launcher components between their European production locations to South America, and the upcoming ocean crossing repeats a process regularly employed in the shipment of heavy-lift Ariane 5s, as well as the medium-lift Soyuz.

After the Vega elements arrive in French Guiana, they will be integrated with the launcher’s P80 solid propellant first stage, which currently is undergoing final preparations in the Spaceport’s Booster Integration Building.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-soyuz-vega/2011/10-05-2011-vega-update.asp
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Proponent on 10/18/2011 02:11 am
A couple of questions about Vega's first stage.  It's designation, P80, suggests that it is French.  Is it?

Secondly, is it monolithic rather than segmented?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Jason1701 on 10/18/2011 03:03 am
A couple of questions about Vega's first stage.  It's designation, P80, suggests that it is French.  Is it?

Yes, it's Snecma-built. Not sure about the geometry.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 10/18/2011 06:40 am
A couple of questions about Vega's first stage.  It's designation, P80, suggests that it is French.  Is it?

Yes, it's Snecma-built. Not sure about the geometry.

Minor nit: The P80 stage is built by the prime contractor Europropulsion, which is a subsidiary of Snecma.

Also: the P80 stage is monolithic in nature. See the attached image I pulled from an ESA presentation.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: mmeijeri on 10/18/2011 07:08 am
Yes, it's Snecma-built. Not sure about the geometry.

It's a 50-50 joint venture between Avio (Italy) and Snecma (France). The nozzle is French, the steel P230 casings are made by MAN (Germany) and the rest including the new P80 filament wound casings is Italian.

EUROPROPULSION (http://www.aviogroup.com/en/about_avio/il_gruppo/societa/europropulsion)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: mmeijeri on 10/18/2011 07:24 am
Secondly, is it monolithic rather than segmented?

It's roughly an upgraded P230 segment + igniter + nozzle. The P230 has two such segments. There are some not very definite plans to apply the upgrades to the Ariane SRBs too, one day. Apparently that was a precondition for French involvement, although the French now appear to have set their sights on an all-liquid Ariane 6.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Proponent on 10/19/2011 02:49 am
Thanks for the info, everybody.

Will the P80 be the largest monolithic solid ever to fly?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 10/19/2011 05:59 am
Thanks for the info, everybody.

Will the P80 be the largest monolithic solid ever to fly?

It was the largest monolithic solid when they started testing in 2006. If it still is today... I don't know.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Alpha_Centauri on 10/19/2011 12:35 pm
There are some not very definite plans to apply the upgrades to the Ariane SRBs too, one day. Apparently that was a precondition for French involvement, although the French now appear to have set their sights on an all-liquid Ariane 6.

The reality is the decision on a new launcher has taken so long Ariane 5 will have to keep flying for some time even if Ariane 6 gets the go-ahead.  That's why the proposed early Ariane 6 variants are relatively low payload as they will replace Vega and Soyuz first.  I'd be surprised if Ariane 5 doesn't get updated EAPs from P80 technology before it's over. 

Will the P80 be the largest monolithic solid ever to fly?

P80 is the largest fibre wound monolithic solid ever, it is not the largest monolithic.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 10/19/2011 01:14 pm
Will the P80 be the largest monolithic solid ever to fly?

P80 is the largest fibre wound monolithic solid ever, it is not the largest monolithic.

I'll be asking the obvious question: what is the current largest monolithic solid rocket booster?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Alpha_Centauri on 10/19/2011 02:48 pm
Actually re-reading the question yes it probably is the largest monolithic to ever to fly. The Apollo-era AJ-260-2 was much larger though, fired but not flown.

I'll be asking the obvious question: what is the current largest monolithic solid rocket booster?

Probably the Atlas V SRMs.  The P80 will be the current largest monolithic.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/19/2011 03:08 pm
Actually re-reading the question yes it probably is the largest monolithic to ever to fly. The Apollo-era AJ-260-2 was much larger though, fired but not flown.

I'll be asking the obvious question: what is the current largest monolithic solid rocket booster?

Probably the Atlas V SRMs.  The P80 will be the current largest monolithic.

I'm not sure that the P80 is larger than the Japanese SRB-A (used by the H-IIA and H-IIB rockets). It's definitely larger than the Atlas V SRMs or the GEM-60 though.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 10/19/2011 03:54 pm
Actually re-reading the question yes it probably is the largest monolithic to ever to fly. The Apollo-era AJ-260-2 was much larger though, fired but not flown.

I'll be asking the obvious question: what is the current largest monolithic solid rocket booster?

Probably the Atlas V SRMs.  The P80 will be the current largest monolithic.

I'm not sure that the P80 is larger than the Japanese SRB-A (used by the H-IIA and H-IIB rockets). It's definitely larger than the Atlas V SRMs or the GEM-60 though.
If the Japanese Wikipedia page is right, the biggest version, the SRB-A F7, is 77tonnes, vs the 88tonnes of the P80. With 2.285MN vs the 3.025MN. Seems to be the biggest to actually fly, yes.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/19/2011 05:29 pm
Vega´s First stage - P80

The first stage of the Vega uses the biggest, most powerful one-piece solid-fuel engine ever built. The P80 relies almost entirely on Italian technology developed by Avio, and is made of innovative materials, such as carbon fibre, which are also used in the second and third stages. Exhaust nozzle components, are produced in France at the Snecma/Safran plants in Bordeaux.

Just under 11 m tall, this stage is 3 m in diameter, weighs 95 tons and burns ca 88 tons of solid propellant in little less than 2 minutes. The P80 generates a 300 ton thrust, the same as is produced by four Jumbo jets at take-off.

At the end of 2006, the first static bench test was carried out successfully at the Kourou Space Centre in French Guiana. The results were confirmed in late 2007, when the P80 passed its qualification test with flying colours, also at Kourou. 

- Length:  11.714 m
- Max diameter:  3.005 m
- Mass at Lift-off:  95 021 kg
- Burn time:  109.8 s
- Total Impulse:  240 470 KN s
- Structural Ratio:  7.67%

http://www.elv.it/en/launcher-vega/composizione-lanciatore/primo-stadio/

Jaxa´s Solid Rocket Booster (SRB-A)

- Height (m): 15
- Outside diameter (m): 2.5
- Mass (t): 306 (for four SRB-As in total)
- Thrust (kN): 9,220 In vacuum. Solid rocket booster's thrust is set to the maximum value. 
- Combustion time (s): 114
- Propellant type: Polybutadiene composite solid propellant
- Impulse to weight ratio (s): 283.6 In vacuum. Solid rocket booster's thrust is set to the maximum value. 
- Attitude control method: Movable nozzle

http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/h2b/design_e.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/19/2011 05:32 pm
October 17th, 2011

Flight Readiness Review authorizes launch campaign

On October 13th and 14th, at ESA ESRIN premises, the first Phase of the Vega launcher Flight Readiness Review has been held. The Project Team (ELV, Vitrociset) has presented to the Board formed by representatives from ESA (JJ Dordain, A. Fabrizi), CNES (Mme I. Rongier), ASI (E. Saggese) and Arianespace (JY Le Gall) the status of Vega Program, in order to obtain the formal authorization to begin the Integration and Launch Campaign.

The presentation has described:

- the mission objectives
- the qualification status for the LARES mission, in particular addressing  the LARES TM necessary to complete the qualification of VEGA launch system
- the launcher configuration
- the main conclusions and status of actions coming from previous reviews

At the end of the two days meeting the Review Board, considered the program progress status, has authorized the beginning of the launcher integration campaign, established at November 7th when the first stage A1A (P80 motor) will be transferred from BIP (Batiment Integration Propulseur) to Mobile Gantry.

http://www.elv.it/en/media-room/news/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: mmeijeri on 10/20/2011 04:39 am
That's why the proposed early Ariane 6 variants are relatively low payload as they will replace Vega and Soyuz first.  I'd be surprised if Ariane 5 doesn't get updated EAPs from P80 technology before it's over. 

You mean because the Italians will push for it if an all-liquid Ariane 6 does replace Vega and Soyuz? And what if anything will be the impact on the M51 missile or vice versa?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: john smith 19 on 10/27/2011 01:39 pm
OT. Thread started Dec 2005.

It's taken a while.  :(


On topic they describe the MV Colibri as being the stages into Guyana but at least part of the Ariane boosters are cast on site.

Are the P80 and other stages fully loaded with propellant or are they basically shells with most (all) mixing and filling done on site?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: mmeijeri on 10/27/2011 01:55 pm
As I understand it, only the igniter is loaded in Italy, with the individual segments loaded in Kourou, just as with Ariane.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/28/2011 01:49 pm
Vega getting ready for exploitation

Evry, October 28, 2011

The Vega launch vehicle programme has recently taken several major steps towards operation:

- The decision has been made to start the qualification launch campaign; 

- ESA and Arianespace have ordered four new launchers;

- Studies for the launch of the LISA Pathfinder mission have started.

Launch campaign kickoff

The Flight Readiness Review (FFR) for the Vega launcher was held in Frascati, Italy on October 13 and 14. Based on this review, the Director-General of the European Space Agency (ESA) decided to start the Vega qualification launch campaign, with Arianespace's operating staff providing their support for this campaign. The stages for the qualification launcher arrived in Kourou on October 24, and the launch campaign will start on November 7, 2011 with the transfer of the first stage to the launch pad. The first launch is scheduled for the end of January 2012.
 
ESA and Arianespace have ordered four new Vega launchers

ESA, Arianespace and ELV, the launcher production prime, signed a contract in September for the production of four new Vega operational launchers. This contract complements the purchase of a first launcher in an agreement signed last year within the framework of the Verta contract, covering the five launches that follow Vega’s qualification flight.

Studies under way for the LISA Pathfinder mission

The studies for the launch of the LISA Pathfinder scientific satellite of ESA, using a Vega launcher from the Verta batch, started at the end of September. The mission is scheduled for a launch window from October 2013 to September 2014.

A third launcher on the equator

Starting in 2012 the new Vega launch system will be operated by Arianespace at the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana, alongside the other two launchers in this European family: the Ariane 5 heavy launcher and the Soyuz medium launcher. Vega has a payload capacity of 1,500 kg into polar orbit at an altitude of 700 km.

Designed to handle a wide range of missions and payload configurations, Vega is especially well suited to the launch of small satellites into low or sun-synchronous orbits, thus enabling Arianespace to meet customer demand. Vega should quickly establish itself as the benchmark launch vehicle in its class.

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

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading launch service & solutions company, delivering innovative solutions to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of October 24, 2011, Arianespace had launched a total of 298 payloads with Ariane launchers, had successfully launched the first Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center and was preparing the first launch of Vega. It has a backlog of 20 Ariane 5 and 16 Soyuz launches, equal to more than three years of business.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2011/10-28-2011-vega-contract.asp
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 12/14/2011 03:49 pm
First launch contracts for Vega: Arianespace to launch two satellites in the Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 families

Evry, December 14, 2011

http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2011/12-14-2011-Vega-Premiers-contract.asp
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 12/14/2011 08:46 pm
Vega brochure.

http://download.esa.int/docs/launchers/Vega_5_HQ_A4.pdf
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 01/24/2012 12:31 pm
http://www.spacenews.com/launch/012312-vega-expected-price-competitive-with-russian-rockets.html

Vega Expected to be Price-competitive With Russian Rockets

Quote
Europe’s Vega small-satellite launcher, whose inaugural flight is scheduled for mid-February, will be sold commercially for about 32 million euros ($42 million) per launch — a price that can compete with converted Russian ballistic missiles, Vega officials said Jan. 23.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 01/29/2012 09:08 pm
http://www.spacenews.com/civil/120127-vega-maiden-flight-nears.html

Europeanized Upper Stage Sought for Vega as Maiden Flight Nears

Quote
European Space Agency (ESA) governments will be asked to finance only minor modifications to Europe’s new Vega small-satellite launcher when they meet November, with the main goal to position Vega as a fully European vehicle, Vega officials said Jan. 24.

Quote
Vega is envisioned as launching two times a year starting in 2013. The inaugural flight will carry the Italian government’s Lares laser reflector experiment and seven small satellites that will be placed in a lower orbit than Lares following the re-ignition of Vega’s Avum upper stage.

It is the Avum stage, whose motor can be restarted up to five times in flight, that sticks out in Vega insofar as it is built in Ukraine, not in Europe. At the November ESA conference, Vega managers will try to attract a European provider, preferably Germany’s Astrium Space Transportation, to build a replacement upper stage.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Spiff on 01/30/2012 09:49 am
Quote
... as it is built in Ukraine, not in Europe. ...

Since when is the Ukraine not in Europe?  ???
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 01/30/2012 11:41 am
Quote
... as it is built in Ukraine, not in Europe. ...

Since when is the Ukraine not in Europe?  ???
Depends on your definition, really. Wither cultural or geographical. But they probably mean European Union-Europe, or ESA-Europe.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Spiff on 01/30/2012 02:10 pm
I agree they probably mean ESA. But the statement where it is claimed Ukraine is not in Europe is simply not true. Neither geographical nor cultural.

Doesn't matter though. It's semantics really...
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 01/30/2012 06:48 pm
I've finally found it! The engine on the AVUM is the Yuzhnoye RD-869. And the designer of the stage is stated as ELV. Does anyone know who's that? May be the Belgian company in charge of the GNC?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: belegor on 01/30/2012 08:47 pm
And the designer of the stage is stated as ELV. Does anyone know who's that? May be the Belgian company in charge of the GNC?

From http://www.elv.it/en/who-we-are/society/ (http://www.elv.it/en/who-we-are/society/):
Quote
Elv (European Launch Vehicle) is a company established by Avio and ASI (Italian Space Agency) in December 2000. It was selected by ESA, the European Space Agency, to serve as prime contractor in the activities geared to the development of the European launcher, called Vega, and other small launchers with all associated technologies. The company is responsible for every aspect of system development, from the drafting of the specifications, through production, to its integration in the launch pad. Elv's primary tasks include managing and planning launcher design, development, qualification and production processes, by coordinating the activities of the subcontracts participating in the programme. Moreover, ELV coordinates and ensures the integration of the launcher in the lift-off facilities and participates with a team in the final stage of the launch.

At present Elv is owned 70% by Avio SpA and 30% by ASI. Headquartered in Rome, it has an operational facility in Colleferro (Rome), where Avio has its main aerospace operations: one of the most dynamically innovative production centres, at the forefront of science and technology.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 01/31/2012 12:48 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aISA31MokQ
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: simpl simon on 01/31/2012 02:04 pm
Quote
... as it is built in Ukraine, not in Europe. ...

Since when is the Ukraine not in Europe?  ???
Depends on your definition, really. Wither cultural or geographical. But they probably mean European Union-Europe, or ESA-Europe.

The Ukraine is not a member state of ESA, so procuring the upper stage means a cash flow out of the ESA budget to a "foreign" country, regardless of its geographical location or cultural relationship. The preferred solution would be to have the upper stage produced by an industrial consortium from ESA member states so that the money stays in Europe and European industry benefits from potential future sales of Vega. However, during the original development phase when this approach would normally have been agreed, Germany did not contribute to the program (or only very little, for specialised equipment), because German industry had already invested its own money to set up the Eurockot launcher, a joint venture between Astrium and Khrunichev. At that time, Germany and German industry were not happy that ESA member states, at the urging of Italy, were using public money to duplicate a launch service that was already available commercially. The most suitable motor available at the time was Yuzhnoye's RD-869.

However, many millions of Euros overspend and many years of schedule overruns later (and with supplies of Rockot becoming irregular), the time has come to make Vega a completely ESA rocket and this means replacing the current upper stage. German industry (i.e. Astrium) is best placed to provide a new upper stage, assuming Germany will contribute to the program. This will also provide an opportunity to evolve the vehicle and possibly create alternative launch configurations to make it more versatile. In particular, a new upper stage would make it possible to replace the existing 3rd and 4th stages. Another decision for the November council meeting, as noted in the article.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: sammie on 01/31/2012 03:55 pm
Quote
The preferred solution would be to have the upper stage produced by an industrial consortium from ESA member states so that the money stays in Europe and European industry benefits from potential future sales of Vega.

As apposed to buying a complete system such as the Soyuz from Russia? I still think it's a big sham on how the Vega and Soyuz ST are being marketed. Creating a closed market for European satellites and claiming that customers supposed to buy "European rockets" regardless of the price. Right now science mission are paying a premium to fly European and all sorts of accounting tricks are used to make Arianespace break even at the end of a fiscal year. 

Oh well, I suppose Rockot had a failure at a critical time, and the Breeze KM shortage didn't help it either.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 01/31/2012 04:35 pm
They have talked about using a 3rd and 4th stages with CH4/LOX. It would be a very interesting development.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: simpl simon on 01/31/2012 09:17 pm
Quote
The preferred solution would be to have the upper stage produced by an industrial consortium from ESA member states so that the money stays in Europe and European industry benefits from potential future sales of Vega.

As apposed to buying a complete system such as the Soyuz from Russia? I still think it's a big sham on how the Vega and Soyuz ST are being marketed. Creating a closed market for European satellites and claiming that customers supposed to buy "European rockets" regardless of the price. Right now science mission are paying a premium to fly European and all sorts of accounting tricks are used to make Arianespace break even at the end of a fiscal year. 

Oh well, I suppose Rockot had a failure at a critical time, and the Breeze KM shortage didn't help it either.

Well, Europe doesn't buy the Soyuz launch vehicles, the customers do. And Arianespace gets a cut because it is a member of Starsem. Also, launching Soyuz and Vega from Kourou will enable the fixed costs of the launch site to be carried by three systems instead of just one.
I don't follow the rest of your post, but concerning Arianespace - it has made a financial loss for the past few years, which has caused the ESA member states to carry out a detailed audit on its finances and make new calls for better governance.

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: sammie on 02/01/2012 08:45 am
Quote
I don't follow the rest of your post, but concerning Arianespace - it has made a financial loss for the past few years, which has caused the ESA member states to carry out a detailed audit on its finances and make new calls for better governance.

Sorry for not making myself clear. I was being a bit grumpy. What I meant is that the pricing strategy of Arianespace doesn't reflect the costs they incur for launching the rockets and operating the facilities. It seems to me that they determine the price of launch on a formula of "going market rate + 25%". Any shortfall in the operating budget is covered by subsidies from CNES and ESA.

What irks me is that we're made to believe there was ever a commercial case for Vega. That it could be operated with a small profit margin and that it can compete with other rockets, which balony. ESA customers are forced to buy "European" even when there are cheaper alternatives available, which I think is inherently bad for science. Only under a few circumstances can foreign launch providers be contracted.

I still don't get why it's perfectly OK to buy a Soyuz ST from Russia, but a Ukrainian upper stage is deemed unsatisfactory because money slips out the closed ESA system. But money spend on Soyuz ST also leaves the ESA system. I think you would agree that most payloads for the Soyuz ST are science missions, forced again to pay 20% or so premium just because they have to buy from Arianespace.

I guess it just irks me that a system that is one big industrial subsidy system is being promoted as sound business on an open market place.

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: plutogno on 02/01/2012 11:28 am
ESA customers are forced to buy "European" even when there are cheaper alternatives available

I have seen this repeated many times and it simply is NOT TRUE!
ESA sats have been launched on launchers from all over the world, not only European, but also US (think of SOHO on Atlas), Russian (Cluster, Mars and Venus Express, Cryosat etc.), Indian, etc. and satellites from the space agencies of many European countries have flown on many different types of rockets, not necessarily EU-made.
On the contrary, this is true for US governmental agencies, civilian and military. IIRC, the first NASA science sat that will be launched on a foreign rocket is the Webb Space Telescope (on Ariane V).
As for the rest of your post, I am also quite skeptical of the commercial market for Vega. Vega was conceived at a time when LEO was perceived as a huge commercial market, but this market has since failed to materialize.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: sammie on 02/01/2012 11:40 am
Quote
ESA sats have been launched on launchers from all over the world

Because in the past and maybe for another year there weren't any other options other then using these foreign launch vehicles. It was the main reason for developing this family of launchers for Arianespace. If you have a captured audience that has to order your products, and other government sources are willing to pay for the development, then why not.

If only half the money spent on developing Vega would have been spent on developing satellites and running science programs, ESA would have had a lot more to show for itself then yet another small launch vehicle.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: plutogno on 02/01/2012 11:48 am
If only half the money spent on developing Vega would have been spent on developing satellites and running science programs, ESA would have had a lot more to show for itself then yet another small launch vehicle.

I agree with you on this.
In the end it was politics: Vega was approved at a time when ESA had an Italian director general and Italian industry had been pushing for years to develop a "light" all-solid launcher. Even the name "Vega" is an Italian acronym for "advanced generation European launcher".

(note: I am Italian)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: agman25 on 02/07/2012 03:26 pm
Vega Launcher Targets Government Market

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=space&id=news/awst/2012/02/06/AW_02_06_2012_p50-420459.xml&headline=Vega%20Launcher%20Targets%20Government%20Market

"Led by Italy, ESA governments have invested about €700 million ($922 million) in Vega. In addition to the development costs they have also committed €400 million for the Vega validation program, which includes five ESA-financed Vega launches of government payloads between 2013-15."
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: cheesybagel on 02/15/2012 12:17 am
This project is so very late. They should also have developed the successor to this socket (P230+P80+Aestus engine powered upper stage) and this way there would have been no need to have Soyuz launches. For some reason the French did not have the patience to wait or did not believe the Italians would deliver the Vinci. But they did.

This seems increasingly to be turning into a state where only the Chinese can win. Maybe SpaceX as well if it doesn't bankrupt itself in the process.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Stephan on 02/15/2012 04:16 pm
For some reason the French did not have the patience to wait or did not believe the Italians would deliver the Vinci. But they did.
What ?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: mmeijeri on 02/15/2012 04:19 pm
This project is so very late. They should also have developed the successor to this socket (P230+P80+Aestus engine powered upper stage) and this way there would have been no need to have Soyuz launches.

I'd love to see that as one competitor in the race to succeed Ariane 5. Or sometimes I do, most of the time I think it is hopeless and the only reason to have a European launcher is for military reasons. And for that application low cost launch is not important, so there isn't much of a need to replace Ariane 5 at all.

Quote
For some reason the French did not have the patience to wait or did not believe the Italians would deliver the Vinci.

Vinci is for Ariane 5 ME. And as far as I know it has substantial German but no Italian involvement. It's also unfinished.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: sammie on 02/15/2012 05:07 pm
Link to the other site (http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1202/14germanyvega/)

German participation possible on a new upper stage, development cost so far a shiny 1 billion USD. Doesn't give any insight whether this upperstage is a 1 to 1 replacement for the Ukrainian upper stage, or whether they're looking at combining the 3rd and 4th stage.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: spacejulien on 02/15/2012 10:55 pm
German participation possible on a new upper stage, development cost so far a shiny 1 billion USD. Doesn't give any insight whether this upperstage is a 1 to 1 replacement for the Ukrainian upper stage, or whether they're looking at combining the 3rd and 4th stage.

Both, there are concepts for a replacement of 3rd and 4th stage as well as replacement of 4th stage only [1]. Buth the study assumes an improved 1st stage in any case. They assume the loading would be uprated from 88 mT to 100 mT in any case. For the 3-stage vehicle it is also assumed to uprate the second stage propellant loading from 23 mT to 40 mT.

[1] http://elib.dlr.de/71266/1/IAC-11%2CD2%2C3%2C4%2C.pdf
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: DT1 on 02/18/2012 12:31 pm
Quote
For some reason the French did not have the patience to wait or did not believe the Italians would deliver the Vinci.

Vinci is for Ariane 5 ME. And as far as I know it has substantial German but no Italian involvement. It's also unfinished.

The Vinci engine is being manufactured by the French company SNECMA in Vernon/France. Of course, it has major sub contractor contributions as e.g. by: Germany (Astrium, thrust chamber), Sweden (Volvo Aero, turbines for turbopumps), Itlay (Avio, LOX Turbopump).

Vinci's development tests are taking place at German Aerospace Center's (DLR) test site in Lampoldshausen (see http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=9314.msg173520#msg173520).
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 02/28/2012 10:36 am
Moved the contents below from the Ariane 5 ME thread to here, as it is better suited here:

[...]The German aerospace agency DLR has come with the idea to replace the Yuzhnoye-supplied engine (and tanks and plumbing) with a European engine: project VENUS: VEga New Upper Stage.
I thought the improvement was the Lyra program and the idea was to increase the size of the first and second stages (to 100tonnes and 28tonnes) and have just a Lox/light HC third stage. Or this are separate programs?
They are (currently) separate programs. Lyra got a 'GO' to proceed beyond feasibility studies, is now in development phase, and is being financed by ASI. VENUS is only in proposal stage right now and is financed by DLR. The German space agency wants to join the Vega programme.
The objectives of both programmes could complement one another. Lyra aims at replacing Vega third and AVUM stages with new LOX/LCH stages, powered by the new MIRA engine.
VENUS aims at replacing the AVUM engine with a European built bi-propellant engine. So, VENUS is a whole lot less ambitious than Lyra.

Also: VENUS is aimed at Europeanizing Vega, by replacing the Ukrainian engine with a European one.
Lyra however will actually increase the 'foreign' content of Vega: the Mira engine is being developed by ASI and a Russian company.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 02/28/2012 08:15 pm
Some info about LYRA

http://www.asi.it/en/activity/transportation/lyra

Quote
The LYRA project responds to the need for broadening the flexibility and capability of the European family of small- to medium-size launchers. The objective is to make the most of the opportunity of a market which indicates a growth trend and diversification in launch service demand for LEO/MEO orbits.

In addition, the project has been directed to rule out the need for acquiring launches outside of Europe, in particular, for intermediate class satellites. Future ASI missions could be included among these.

The primary objective of the LYRA project is to increase VEGA's performance by about 30%, without significant impacts on the price of the launch service

In 2005 Phase A of the project was concluded which outlined the reference configuration of the launcher and the main subsystems In April 2007 the contract for Phase B for the "Launch system and liquid propulsion" contract was signed .The programme activities are to take place within a four-year time frame according to the contract's provisions, during which system level activities will take place, including an innovative approach at the GNC and the development of a new flight prototype software and activities in propulsion with regard to the definition of the launcher's third stage (to substitute the current 3° stage ZEFIRO 9 solid, and 4° stage AVUM stockable liquid) made up of the new oxygen-methane MIRA thrusters.

Propulsion activity which makes up 75% of the contract will therefore concentrate on the definition, realization and full-scale test firing of a technological demonstrator realized with the Russian industry, KBKhA.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 03/12/2012 12:51 pm
Building Vega meant testing materials to their limits

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Space_Engineering/SEMQT82YRYG_0.html

Vega - facing a corrosive environment

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Space_Engineering/SEM0X92YRYG_0.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 05/09/2012 08:37 pm
Pivdenne, AvioSpA to supply rockets for Vega launch vehicles

KIEV, April 26 – Pivdenne Design Bureau and Pivdenmash production amalgamation (both based in Dnipropetrovsk) and the Italian-based AvioSpA have signed a contract for the supply of rocket engines for the fourth stage of the new European Vega launch vehicle.

The contract is designed for three years, with the right to prolong it, a source familiar with the details of the Ukrainian-European cooperation on the Vega program told Interfax-Ukraine. It envisages the production and supply of five rocket engines to the European partners. The delivery of the first serial engine to the customer is scheduled for 2012.

http://www.ukrainianjournal.com/index.php?w=article&id=14430
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: pippin on 05/09/2012 08:53 pm
Wow. Signing a European-Ukrainian contract with such a public funding background in the current political climate between the EU and Ukraine is, well, bold.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 05/09/2012 09:01 pm
...
KIEV, April 26 – Pivdenne Design Bureau and Pivdenmash production amalgamation (both based in Dnipropetrovsk) and the Italian-based AvioSpA have signed a contract for the supply of rocket engines for the fourth stage of the new European Vega launch vehicle...
Pivdenne is    Yuzhnoye y Pivdenmash Yuzhmash?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 05/09/2012 09:47 pm
Pivdenne is Yuzhnoye y Pivdenmash Yuzhmash?

Yes.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 05/10/2012 07:17 am
Wow. Signing a European-Ukrainian contract with such a public funding background in the current political climate between the EU and Ukraine is, well, bold.

The EU is not ESA, and ESA is not the EU space agency. Any problem the EU has with the Ukrainian government is far outside the relations between ESA and a company in the Ukraine.

Besides: this is OT.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 06/01/2012 04:21 pm
Some info about VENUS

http://www.dlr.de/irs/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-7564/12822_read-32178/

Quote
The VENUS study, which has been initiated in mid-2007, is a joint DLR-EADS Astrium effort, funded by the DLR Space Agency, which goal was to study new upper stages for the Vega launch vehicle. In the first step SART analysed 6 different liquid engine options and found the optimum performance for each stage into the VEGA polar reference orbit. EADS-Astrium established a preliminary upper stage architecture including mass balance for some of the most promising configurations. Two concepts were mainly studied during this project which ended in June 2011: a 4 stage launch vehicle and a 3 stage launch vehicle.

The 4 stage launch vehicle is similar to the current Vega launcher design. However Vega P80 solid first stage is replaced by a P100 solid rocket motor, which is seen as an evolution of P80. The current Vega Z23 solid second stage and Vega Z9A solid third stage are reused unchanged. The AVUM (Attitude and Vernier Module) of Vega is replaced by a new storable propellant upper stage, for which the propellant mass and the thrust level have been optimized by the SART group. The engine considered in the frame of this concept is pressure-fed and uses MMH and NTO as propellant.
The 3 stage launch vehicle is based on a P100 solid first stage, a Z40 solid second stage, considered as an evolution of the Vega Z23 second stage and a new storable propellant upper stage propelled by the AESTUS II gas generator engine.
Both concepts allow an increase of the payload performance compared to the current Vega design, with even more than 2000 kg in the Vega’s reference orbit for the 3 stage configuration.

The VENUS study (in german)

http://www.dlr.de/rd/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2279/3410_read-5111/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 06/21/2012 12:40 pm
Arianespace to launch DZZ-HR high-resolution observation satellite
 
Evry, June 20, 2012

Today in Toulouse Arianespace has signed a launch Service & Solutions contract with Astrium to launch the DZZ-HR satellite for Kazakhstan.
 
Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Jean Dauphin, Director Earth Observation Navigation & Science – Astrium France, announced that they have signed today in Toulouse (France) the launch service & solutions contract for the DZZ-HR satellite.

The DZZ-HR high-resolution observation satellite is being built by Astrium for the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Weighing 900 kg at launch, the DZZ-HR satellite will be launched by Arianespace's Vega light launcher into a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of about 750 km. It will be launched from the Guiana Space Center, French Guiana, in the second quarter of 2014.
 
The DZZ-HR system will be independently controlled by Kazakh operators who have been trained by Astrium. Using images acquired by the DZZ-HR satellite from the entire planet, the system will provide very-high-quality panchromatic and multispectral products for a wide range of applications, including cadastral surveys, management of natural resources, environmental monitoring and homeland surveillance.

Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: "Today, with the European launcher Vega, we can offer all customers new launch services for this type of mission. This is the third contract for Vega, after Sentinel 2 and 3, and this time we are serving an end-customer outside of Europe. We are also delighted to be working once again with Astrium Satellites, with whom we have a long-standing relationship of mutual trust."
 
About Arianespace
 
Arianespace is the world’s leading launch service & solutions company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of today, Arianespace had performed 206 Ariane launches (301 payloads), 26 Soyuz launches (2 at the Guiana Space Center and 24 at Baikonur with Starsem) and the first launch of Vega. It has a backlog of 22 Ariane 5, 15 Soyuz and 3 Vega launches, equal to more than three years of business.

http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2012/6-20-2012-Arianespace-to-launch-DZZ-HR.asp
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 07/21/2012 10:18 am
http://www.spacenews.com/launch/120720-vega-opportunity-rising-prices.html

Quote
The designers of Europe’s Vega small-satellite launch vehicle, surveying a commercial landscape that looks increasingly favorable to them, are planning three possible evolutions of the rocket to better align its cost and its capacity to its growing market.

Quote
The current Vega is able to launch a 1,500-kilogram satellite into a 700-kilometer circular polar low Earth orbit.

Quote
Accettura said Vega’s enhancement is separated into a two-part program. The first is referred to as a consolidation of the vehicle’s performance; the second points to an evolution toward a much more powerful vehicle.

The first would better position the rocket to launch satellites weighing around 2,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit. The Italian Space Agency is financing a program called Lyra that would replace Vega’s third and fourth stages with a stage powered by a liquid-propellant engine called Mira.

Another modification, Accettura said, would enhance Vega’s P-80 solid-fueled first stage, which carries some 88,000 kilograms of propellant, to 120,000 kilograms, increasing payload capacity to 1,800-2,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit.

A second series of enhancements would increase the power of the Zefiro 23 second stage, carrying 24,000 kilograms of solid propellant, to a Zefiro 40 model. This modification would be part of a program to permit Vega to lift up to 2,500 kilograms of payload into low Earth orbit.

A program called Vega Evolution would combine the larger first and second stages with the Mira engine to give Vega the power to carry a 3,300-kilogram satellite into low Earth orbit, Accettura said.

Avio and the Italian Space Agency would prefer that the vehicle’s enhancements include the German government’s entry into Vega through the use of a German-built Vega upper stage. The German Aerospace Center, DLR, has said it is open to joining the program.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 07/21/2012 04:16 pm
Vega is expensive because it has four stage. They have to decide if the want a cheap two stage 1,700kg to SSO or a more expensive three stages with 2,300kg to SSO. First case is what would cover most needs for eath observation for cheap. Second is covering the Soyuz low end, hopefully with Ariane 6 covering the high end. I think it will depend a lot on the Ariane 6 program.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: spectre9 on 07/22/2012 01:45 am
Upgrade the first and second stages and build a new liquid third stage?

Sounds like a whole new rocket to me  :D
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 07/25/2012 12:19 pm
Youzhmash page on the AVUM engine (http://www.yuzhmash.com/en/product.php?page=vega). Nothing new. But at least is official from the manufacturer.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 09/28/2012 07:27 pm
http://www.ukrainianjournal.com/index.php?w=article&id=15233

Quote
Ukraine has started to prepare for the mass production of engines for the fourth stage of the new European Vega launch vehicle.

"The engine for the second stage of the Vega rocket was supplied to the European Customer in late August. Preparations for mass production are currently underway. The financing of this work has already started," a source familiar with the details of cooperation under the Vega program told Interfax-Ukraine.

According to the source, the delivery of the next engine for the Vega launch vehicle to the customer is scheduled for 2014.

Only one launch in 2013? :-\
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/02/2012 04:55 pm
Vega Suffered Telemetry Outage in First Flight

http://www.spacenews.com/launch/121002-vega-suffered-telemetry-outage-first-flight.html
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/24/2012 10:48 am
Youzhmash page on the AVUM engine (http://www.yuzhmash.com/en/product.php?page=vega). Nothing new. But at least is official from the manufacturer.

More info about AVUM

http://www.day.kiev.ua/237032
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 10/01/2013 04:25 pm
A nice article on VEGA's fourth stage tank (built by NPO Lavochkin) :

http://www.laspace.ru/upload/iblock/e62/e6220f025a18af17b2f38af342912921.pdf
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Jester on 10/01/2013 04:29 pm
Btw, VEGA/Verta 3rd stage currently in testing at ESTEC
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 10/02/2013 09:09 am
Btw, VEGA/Verta 3rd stage currently in testing at ESTEC

What are they testing at ESTEC? Structure, electronics, etc.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Prober on 10/02/2013 01:20 pm
Wow. Signing a European-Ukrainian contract with such a public funding background in the current political climate between the EU and Ukraine is, well, bold.
Don't wish to hijack the thread, but more to the story.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23160.405 (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23160.405)
 
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: pippin on 10/02/2013 02:42 pm
Just to be clear. This is a very different political struggle from the one I was referring to when I made the post you quoted some 18 months ago.
Back then, the relations between the EU and Ukraine were seriously in the bin following the Tymoshenko trial.

Your article refers to political tension between Ukraine and Russia which is a completely different story.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 10/02/2013 02:48 pm
Just to be clear. This is a very different political struggle from the one I was referring to when I made the post you quoted some 18 months ago.
Back then, the relations between the EU and Ukraine were seriously in the bin following the Tymoshenko trial.

Your article refers to political tension between Ukraine and Russia which is a completely different story.

Yes, and as I already explained back then original story didn't even apply to ESA, but was about tension between the EU and Ukraine. See http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=1071.msg895577#msg895577 (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=1071.msg895577#msg895577)

The post by Prober is OT. Let's not take that any further on this thread. Thank you.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Jester on 10/03/2013 10:51 am
Btw, VEGA/Verta 3rd stage currently in testing at ESTEC

What are they testing at ESTEC? Structure, electronics, etc.

dont have the full scope, but Structure at least, its has been on the shaker
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/21/2013 06:29 am
http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2013/11-20-2013-ELV-contract.asp

Quote
Arianespace Orders 10 Vega Launchers from ELV SpA

Stéphane  Israël, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Pierluigi Pirrelli, Chief  Executive of ELV (European Launch Vehicle), signed an agreement today, during  the 31st French-Italian summit in Rome,  for Arianespace to order ten Vega launch vehicles from the Italian manufacturer.   These ten  Vega rockets will be ready for launch starting at the end of 2015, and will  cover more than three years of operations. They follow the original Vega  launcher used for the qualification flight, and the five Vega launchers already  ordered in 2010 within the scope of the VERTA contract
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Jester on 11/21/2013 06:37 am
as mentioned before, Vega VERTA stage at ESTEC

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering/Shaker_testing_seeks_to_extend_Vega_performance
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/21/2013 07:23 am
as mentioned before, Vega VERTA stage at ESTEC

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering/Shaker_testing_seeks_to_extend_Vega_performance

More accurately: this is Vega's AVUM stage that is at ESTEC right now. It's being tested as part of the VERTA programme (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 on 11/21/2013 07:56 pm
LINK: http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2013/11-20-2013-ELV-contract.asp

Press Release

Arianespace orders ten new Vega launchers from ELV
Rome, November 20, 2013

Stéphane Israël, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Pierluigi Pirrelli, Chief Executive of ELV (European Launch Vehicle), signed an agreement today, during the 31st French-Italian summit in Rome, for Arianespace to order ten Vega launch vehicles from the Italian manufacturer.

These ten Vega rockets will be ready for launch starting at the end of 2015, and will cover more than three years of operations. They follow the original Vega launcher used for the qualification flight, and the five Vega launchers already ordered in 2010 within the scope of the VERTA contract.

ESA, ELV and Arianespace also signed an agreement defining the general framework for this activity, and the sharing of risks and responsibilities during this initial operational phase for the Vega launch system.

In addition to the French and Italian ministers in charge of space, Geneviève Fioraso and Maria Chiara Carrozza, respectively, the contract signing ceremony was attended by French President François Hollande, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, and Enrico Letta, Chairman of the Italian Council of Ministers. The European Space Agency (ESA) was represented by Antonio Fabrizi, Director of Launch Vehicles.

Following the success of the first two Vega launches, and four launch contracts already signed by Arianespace, this agreement really kicks off the operational phase for the Vega launcher, which is now established as the best launch vehicle in its class.
Vega is operated alongside the Ariane 5 heavy launcher and the Soyuz medium launcher as part of the Arianespace family of launchers at the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. Vega is perfectly suited to the launch of small scientific and Earth observation satellites into low or Sun-synchronous orbit.

The Vega launch system was developed through an ESA program financed by Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden.

Arianespace is the launch system operator during the operational phase, with responsibility for the marketing and sale of launch services and as prime contractor for launch operations.

ELV, S.p.A., based in Colleferro, Italy, is the industrial prime contractor for the Vega launcher. ELV is owned by Avio (70%) and the Italian space agency (30%).

Following the signature, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël said, "With these ten new launchers, Arianespace and its partners are meeting the production and operational ramp-up challenge for Vega, the newest member of our family. We are addressing a growing demand for services by a light launcher, especially for Earth observation. We are very proud of rising to this challenge, to support our government and commercial customers. I would also like to pay tribute to the excellence demonstrated by ELV, who has delivered a reliable launcher, and to thank ESA for their full-fledged commitment to the success of Vega."

Pierluigi Pirrelli, Chief Executive of ELV, added, "I would like to thank everybody, especially the young people, in Italy and throughout Europe, who contributed their skills and their passion to making the development of this launcher such an outstanding technical success, and who are today working with Arianespace to guarantee the sustained operational success of the Vega launcher."

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading satellite launch company, delivering innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, the company offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of November 20, 2013, Arianespace had carried out a total of 215 Ariane launches, 31 Soyuz launches (five at the Guiana Space Center and 26 at Baikonur via Starsem) and two Vega launches. Arianespace has a backlog of 21 Ariane 5, 10 Soyuz and four Vega launches, equaling three years of business.

About ELV

ELV (European Launch Vehicle) is a public-private partnership between Avio (70%) and the Italian space agency (30%). The company is prime contractor for the design and development of the European launcher Vega, and is in charge of its integration in French Guiana. Because of the excellent performance demonstrated by the launcher during its first missions, and the favorable outlook for the launch market in this class of satellite, ELV is now ramping up the production rate, and also developing improved versions of Vega to continue to support Europe's strategy for independent access to space.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 on 11/22/2013 11:52 pm
LINK: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Stepping_up_Vega_launcher_production/

STEPPING UP VEGA LAUNCHER PRODUCTION

20 November 2013
Such is the success of Europe’s Vega small launcher that an order was signed today in Rome for the production of ten more vehicles. These will be launched over three years from the end of 2015.

The contract was signed by Stéphane Israel, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Pierluigi Pirrelli, CEO of European Launch Vehicle (ELV).

The signing ceremony took place during the 31st Franco-Italian summit, under the auspices of Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta and the President of France, François Hollande with France's Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and in the presence of the respective Research Ministers, Geneviève Fioraso for France and Maria Chiara Carrozza for Italy.

This order supplements the five rockets already ordered in 2010 for the initial exploitation phase of the launch system within ESA’s Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment (VERTA) programme to demonstrate the system’s flexibility.

At the same time, ESA, Arianespace and ELV concluded a Memorandum of Understanding specifying the general framework of this activity and the sharing of risks and responsibilities in the exploitation phase of the Vega launch system until 2018 and the transition from VERTA.  This was signed by Stéphane Israel, Pierluigi Pirrelli and Antonio Fabrizi, ESA Director of Launchers.

Vega is operated in conjunction with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and medium-lift Soyuz launchers at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Vega is the ideal launcher for small scientific and Earth observation missions in low or Sun-synchronous orbits.

Altogether, seven ESA Member States – Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden – are contributing to the programme.

The industrial prime contractor is ELV SpA, 70% of which is owned by Avio SpA and 30% by Italy’s ASI space agency.

ELV is responsible for Vega’s development, production, delivery and launch integration. As the future Vega service provider, Arianespace is responsible for launch operations.

The acts signed today in Rome are key in offering competitive Vega flight opportunities to ESA missions and other users until the end of 2018.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 12/04/2013 09:23 am
Ukraine to supply first mass-produced engine for new European Vega rocket in late 2013

http://www.nrcu.gov.ua/en/148/549158/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 01/02/2014 10:25 am
Info about Vespa.

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Deploying_multiple_satellites_with_Sylda_and_Vespa

Quote
Vespa can carry a main satellite weighing up to 1000 kg on top, and either a secondary payload up to 600 kg in the internal cone, or several auxiliary payloads distributed on a platform with a diameter that can be extended up to 1960 mm, with a maximum overall mass of 600 kg.

Quote
ESA is always looking to expand and refine the capability of its launchers. A new development project is under way to enable Vega to provide launch opportunities for demonstrators and nano/microsatellites of 1–50 kg. To do this would mean developing a smaller and simpler structure than Vespa in order to be cost-effective for this emerging market.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 02/10/2014 09:47 am
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/etudes/join/2014/433750/EXPO-SEDE_ET(2014)433750_EN.pdf
(page 90)

Quote
In VECEP, space agencies and industrial players will work on the upgrade of the propulsion and weight lift-off capacities of two new Vega configurations: Vega consolidated (C) and Vega Evolution (E) launchers. The former will be equipped with a new first stage, the P120, which development began in the VERTA framework. The latter will not only include the new Zefiro40 motor developed by Avio, but will be equipped with one between the German engine Venus and the Italian oxygenmethane MIRA thrusters for the upper stage. As a whole, the two upgrades would enhance the launcher capacity lift to 2 tonnes in LEO, thus opening significant opportunities for new scientific exploration.


http://www.cnes-multimedia.fr/voeux/2014/presse/Livret%20des%20programmes%202014.pdf (page 18)

Quote
Deux types d’évolution sont à l’étude : l’amélioration de l’étage P80 (version P105) et l’européanisation de l’étage Avum. Un lanceur Vega-C pourrait voir le jour en 2017-2018 et un modèle Vega-E à l’horizon 2025.

Vega-C for 2017-2018 and Vega-E for 2025.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 05/07/2014 09:21 am
Arianespace has just released (http://www.arianespace.com/launch-services-vega/Vega-user's-manual.asp) a much needed update for the Vega's User Manual!  8)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 06/04/2014 06:59 pm
Avio Space Could Be Sold This Summer

http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140603/DEFREG01/306030027/Avio-Space-Could-Sold-Summer
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 06/09/2014 09:41 am
Avio, KBKhA Test Fire Liquified Natural Gas Engine

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/06/08/vega-engine-fired/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 06/09/2014 01:58 pm
Avio, KBKhA Test Fire Liquified Natural Gas Engine

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/06/08/vega-engine-fired/
The LM10-MIRA appears to be an expander cycle rocket based on the RD-0146. Also with 7.5tnf. So it could work on a 10 tonne upper stage to replace both the Zafiro 9 and the AVUM with a single stage. If the new Vega is based on the Ariane 6 P145, they could lower its cost significantly.
The article did stated that they'd manufactured the two units in KBKhA factory. I wonder if the agreement is to later manufacture it in Europe, since both Energomash and KBKhA are used to design and then let the engines be serially produced elsewhere.
BTW, the final engine will have 10tnf of thrust. And according to the attached PDF, they'll use 60 single element coaxial injectors (page 6). This will be used on the Vega E version.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: osiossim on 06/17/2014 07:03 am
Would you think this development effect Vega?

http://en.itar-tass.com/world/736363
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 06/17/2014 08:33 am
Would you think this development effect Vega?

http://en.itar-tass.com/world/736363
Too early to tell.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 on 06/17/2014 02:01 pm
Would you think this development effect Vega?

http://en.itar-tass.com/world/736363
Too early to tell.
I sent an email to AVIO and they replied that info of the above article presently does not apply to the Vega Launcher.
The Ukrainian Company i emailed declined to answer and referred my inquiry to the government. No response at this time.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 06/17/2014 08:28 pm
Would you think this development effect Vega?

http://en.itar-tass.com/world/736363
Why would this present a problem. The AVUM engine is sold to a European company. And the KbKhA engine is done by a Russian company with an Italian company. No Russian-Ukranian relationship.
The interesting point is that as light as the article was on detail, they stated that they exempted dual use item. The article stated "like helicopter engines".
The biggest impact I could see on the Vega is the possible effective termination of the Dnepr. If this is actually seen as a disarmament move and thus allowed, but if they allow this while denying the maintenance of the SS-18, then they might actually increase the supply of Dnepr. So it could go either way. 
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: osiossim on 06/19/2014 06:47 am
Would you think this development effect Vega?

http://en.itar-tass.com/world/736363
Why would this present a problem. The AVUM engine is sold to a European company. And the KbKhA engine is done by a Russian company with an Italian company. No Russian-Ukranian relationship.
The interesting point is that as light as the article was on detail, they stated that they exempted dual use item. The article stated "like helicopter engines".
The biggest impact I could see on the Vega is the possible effective termination of the Dnepr. If this is actually seen as a disarmament move and thus allowed, but if they allow this while denying the maintenance of the SS-18, then they might actually increase the supply of Dnepr. So it could go either way. 

So, do you confirm that there is no participation from Yuzhnoye to VEGA?


On the other hands, Izvestia reports maintenance of SS-18 will continue from Yuzhnoye.

http://izvestia.ru/news/572635
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 06/19/2014 01:20 pm
Would you think this development effect Vega?

http://en.itar-tass.com/world/736363
Why would this present a problem. The AVUM engine is sold to a European company. And the KbKhA engine is done by a Russian company with an Italian company. No Russian-Ukranian relationship.
The interesting point is that as light as the article was on detail, they stated that they exempted dual use item. The article stated "like helicopter engines".
The biggest impact I could see on the Vega is the possible effective termination of the Dnepr. If this is actually seen as a disarmament move and thus allowed, but if they allow this while denying the maintenance of the SS-18, then they might actually increase the supply of Dnepr. So it could go either way. 

So, do you confirm that there is no participation from Yuzhnoye to VEGA?
On the contrary, Yuzhnoye supplies at least the engines of the AVUM. But that's an Ukranian-Italy transaction, how could a ban on Ukranian-Russian military supplies have any consequence?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 on 06/20/2014 04:41 am
Would you think this development effect Vega?

http://en.itar-tass.com/world/736363
Why would this present a problem. The AVUM engine is sold to a European company. And the KbKhA engine is done by a Russian company with an Italian company. No Russian-Ukranian relationship.
The interesting point is that as light as the article was on detail, they stated that they exempted dual use item. The article stated "like helicopter engines".
The biggest impact I could see on the Vega is the possible effective termination of the Dnepr. If this is actually seen as a disarmament move and thus allowed, but if they allow this while denying the maintenance of the SS-18, then they might actually increase the supply of Dnepr. So it could go either way. 

So, do you confirm that there is no participation from Yuzhnoye to VEGA?
On the contrary, Yuzhnoye supplies at least the engines of the AVUM. But that's an Ukranian-Italy transaction, how could a ban on Ukranian-Russian military supplies have any consequence?
Only way excluding political actions in my view would be mainly seizure of the facilities where manufacture takes place by non-Ukrainian personnel.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: robertross on 10/29/2014 02:45 pm

Arianespace  @Arianespace 

#Arianespace confirms its order for 10 #Vega launch vehicles from Italian manufacturer #ELV http://bit.ly/1thSw9T


Arianespace  @Arianespace 

New #Vega contract will sustain 1,000 high-skill jobs in #Italy and as many across #Europe, said #Avio Chairman & CEO Pier Giuliano Lasagni

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 10/30/2014 07:12 am
Arianespace signs contract with ELV for ten Vega launchers
 
Rome, October 29, 2014

Stéphane Israël, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Pierluigi Pirrelli, Chief Executive of ELV (European Launch Vehicle), signed a contract today, October 29, 2014, in Rome, confirming Arianespace's order of ten Vega launch vehicles from the Italian manufacturer.

This contract follows the long-term procurement agreement concerning these ten launchers, signed in Rome on November 20, 2013 in a ceremony attended by French President François Hollande and Enrico Letta, Chairman of the Italian Council of Ministers.

Today's contract signing ceremony was held at the Italian Ministry of Research in Rome, and was attended by Stefania Giannini, Italian Minister of Education, Universities and Research, Professor Roberto Battiston, President of Italian space agency ASI, Catherine Colonna, the French ambassador to Italy, Pier Giuliano Lasagni, the Chairman and CEO of Avio, and other representatives of the Italian government.

The ten Vega launchers ordered today, representing more than three years of business for Arianespace, will enter service at the end of 2015.

Following the success of the first three Vega launches1 and nine new missions signed by Arianespace, today's production contract confirms the long-term viability of Vega, now established as the best launch vehicle in the light-lift class. Vega is perfectly suited to the launch of small scientific and Earth observation satellites into low or Sun-synchronous orbit. It is available for not only European government and institutional launches, but also export contracts.

Arianespace is the launch system operator during the operational phase, with responsibility for the marketing and sale of launch services, and is prime contractor for launch operations. Vega is operated alongside the Ariane 5 heavy launcher and the Soyuz medium launcher as part of the Arianespace family of launchers at the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

ELV, based in Colleferro, Italy, is the industrial prime contractor for the Vega launcher. It is a public-private joint venture, owned by Avio (70%) and the Italian space agency (30%).

Following the signature of this contract, Ms. Giannini, Italian Minister for Education, Universities and Research, said: "The space field has enormous potential and can play its part in the relaunch of our economy. Today’s agreement is a demonstration and it is also a confirmation of the importance of our industry".

ASI chief Roberto Battiston added: "Vega represents Italian technological excellence. Today’s agreement signature is a demonstration of the industrial benefits in the field of space resulting from years of investment in high-technology infrastructure and highly specialized personnel. The importance of this agreement is evident not only in economic terms. It is the reflection of the presence and abilities of our domestic industry that allows Europe to excel in the highly competitive field of launchers. The Vega program testifies to the successes possible through an effective and coordinated strategic effort."

Stéphane Israël, Arianespace Chairman and CEO, said: "Vega is a technological achievement that Italy can really be proud of. It owes a lot to the industrial excellence of Avio combined with the unwavering support of the Italian government through ASI. Arianespace is delighted to confirm the new impulse given to Vega’s exploitation ramping up through the signature with ELV of a procurement contract for 10 additional units: these launchers will meet the needs of our customers, both institutional and commercial on the small satellites segment, especially the one dedicated to Earth observation. We are determined to go on working with our Italian partners to make Vega a successful program in the long run” ".

Pier Giuliano Lasagni, Chairman and CEO of Avio, underscored the commitment of everybody who contributes to Vega's success, noting: "Vega boosts Italian exports in this high-tech sector. The contract signed today will play a substantial role in maintaining over 1,000 skilled trade jobs in Italy, and just as many in Europe, through at least 2018. I am referring to highly experienced and qualified technicians and line workers, along with value-added engineering, which fosters dynamic collaboration with universities and other research centers in Italy. It also attracts top talent, who are proud of this opportunity to produce work on a par with their counterparts in Italy and worldwide."

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading satellite launch company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, the company offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence.

As of October 29, 2014, 220 Ariane launches, 35 Soyuz launches (9 at the Guiana Space Centre and 26 at Baikonur with Starsem) and three Vega launches have been performed. The company’s headquarters is in Evry, near Paris, and has local offices in Washington DC (United States), Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore.

About ELV

ELV is a public-private company owned by the AVIO Group (70%) and the Italian Space Agency (30%). ELV is the prime contractor for the design and development of the European launcher Vega, and it is responsible for the integration of the launcher in French Guiana.

About AVIO S.p.A.

Avio is an international leading group in the aerospace industry. Avio operates in Italy, France, French Guyana and it has more than 800 employees. In 2012 income was 287 M€. Avio Group develops the launch system VEGA allowing Italy to be one of the few Countries in the world which can build and produce a whole space launch system. Its subsidiary ELV (owned 30% by Agenzia Spaziale Italiana) is prime contractor.

Avio has a long established experience in the design and production of liquid and solid propulsion systems for space launchers and tactical propulsion.

Avio also produces the liquid oxygen turbopomp for the cryogenic engine Vulcain, the two solid propellant side engines for Ariane 5, the first part of the defence missile system Aster 30. The solid propulsion of Avio had a great success in more than 215 launches of Ariane and in all launches of Vega.

In the satellite field, Avio group developed for ESA and ASI the propulsion subsystems to launch and control more than 30 satellites (SICRAL and Small GEO are the most recent).

1 VV01 on February 13, 2012 (Lares, Almasat-1, Cubesat-1), VV02 on May 7, 2013 (Proba-V, VNREDSat-1, ESTCube-1) and VV03 on April 30, 2014 (KazEOSat-1).

http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2014/10-29-2014-Vega-agreement.asp
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: savuporo on 11/27/2014 06:43 pm
They are (currently) separate programs. Lyra got a 'GO' to proceed beyond feasibility studies, is now in development phase, and is being financed by ASI. VENUS is only in proposal stage right now and is financed by DLR. The German space agency wants to join the Vega programme.
The objectives of both programmes could complement one another. Lyra aims at replacing Vega third and AVUM stages with new LOX/LCH stages, powered by the new MIRA engine.
So MIRA testing appears to be complete as of this summer (http://www.avio.com/it/media_center/press_releases/2014/pres/avio_conclusi_in_russia_i_test_del_nuovo_motore_spaziale_mira/) .
Google translate:
Quote
MIRA is a new innovative engine oxygen and methane, has a thrust of 7.5 tons and an ability to perform multiple ignitions.
 During the test campaign to fire, which began last May, the engine has fully achieved the objectives of the project objectives.
Was also tested, through the verification of the functionality, the turbo pump and the methane injection plate developed by AVIO  for the propulsion liquid oxygen-methane.

As stated in the future plans of the European Space Agency (ESA), the engine Mira is designed to equip the third stage liquid of a new enhanced version of the space launcher VEGA, of which AVIO - through its subsidiary ELV - is already developing the new evolution.
ParabolicArc english version (http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/06/08/vega-engine-fired/)

It also appears that this is definitely not fully a KBKhA engine, there are apparently quite a few people from Avio side that have been working on injector and turbopump for example (https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Alinkedin.com+lm10+mira) . The engine is stated to be capable of multiple restarts.

Would this indicate that Lyra third stage is a go ahead ? Is ISA still funding this completely independently ? It does seem like at least some DLR researchers are involved.
I'm attaching what i think is a 2007 presentation about the program, in italian ( Lasagni.pdf ) and an abstract about pump development.

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 11/27/2014 07:06 pm
What they say is that it was a collaboration with Kosberg, and that they tested the injector and fuel turbopump. The Italian scientist says that he is confident that with this demonstrations ASI will go ahead to the next phase of development. So I guess they are an oxygen turbopump and some integration away from a full engine qualification. Since the LM-10 is supposed to be an expander, the KBKhA stand have probably supplied the pressurized LOX directly to the injector. But this clearly means that they have tested and demonstrated the full expander side of the engine. They just need to develop an oxygen turbopump (or add a new section to the existing one to use a single axis).
In this interview with ASI's President Roberto Battiston (http://www.spacenews.com/article/features/42669profile-roberto-battiston-president-italian-space-agency), he states that Italy is committed to developing Ariane 6, P120 and Vega-C and won't allow one program to start without the other three. They also state that they have been assigned enough funding for all international collaborations on the new government budget, and that the plan for Vega-C is to fly by 2018. In general they are working very hard for Luxembourg's meeting, but it clearly will be a defining meeting for this decade and not an easy negotiation.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 11/28/2014 12:24 pm
Interesting tidbit from the pre-council presser:

http://www.esa.int/For_Media/Press_Releases/Media_backgrounder_for_ESA_Council_at_Ministerial_Level (http://www.esa.int/For_Media/Press_Releases/Media_backgrounder_for_ESA_Council_at_Ministerial_Level)

Emphasis mine.

Quote from: ESA
In response to these rapid changes, the ESA Executive and European launcher industry have defined a modular Ariane 6 in two configurations to serve the medium and heavy launch segments as from 2020, and a Vega upgraded launch system (Vega C) to serve the small launch segment. Ariane 6 will profit from the best re-use of Ariane 5 Midterm Evolution results and investments and from the common use of a solid rocket motor (P120C) as both first stage of Vega C and strap-on booster for Ariane 6.


Right, so that is how they think they can keep the Italians interested in Ariane 6.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 12/18/2014 02:54 pm
Carrying this over from the Ariane 6 discussion thread:

The last few posts were all quite off-topic as they are dealing more about Vega than Ariane 6. Nevertheless, they contain a number of inaccuracies (by various contributors, but I aggregate it in one reply) that I want to correct :

a) Vega-C within DLR's VENUS-study has no link with Vega-C(onsolidation) which is currently being worked on within an ESA programme. Vega-A through Vega-F within VENUS was just a nomenclature for the different studied versions. In contrast, Vega-C(onsolidation) in ESA context is meant to be the next, near-term (small) evolutionary definition of the Vega launch vehicle. Vega-E(volution) is in ESA context the subsequent evolutionary step for Vega taking bigger modifications on board. This summer, there were discussions if there might be a Vega-D which is somewhere inbetween Vega-C and Vega-E both in terms of development cost and launch vehicle performance (and based on Aestus).

Correct. But on this thread no-one, so far, mistook Vega-C (in the context of VENUS) with Vega C (Consolidation).
Nevertheless, thanks for the clarification.


b) The current definition of Vega-C is more than just the replacement of P80 by the P120C. In addition, the second stage Zefiro 23 will be replaced by Zefiro 40 (roughly +17 tons propellant loading; increased diameter). The fourth stage will also see minor modifications and be called AVUM+ (mainly slightly larger propellant tanks). This Vega-C definition is quite similar to what was planned 2012 in Naples (however with slightly bigger first stage which was then a commonality with the A6-PPH of that time). However, as requirements for Vega-C and A6-PPH had diverged in the last two years, the Vega-C definition prior to this summer was a P-CV (roman 105, meaning 105 t propellant loading) and AVUM+ as new elements with Z23 and Z9+ as unchanged stages.
Are you sure about Z40 now being part of Vega C (Consolidation)? Because all the documentation I've seen so far, right up to the stuff issued two days before the 2014 ministerial council, stated that the Z23 -> Z40 upgrade is part of Vega E (Evolution).


c) Vega-E with Myra/Lyra is not a cryo-stage in the classical sense, i.e. it is LOX-methane and not LOX/LH2. This is the preferred configuration by Italy, but far from being decided. Most of the relevant work has been performed within Italian national activities. Nothing more than system studies for Vega-E is planned in the subscribed ESA-Vega Programme and I bet that Vega-C activities will have priority and precedence over Vega-E for quite some time.
A cryo stage is a stage carrying at least one of the two propellants at cryogenic temperatures. As such there is no such thing as a 'cryo stage in the classical sense'. There is no need in distinguishing between one type of cryo-stage (HydroLox) and another type of cryo-stage (MethaLox).

I fully agree with you that it has not been decided that the LYRA/MYRA/C10 stage will be MethaLox. That is, not within the bounds of ESA. But it has been decided within the bounds of the developing agency: ASI.
If and when the ASI work on LYRA/MYRA/C10 will be adopted by ESA for Vega E, the propellant combination will not be changed IMO. The winds of change are hitting the ESA launcher directorate as we speak. Methane is not a dirty word there anymore.

Further: not 'most' but 'all' activities for the cryo stage (LYRA/MYRA/C10) have been performed under ASI supervision so far, given the fact that ESA specifically requested ASI to carry the work forward until the time it becomes eligible for ESA adoption.
And that bet of yours with regards to Vega C activities having priority over Vega E activities is the safest bet around. You see, it's not a bet. It's a given.  :)


d) Commonality between Vega and Ariane 6 avionics: Ariane 5 avionics was redundant, whereas significant elements of Vega are not redundant. I personaly believe for the time being, that Ariane 6 will have redundant avionics. Nevertheless, this would not exclude as such the reuse of certain avionics boxes. However, A5 and Vega use the MIL-bus, whereas there is a likelyhood that A6 will use a different bus. Furthermore, new developments concerning the avionics main system (with focus on reduced cost and mass) are candidates for A6. I therefore believe that there will only be very limited commonality between A6 and Vega for what concerns the avionics.
Ariane 6 electronics will indeed be only partially redundant; only where it is needed. A5 carried (near) full redundant avionics, courtesy of the Hermes programme. A6 avionics development will not hampered by aspirations to fly humans on A6. I also fully share your opinion that commonality between Vega avionics and Ariane 6 avionics will be very limited or non-existent.


e) Vinci as upper stage engine on Vega: This solution implies converting Vega into a two stage rocket and has been studied as Vega-F in the VENUS study (I attached the previously mentioned IAC paper as pdf for reference). Technically possible, but quite a deviation from the original Vega performance class. (And I fully share woods170 statement on ESA politics 101!)
Yes, it was quite humorous to read the question/frustration from RocketMaster, particularly given his forum name. Why people keep thinking that rockets are Lego's is beyond me.


f) active or inactive programmes: LYRA/MYRA are ongoing at a rather low level in Italy. As written above, the Vega-E activities within the ESA programme are even more limited and will stay that way for quite some time. Germany had studied (in VENUS-II) mainly two evolutions of Vega: one option consisting of replacing the Z9 third stage and AVUM with a storable upper stage with the flight qualified Aestus engine. The other option was mainly to stay with a four stage configuration with a Europeanized fourth stage. What is likely to happen is a "reduced" version of the latter. The development of European propellant tanks to replace the Russian Lavochkin tanks was already funded in 2012 and the development contract should finally be signed in the not too far future. On top of that, there is an ongoing development of a storable engine demonstrator in the 5 kN class within FLPP. A first hot firing campaign has been performed since mid August in Lampoldshausen and showed good performance of the engine. There is the option to tweek that demonstrator into a flight engine design for AVUM+ and thus to replace the current Ukranian engine, but it is still to be evaluated if there is sufficient budget available to reach flight qualification. On top of that, it would also take some more effort on system and stage side as the slightly higher thrust as well as different propellant (MMH instead of UDMH) would have to be taken into account.
Still not seeing this scenario happening. The engine demonstrator firings say exactly nothing. MYRA engine demonstrators have been test-fired since 2007 and they are yet to replace Z9 and AVUM with the LYRA upper stage (scheduled as part of Vega E), despite the fact that LYRA structures (tankage and plumbing) is now also under development.
Why do AVUM+ as a 'VENUS in disguise' when LYRA/MYRA is on the horizon? Why spend money twice if it can be done once? I know, I know... ESA politics. But Vega is basically an Italian launcher. The LYRA/MYRA activities are much more attractive to them than AVUM+. If AVUM+ is to go forward it will be Germany paying the bill IMO.


Anyhow, I propose to have any follow up to this in an Vega thread, where it is much more appropriate!
Indeed. And that's where it is now.
Thanks again for your input. Much appreciated.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Notaris on 12/18/2014 09:14 pm
Carrying this over from the Ariane 6 discussion thread:

The last few posts were all quite off-topic as they are dealing more about Vega than Ariane 6. Nevertheless, they contain a number of inaccuracies (by various contributors, but I aggregate it in one reply) that I want to correct :

a) Vega-C within DLR's VENUS-study has no link with Vega-C(onsolidation) which is currently being worked on within an ESA programme. Vega-A through Vega-F within VENUS was just a nomenclature for the different studied versions. In contrast, Vega-C(onsolidation) in ESA context is meant to be the next, near-term (small) evolutionary definition of the Vega launch vehicle. Vega-E(volution) is in ESA context the subsequent evolutionary step for Vega taking bigger modifications on board. This summer, there were discussions if there might be a Vega-D which is somewhere inbetween Vega-C and Vega-E both in terms of development cost and launch vehicle performance (and based on Aestus).

Correct. But on this thread no-one, so far, mistook Vega-C (in the context of VENUS) with Vega C (Consolidation).
Nevertheless, thanks for the clarification.


Have a look at
Reply #1121 on: 17 December 2014, 17:55:02 » (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.msg1303879#msg1303879)
in the Ariane 6 thread.  RocketMaster was raising the question and the above was my answer.

Quote

b) The current definition of Vega-C is more than just the replacement of P80 by the P120C. In addition, the second stage Zefiro 23 will be replaced by Zefiro 40 (roughly +17 tons propellant loading; increased diameter). The fourth stage will also see minor modifications and be called AVUM+ (mainly slightly larger propellant tanks). This Vega-C definition is quite similar to what was planned 2012 in Naples (however with slightly bigger first stage which was then a commonality with the A6-PPH of that time). However, as requirements for Vega-C and A6-PPH had diverged in the last two years, the Vega-C definition prior to this summer was a P-CV (roman 105, meaning 105 t propellant loading) and AVUM+ as new elements with Z23 and Z9+ as unchanged stages.
Are you sure about Z40 now being part of Vega C (Consolidation)? Because all the documentation I've seen so far, right up to the stuff issued two days before the 2014 ministerial council, stated that the Z23 -> Z40 upgrade is part of Vega E (Evolution).



Yes, quite sure. I am all but certain that it is in the Programme Declaration.

Quote


c) Vega-E with Myra/Lyra is not a cryo-stage in the classical sense, i.e. it is LOX-methane and not LOX/LH2. This is the preferred configuration by Italy, but far from being decided. Most of the relevant work has been performed within Italian national activities. Nothing more than system studies for Vega-E is planned in the subscribed ESA-Vega Programme and I bet that Vega-C activities will have priority and precedence over Vega-E for quite some time.
A cryo stage is a stage carrying at least one of the two propellants at cryogenic temperatures. As such there is no such thing as a 'cryo stage in the classical sense'. There is no need in distinguishing between one type of cryo-stage (HydroLox) and another type of cryo-stage (MethaLox).




My impression is that the launcher community (at least) in Europe generally reserves the term "cryo" for LOX/LH2 and calls any other LOX/methane, LOX/LNG, or others "soft-cryo" at best. However, the important point is that LYRA/MYRA is methane, a fact on which we both agree on.

Quote



I fully agree with you that it has not been decided that the LYRA/MYRA/C10 stage will be MethaLox. That is, not within the bounds of ESA. But it has been decided within the bounds of the developing agency: ASI.
If and when the ASI work on LYRA/MYRA/C10 will be adopted by ESA for Vega E, the propellant combination will not be changed IMO. The winds of change are hitting the ESA launcher directorate as we speak. Methane is not a dirty word there anymore.

Further: not 'most' but 'all' activities for the cryo stage (LYRA/MYRA/C10) have been performed under ASI supervision so far, given the fact that ESA specifically requested ASI to carry the work forward until the time it becomes eligible for ESA adoption.
And that bet of yours with regards to Vega C activities having priority over Vega E activities is the safest bet around. You see, it's not a bet. It's a given.  :)


d) Commonality between Vega and Ariane 6 avionics: Ariane 5 avionics was redundant, whereas significant elements of Vega are not redundant. I personaly believe for the time being, that Ariane 6 will have redundant avionics. Nevertheless, this would not exclude as such the reuse of certain avionics boxes. However, A5 and Vega use the MIL-bus, whereas there is a likelyhood that A6 will use a different bus. Furthermore, new developments concerning the avionics main system (with focus on reduced cost and mass) are candidates for A6. I therefore believe that there will only be very limited commonality between A6 and Vega for what concerns the avionics.
Ariane 6 electronics will indeed be only partially redundant; only where it is needed. A5 carried (near) full redundant avionics, courtesy of the Hermes programme. A6 avionics development will not hampered by aspirations to fly humans on A6. I also fully share your opinion that commonality between Vega avionics and Ariane 6 avionics will be very limited or non-existent.


e) Vinci as upper stage engine on Vega: This solution implies converting Vega into a two stage rocket and has been studied as Vega-F in the VENUS study (I attached the previously mentioned IAC paper as pdf for reference). Technically possible, but quite a deviation from the original Vega performance class. (And I fully share woods170 statement on ESA politics 101!)
Yes, it was quite humorous to read the question/frustration from RocketMaster, particularly given his forum name. Why people keep thinking that rockets are Lego's is beyond me.


f) active or inactive programmes: LYRA/MYRA are ongoing at a rather low level in Italy. As written above, the Vega-E activities within the ESA programme are even more limited and will stay that way for quite some time. Germany had studied (in VENUS-II) mainly two evolutions of Vega: one option consisting of replacing the Z9 third stage and AVUM with a storable upper stage with the flight qualified Aestus engine. The other option was mainly to stay with a four stage configuration with a Europeanized fourth stage. What is likely to happen is a "reduced" version of the latter. The development of European propellant tanks to replace the Russian Lavochkin tanks was already funded in 2012 and the development contract should finally be signed in the not too far future. On top of that, there is an ongoing development of a storable engine demonstrator in the 5 kN class within FLPP. A first hot firing campaign has been performed since mid August in Lampoldshausen and showed good performance of the engine. There is the option to tweek that demonstrator into a flight engine design for AVUM+ and thus to replace the current Ukranian engine, but it is still to be evaluated if there is sufficient budget available to reach flight qualification. On top of that, it would also take some more effort on system and stage side as the slightly higher thrust as well as different propellant (MMH instead of UDMH) would have to be taken into account.
Still not seeing this scenario happening. The engine demonstrator firings say exactly nothing. MYRA engine demonstrators have been test-fired since 2007 and they are yet to replace Z9 and AVUM with the LYRA upper stage (scheduled as part of Vega E), despite the fact that LYRA structures (tankage and plumbing) is now also under development.
Why do AVUM+ as a 'VENUS in disguise' when LYRA/MYRA is on the horizon? Why spend money twice if it can be done once? I know, I know... ESA politics. But Vega is basically an Italian launcher. The LYRA/MYRA activities are much more attractive to them than AVUM+. If AVUM+ is to go forward it will be Germany paying the bill IMO.


Well, the new propellant tanks for AVUM+ are on their way and will definitely come. As I said myself, it is by far not given that the new storable engine will make its way onto the stage (due to limited funding). However, Vega-C is currently the only funded programme and the only one that the involved parties can afford. All major space transportation nations in Europe (for sure France, Italy and Germany) are broke after the decision for Ariane6, posing considerable problems for financing Vega-E any time in the mid-term future!


Quote

Anyhow, I propose to have any follow up to this in an Vega thread, where it is much more appropriate!
Indeed. And that's where it is now.
Thanks again for your input. Much appreciated.

And thanks to you for carrying the thread over to its correct place.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 12/18/2014 10:18 pm
If I might inquire, is there any estimation of Vega-C and Vega-E performance? LEO, SSO or Galileo?
The move to P120/Z40/Avum, would lower cost or sort of keep it?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 12/19/2014 06:04 am
If I might inquire, is there any estimation of Vega-C and Vega-E performance? LEO, SSO or Galileo?
The move to P120/Z40/Avum, would lower cost or sort of keep it?
If Notaris is correct and the Z23 to Z40 switch is also part of Vega C (Consolidation) then the performance increase to LEO will be substantially more than the 400 kg advertised earlier. Vega will have better performance on both the first AND second stages. I'll let someone else do the rough calculations.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 12/19/2014 06:19 am
Correct. But on this thread no-one, so far, mistook Vega-C (in the context of VENUS) with Vega C (Consolidation).
Nevertheless, thanks for the clarification.

Have a look at
Reply #1121 on: 17 December 2014, 17:55:02 » (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31494.msg1303879#msg1303879)
in the Ariane 6 thread.  RocketMaster was raising the question and the above was my answer.
You're spot on.

Are you sure about Z40 now being part of Vega C (Consolidation)? Because all the documentation I've seen so far, right up to the stuff issued two days before the 2014 ministerial council, stated that the Z23 -> Z40 upgrade is part of Vega E (Evolution).
Yes, quite sure. I am all but certain that it is in the Programme Declaration.
Thanks. I'll see if I can get my hands on a copy via my sources.


A cryo stage is a stage carrying at least one of the two propellants at cryogenic temperatures. As such there is no such thing as a 'cryo stage in the classical sense'. There is no need in distinguishing between one type of cryo-stage (HydroLox) and another type of cryo-stage (MethaLox).
My impression is that the launcher community (at least) in Europe generally reserves the term "cryo" for LOX/LH2 and calls any other LOX/methane, LOX/LNG, or others "soft-cryo" at best. However, the important point is that LYRA/MYRA is methane, a fact on which we both agree on.
Sounds like it's dependent on what folks we talk to. My contacts in the same business never distinguish between cryo and soft-cryo. In fact, you coining the term is the very first time I heard the distinction. Oh well, we learn something new every day.



Well, the new propellant tanks for AVUM+ are on their way and will definitely come. As I said myself, it is by far not given that the new storable engine will make its way onto the stage (due to limited funding). However, Vega-C is currently the only funded programme and the only one that the involved parties can afford. All major space transportation nations in Europe (for sure France, Italy and Germany) are broke after the decision for Ariane6, posing considerable problems for financing Vega-E any time in the mid-term future!
Again, I don't see it that way. Unless my timeframe is way off... Vega C (Consolidation) is supposed to go operational in the 2018-2020 timeframe, with Ariane 6 being supposed to go operational at the end of that timeframe.
All dates I've seen for Vega E (Evolution) refer to a period beyond 2023. That leaves a nice three-to-four year gap to find funding for Vega-E. Unless the scope of Vega E is changed considerably it should not be too difficult to find the funding to complete the LYRA/MYRA upper stage. There is limited precedent for this: a supposed lack of funding never managed to completely kill off the development of Vinci before it became fully funded again. They even managed to get some very significant work done during the low-funding period. My feeling is that LYRA/MYRA will be similar.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 12/19/2014 06:24 am
If I might inquire, is there any estimation of Vega-C and Vega-E performance? LEO, SSO or Galileo?
The move to P120/Z40/Avum, would lower cost or sort of keep it?
A bigger launcher using basically the same technologies and not getting a significantly higher launch rate. You don't need to guess three times to see what the cost will be.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Notaris on 12/19/2014 06:38 am
If I might inquire, is there any estimation of Vega-C and Vega-E performance? LEO, SSO or Galileo?
The move to P120/Z40/Avum, would lower cost or sort of keep it?
If Notaris is correct and the Z23 to Z40 switch is also part of Vega C (Consolidation) then the performance increase to LEO will be substantially more than the 400 kg advertised earlier. Vega will have better performance on both the first AND second stages. I'll let someone else do the rough calculations.

I can confirm that Z40 is part of the Vega-C definition (It is in the Programme Declaration).

@baldusi: Vega-C is (still) a 4-stage vehicle: P120C, Z40, Z9a, AVUM+

Required performance for Vega-C is an increase of > 300 kg with respect to the qualified Vega launcher performance (again as stated in the Programme Declaration) without increase of RC. One has to account for that the P120C motor shall be strictly identical for Vega-C and Ariane 6. The mass flow/thrust profile will be therefore a compromis and definitely not the optimum for either configuration, which has an impact on performance.

Vega-E definition is not yet decided, but the target is (currently) set at > 2500 kg in SSO along with medium earth transfer orbit capability (not quantified).
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Notaris on 12/19/2014 06:47 am


Well, the new propellant tanks for AVUM+ are on their way and will definitely come. As I said myself, it is by far not given that the new storable engine will make its way onto the stage (due to limited funding). However, Vega-C is currently the only funded programme and the only one that the involved parties can afford. All major space transportation nations in Europe (for sure France, Italy and Germany) are broke after the decision for Ariane6, posing considerable problems for financing Vega-E any time in the mid-term future!
Again, I don't see it that way. Unless my timeframe is way off... Vega C (Consolidation) is supposed to go operational in the 2018-2020 timeframe, with Ariane 6 being supposed to go operational at the end of that timeframe.
All dates I've seen for Vega E (Evolution) refer to a period beyond 2023. That leaves a nice three-to-four year gap to find funding for Vega-E. Unless the scope of Vega E is changed considerably it should not be too difficult to find the funding to complete the LYRA/MYRA upper stage. There is limited precedent for this: a supposed lack of funding never managed to completely kill off the development of Vinci before it became fully funded again. They even managed to get some very significant work done during the low-funding period. My feeling is that LYRA/MYRA will be similar.

I think that we can agree on the fact that Vega-E will most likely come at some point of time. I assume that we can also agree (seeing that you also see no Vega-E flying before 2023) that predictions are rather speculativ considering the long time span. On the rest, we seem to have slightly different expectations. A methane stage with an Italian engine seems to be granted for you (Lyra/Myra). I do not outright exclude a methane stage (but would expect rather a methanized Vinci derived motor....),  but it is for me only one option out of several.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: JulesVerneATV on 12/24/2014 03:13 pm
I'm happy with all that's developed and the problems which have been overcome, Vega will really get attention when it starts launching ground breaking technologies into space like the LISA Pathfinder spacetime gravity wave mission.

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 05/16/2015 08:42 am
http://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA_Publications/ESA_Bulletin_161_1st_quarter_2015

From ESA Bulletin 161 (Page 80)

Quote
For storable propulsion, the Demonstrator hot-firing test campaign at Lampoldshausen was completed with 53 successful firing tests. This engine is the precursor of the Europeanised AVUM for Vega-C launcher. In line with the German subscription to VECEP at the Ministerial Council, FLPP is now anticipating and preparing for the storable demonstrator to go into development. The Hybrid Propulsion Demonstrator campaign began in September and two successful full thrust tests have been performed up to now, showing very promising performance data.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Alpha_Centauri on 05/31/2015 02:55 pm
There was an ASI workshop in April all about Vega's past, present and future. There's some interesting presentations linked to at the bottom of the Italian version news article.

http://www.asi.it/it/news/vega-una-storia-italiana-di-successo

There's a bit more clarification regarding the status of Vega-C and E, but there's two things that particularly caught my eye. One is the VEnUS (not to be confused with the German upper stage proposal) solar electric 5th stage.

http://www.asi.it/sites/default/files/5.c_-_VEnUS_-_ESA_IPT.pdf

This has been mooted before but this is the first I've seen where they are targeting launch on the Vega-C qualification flight, presumably go ahead is needed next year.  The VEnUS module would dramatically expand Vega's capability allowing decent scientific missions to all near-earth space.

The second is a tiny mention about Vega-EH. I haven't heard of this before and after some digging it appears more was shown at the workshop than is in the presentations;

http://www.bis-italia.it/workshop-sul-programma-vega-in-asi/

Turns out Vega-EH is an ambition for a heavy Vega launcher with either 2 or 3 P120C boosters.  This would presumably close the gap between Vega and the lightest Ariane 6.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 05/31/2015 07:58 pm
Thanks Alpha_Centauri for finding those interesting presentations.
So maybe ESA Gets a dual launcher family: Vega and Ariane.
I'm missing one member of the Vega family: the Mini-Vega, VegaS or Vega S / M
The VegaS is the Vega rocket without first stage. CNES already refered to it in 2007.
See page 19 of this presentation (http://cnes.cborg.fr/jc2/2007/telecharger/jc2_2007_berenbach.pdf).
Vega M could be used to launch mini-satalites (200-500kg class) to odd inclinations. As for example, the Expert reentry vehicle mission.

I'm no rocket expert but developing Vega M looks very easy to me. Only three things are required:
 - A new launch mount to mount VegaS at the same height as it sits on top the P88 or P120C at ELV.
 - Software modifications so the Vega launch sequence starts with the second stage (Z23 or Z40).
 - (optional) A 1,9m - 2.2m diameter fearing so VegaS experiences less drag-losses during liftoff.

Currently only three to four Vega rockets can be launched per year. Most likely this is caused by the fact the P88 stages are filled at the BIP and there is only one launch mount that has to be at the BIP during the filling process. As a result the production rate for the Z23/Z40, (Z9) and Avum+/VAS is only four per year. Could the cost per stage be lowered by launching two VegaS per Year? (increasing the production to six per year).
Could ESA benefit from the capability VegaS brings? (I know of one payload 'EXPERT' that has no launcher, could it be launched by VegaS?)
Is the development as easy as I think?
What is a useful and reasonable implementation timing? and what will be the capability:
VegaS C (Z23/Z40, Z9 & Avum+) ~2019 or VegaS E (Z40 & VAS) ~2022 ?

I take from the presentations that VEGA H(eavy) will be implemented after VEGA E launches. I conclude from the presentation they will air-start the center P120C. A second version of the P120C will need to be developed so the P120C can withstand the loads form the side boosters and is air-started. Maybe usefull for a A66 configuration.
My big question for the VEGA EH is which launchpad can it be launched from? Is ELS (ELA1) strong enough to withstand two P120C simultaniously? And how can they be integrated om ELS.
To me the development of Vega EH looks much more complicated than developing Vega CM(ini) or EM.

I'm looking forward your oppinion about VegaS/ VEGA CM / EM, and other Vega developments.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: baldusi on 06/01/2015 04:51 pm
Great find! I love one of the small details that might mean they are know begining to understand how a commercial company moves. They are leaving ADA behind and writing all the GNC in C. And are adding GNSS sensors for improving the orbital insertion accuracy. Off with committee piles of rubber stamping and in with agile development methods. Good for them.
BTW, I'm not disregarding the system engineering approach. Just the use of ridiculous languages to try to put SE in everything. You need it on the process, not on the language.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 08/12/2015 07:30 pm
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Ariane_6_and_Vega_C_begin_development

Ariane 6 and Vega C begin development

Quote
Today, ESA signed contracts for the development of the Ariane 6 new‑generation launcher, its launch base and the Vega C evolution of the current ESA small launcher.

The contracts, signed at ESA’s Paris Head Office with Airbus Safran Launchers (ASL), France’s CNES space agency and ELV, respectively, cover all development work on Ariane 6 and its launch base for a maiden flight in 2020, and on Vega C for its 2018 debut.

Quote
ESA is overseeing procurement and the architecture of the overall launch systems, while industry is developing the rockets, with ASL as prime contractor and design authority for Ariane 6, and ELV for Vega C.

ASL and ELV are working closely together on the P120C solid-propellant motor that will form Vega C’s first stage and Ariane’s strap-on boosters.

Ariane’s modular approach will offer either two boosters (Ariane 62) or four boosters (Ariane 64), depending on the required performance.

Quote
The contract amounts are: €2400 million for Ariane 6 (ASL), €600 million for the launch base (CNES) and €395 million for Vega C (ELV).
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Oli on 08/17/2015 03:45 pm

More technical details on P120C, Z40 and MIRA-F in the pdf attached.



Regarding Vega EH, if I had to make a guesstimate it would be 3.5t+ to GTO with a Mira upper stage and up to 7t with an A6 upper stage.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: savuporo on 08/17/2015 04:12 pm

More technical details on P120C, Z40 and MIRA-F in the pdf attached.

Thanks for that. MIRA looks pretty serious by now - another operational LOx-LNG upper stage in the worldwide stable would be awesome.
Quote
Trade-off whose participant are ELV, Arianespace, Avio, and ASL is expected to reach a
selection point on September 2015.
Crossing fingers all September here.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 12/11/2015 02:32 pm
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Vega_graduates_with_perfect_record

Vega graduates with perfect record

Quote
Europe’s Vega light launcher is entering its commercial life boasting a flawless record and an impressive set of capabilities for a wide range of missions.

Vega scored its sixth straight success with the launch of ESA’s LISA Pathfinder scientific craft earlier this month, having already lofted payloads for Earth observation, space engineering and exploration.

Operator Arianespace has now taken over full responsibility for Vega’s commercial exploitation at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 02/23/2016 12:34 pm
The second Preliminary Design Review (PDR) meeting for VEGA-C was held in Italy about a week ago.
avio_reunites_in_italy_the_brains_of_european_space/ (http://www.avio.com/en/media_center/press_releases/2016/pres/avio_reunites_in_italy_the_brains_of_european_space/)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 03/08/2016 06:47 pm
http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/satellite-2016-arianespace-reaffirms-its-goal-mission-to-success/

Quote
By the end of the year Arianespace plans to start marketing initial launches by Vega C and Ariane 6, Europe’s future launch vehicles, scheduled to make their first flights in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Kryten on 04/06/2016 04:12 pm
Quote
Peter B. de Selding ‏@pbdes  3h3 hours ago
ESA officials: Upgraded Vega-C's inaugural flight slips from 2018 to 2019 to accommodate newly designed 1st stage for 10% performance boost.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 04/12/2016 10:23 am
Now Vega C has slipt to 2019. Might it be a good idea to skip Vega-C and move directly to Vega-E. Saving the money to develop a launcher that has to be replaced because of EU Reach regulations. The propellants used by AVUM(+); UDMH and NTO are highly toxic and the EU wants them to be replaced.

A couple of pages back is a link to presentations given at the VeCEP workshop in 2015.
The presentation: Vega Market lessons learned, shows that there are annually two 1,5-3mT payloads and eight 0,3-1,5mT payloads.
In the time-frame 2016-2023 they forecast that the payloads are:
47% 0,2-0,7mT;
33% 0,7-1,5mT;
20% 1,5-2,5mT
and no payloads in the 2,5-3mT range.

So most payloads are <1mT, possibly a light version of VEGA-E is beter suited for this. (P50/Z40-Z40-VUS 2,4m fairing). Vega C/E can only launch 3 times per year because the P120C propellant casting facilities are only capable of producing 35 P120C annually (32 for Ariane 6 and 3 for Vega C/E). The facilities currently cast (6*4=24 + 3=) 27 P80/EAP segments annually. Most likely the Z40 stages will be filled at AVIO in Italy, for 3 VEGA-E and 3 small Vega launchers, 9x Z40 stages are needed. And six VUS (Vega-E Upper-Stage) are needed for those launchers.
   
In my opinion there are four options for the Vega-E Upper-Stage (VUS):
Two are in the presentation: Vega Consolidation and Evolution; Work in Progress on Propulsion.
- Mira (avio+russia):  75-120kN LOx-LNG (has Avio acquired enough technology from Russia to build it themselves, or are there other (European) companies that can supply a LOx-LNG engine by 2019.   
- HM7C (safran): 60 kN LOx-LH2 an cheaper version of the HM-7B that is used on Ariane 5's ESC-A, where 3D printing and other new technologies are applied on. (This might also be used on the last batch of Ariane 5).
And two low TRL alternatives:
- Nammo Hybrid upper-stage (HYPROGEO (https://www.hyprogeo.eu/)) HTP (High Test Peroxide) - HTPB
- Green hypergolic: HTP-RP-1 or HTP-Ethanol (most likely UK or Nammo).
Edit2: there is also a fifth engine option a Small Vince LOx-LH2 expander 60-120kN (not likely, ISP 460 instead of 440 with HM7C (GG).

I guess for 200-400 mln euro additional to the 400mln for the Vega-C development, both Vega-E and the Small Vega can be developed. This can be decided at the ministerial conference 2016. Is this a good or a bad idea?

Edit: Sorry for posting this in the VEGA update topic. There is no Vega discussion topic, if I´m not mistaken.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/08/2016 12:28 am
ESA's 4th Quarter 2015 Bulletin (http://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA_Publications/ESA_Publications_Bulletin/ESA_Bulletin_164_4th_quarter_2015) was placed online May 24th.
On page 57 is the status update about Vega evolution / Vega C.
To me two things stand out:
1) they are writing about a Standard Payload Fairing, this will be standard for all future Vega C/E(/F) launchers.
This can also indicate that there will also be a non standard fairing.
2) I concluded that AVUM+ will use the new developed BERTA engine from the sentences:
'Activities for AVUM+ BERTA configuration are going according to plan. An important Berta Key Point was held in October, which showed no technical issues at system level.

There are images on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Arianespace/comments/4llssl/vega_c_is_now_vega_c_more_thrust_and_higher/) and the french Forum-Conquete-spatiale (http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/t7262p275-nouvelles-du-lanceur-vega).
A comment underneath the Reddit picture summarizes the changes nicely. The 0,4m length increase caused a propellant loading increase of 6mT (Form 136mT on Avio slides in 2015 to 142mT on the BBC images).
The boss to boss length of the P120C/ESR stage has increased from 11,7m to 12,1m. I expect a total length of about 14,5m and a total mass of 155mT.
Apparently a trick with the tank-structure saved 100kg, (Spherical-Conical common bulkhead, and lithium aluminium alloy?)
In the second post on reddit they post about VEGA E, but nothing is certain about that. Avio want's the 75-120kN LOx-LNG MIRA engine to be used on a three stage system. But I think a cheaper version of HM-7 that contains 3D printed parts, or a HTP-Hybrid or HTP-RP-1/Ethanol could also be chosen (the later is my speculation and would be a 4-stage system). The chances for a toxic hyperolic upper-stage for VEGA E are very slim, because their use is going to be banned by European Reach regulations. (the HTP-Hybrid of HTP-RP-1 are non toxic hypergolic fuels).

I'm wandering how the aerodynamics of VEGA C+ are working out. Possibly it is wise to use a fairing around the Z9A and AVUM+ stages, so the VEGA C+ will have the same aerodynamic configuration as Vega E. (The diameter is increased to the 2,36m diameter of Z40.) This will have a payload mass penalty, but could save a lot of trouble. 

Me on speculative mode: VEGA F: ESR + Promethee 1000kN LOx-LNG; 240mT (155+85mT) could this have a 4,5mT SSO capacity? And with a Green AVUM+ (HTP-Hybrid | HTP-RP-1)  third/ in orbit stage?

Edit: I assume they have forgoten to write the Z9A stage at the VEGA C and C+ configurations. It was part of VEGA C.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Hobbes-22 on 06/08/2016 07:21 am
A fairing around the AVUM would interfere with the RCS on that stage.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/11/2016 10:20 pm
I discovered via a French forum, that Avio uploaded an hour long video to youtube back in may.
It is a recording of the press conference that was given when ESA director Jan Woerner visited AVIO.
I also found the slides (https://tk.parp.gov.pl/attachments/article/47641/15.%20Angelo%20Fontana%20Avio.pdf) from the presentation from AVIO. 
   (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmujNyyN_Vw)
 
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: catdlr on 06/24/2016 07:37 pm
Getting Vega’s launch tower moving

European Space Agency, ESA

Published on Jun 24, 2016
Once its mobile launch gantry is moved away, then Europe’s Vega launcher is primed for lift-off – except for the time the stuck gantry refused to move. Solving the problem and getting the gantry mobile again was one of the more unusual tasks of ESA’s Materials and Electrical Components Laboratory. Team members explain in their own words how the movement of the gantry’s wheels and performance of its bearings were analysed with the Lab’s Aramis  3D camera system. Without touching the test subject, Aramis measure the 3D surface deformation of items subjected to various kinds of loads, from mechanical loads to themal stress. Aramis can identify the slightest submillimetre deformation of materials and structures put to the test.

https://youtu.be/krz0lEA0D8o?t=001

https://youtu.be/krz0lEA0D8o
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/27/2016 07:29 am
On the website of Arianespace it was announced that:
Arianespace and ELV/Avio are organising the second Vega Users Day on Juli 7 and 8, 2016 in Rome (http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/vega-users-day-arianespace-and-elvavio-meet-vega-clients-and-partners-to-build-foundations-for-the-future/).
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Kosmos2001 on 02/21/2017 02:57 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.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: russianhalo117 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
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Kosmos2001 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.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: A12 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 (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)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun 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 (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.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/20/2017 07:34 am
Avio posted images of their Paris Air Show 2017 stand on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/876717630270341121)

(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)? }
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist 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 (https://twitter.com/arianespaceceo/status/877105397965959169)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Kosmos2001 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.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan 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 (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=43287.0)
Title: Avio announces Vega-Light R&D project
Post by: ringsider 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.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Hobbes-22 on 07/05/2017 11:42 am
by the way, the engine's name is Vinci, not Vince.

 ;)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/05/2017 02:26 pm
By the way, this is an update thread. Please set up a thread to discuss your comments. ;)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 07/06/2017 08:42 pm
ESA has updated it's website with pages for Vega C (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Vega-C) and Vega E (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Vega-E).
ESA also published a Ariane 6 and Vega C flyer (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/space_transportation/Ariane_6_and_Vega-C_A4_HiRes.pdf)

And let's not forget Space Rider (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Space_Rider) with factsheet (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/space_transportation/Space_Rider_factsheet_HiRes_ok.pdf)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun 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
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun 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/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun 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/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun 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
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan 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.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist 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
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: calapine on 11/17/2017 08:47 pm
I hope dumb questions are allowed here too...this is an autoclave, correct?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan 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). (https://www.hyvecrowd.net/contestPage.php?id=23&ID=134) 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 (http://www.a-vt.be/en/heavy-load-solutions/aerospace.aspx)
 (http://www.a-vt.be/images/site/vsp1______dc905main.jpg)
No it's not. flyorbitnews.com (http://www.flyorbitnews.com/2017/03/11/avio-p120c-vegac-tajani/)
(https://i1.wp.com/www.flyorbitnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Avio-nuovo-motore-P120C-in-autoclave.jpg)
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.

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 11/28/2017 10:17 am
Small update ESA published new renderings of VEGA-C and Vega-E. Lets post one for both here:

Vega-C (http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2017/11/Artist_s_view_of_Vega-C2)
(http://www.esa.int/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2017/11/artist_s_view_of_vega-c3/17256581-2-eng-GB/Artist_s_view_of_Vega-C_node_full_image_2.jpg)

Vega-E (http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2017/11/Vega-E4)
(http://www.esa.int/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2017/11/vega-e4/17256840-2-eng-GB/Vega-E_node_full_image_2.jpg)

It looks like Vega-E will have it's attitude control thrusters at the bottom of the VUS upper-stage. On AVUM they are just below the payload fairing, at the top of the stage.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: calapine on 11/30/2017 08:29 am
ESA Press release, emphasis mine:


Quote
30 November 2017
ESA signed two contracts today with Italy’s ELV and Thales Alenia Space to extend Europe’s Vega space system capabilities and competitiveness.

ELV will develop and extensively test a new European cryogenic upper stage engine development model for Vega evolutions beyond 2025, based on low-cost liquid oxygen–methane propulsion.

The engine replaces the current Zefiro-9 solid-propellant motor and the AVUM upper stage engine for Vega-E, matching Vega-C performance at significantly reduced costs and improved flexibility.


In addition, complementing the Small Spacecraft Mission Services (SSMS) programme already under development, ELV will investigate how existing motors such as the P120, P80, Z40, Z23, Z9, could be used to create a family of Vega-E configurations able to place payloads of 200–2500 kg into orbit.

This will incorporate promising technologies in the areas of 3D layer-by-layer additive manufacturing, hydrogen peroxide as low-toxicity propulsion, and advanced avionics, offering competitive production and operational costs.

The contract concerning the Vega evolution activities worth €53 million was signed by ESA Director of Space Transportation Daniel Neuenschwander and ELV Managing Director Andrea Preve at ESA headquarters in Paris.

 
In parallel, Thales Alenia Space and ELV will complete the detailed mission and system design up to the Critical Design Review for Space Rider.

The Space Rider space transportation system will be integrated with Vega-C, combining an Orbital Service Module derived from a Vega-C AVUM and a reentry module derived from the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) demonstrator flown in 2015 on Vega.

It will provide Europe with an affordable reusable platform for routine access and return from space, with payloads capacity up to 800 kg to an array of orbit altitudes and inclinations for multiple applications such as advanced microgravity, in-orbit demonstration and validation for Earth observation, science, telecommunication and robotic exploration. 

The Space Rider design builds on technological and industrial knowhow from Vega, Vega-C and the IXV development and demonstrations.

 
Space Rider mission
Following on from the successful Vega–IXV mission, Space Rider will be launched from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, reach and stay in orbit as long as required to perform the payloads operations, deorbit and reenter performing a ground landing to return payloads to end users, and be refurbished and reused for the next mission.

The contract for Space Rider activities worth €36.7 million was signed by ESA Director of Space Transportation Daniel Neuenschwander, Thales Alenia Space Vice President Domain Exploration and Science Walter Cugno, and ELV Managing Director Andrea Preve at ESA headquarters in Paris.
 
The Vega and Space Rider development programmes provide the framework to consolidate a Vega space system able to capture the broadest market needs with Vega-C and its spin-offs products: SSMS, Space Rider, and the VEnUS Vega electric upper stage, covering access to low Earth orbit (LEO) for payloads up to 2300 kg, orbital transfer from LEO, and return from LEO, for a multitude of space applications in a competitive manner.

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Vega_Evolution_preparation_and_Space_Rider_development
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Kosmos2001 on 11/30/2017 08:55 am
ELV? Isn't at Avio where all the design and development (and production) takes place? People in ELV only prepare the missions.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: calapine on 11/30/2017 08:59 am
According to them, they do more than that:

Quote
ELV(European Launch Vehicle) is a company established by Avio and ASI (Italian Space Agency) in December 2000.

It develops, manufactures and delivers the European launcher called Vega and its evolutions with all associated technologies. The company is responsible for every aspect of system development, from the drafting of the specifications, through production, to its integration in the launch pad.
ELV’s primary tasks include managing and planning launcher design, development, qualification and production processes, by coordinating the activities of the subcontracts participating in the programme.

http://www.avio.com/en/about-us/group/elv/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Kosmos2001 on 11/30/2017 09:08 am
According to them, they do more than that:

I was summing it up. I was there for a while ( :-X ) and I also met the Zefiro-9 designer and the current chief of liquid propulsion team which work at Avio, not ELV. I mean, in ELV they can simulate a lot of scenarios to find the optimum solution/design in terms of size and delta_v capabilities to fulfill the role but is in Avio where they have the propulsion division and the test facilities.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 12/04/2017 08:04 pm
http://www.avio.com/en/press-release/contracts-signed-with-esa-to-develop-vega-e-and-space-rider/

From Avio's press release

Quote
Today, Avio signed two contracts with ESA, the European Space Agency, in Paris to develop the Vega E launcher and the Space Rider re-entry vehicle, in line with market expectations. The contracts are worth a total of €89.7 million.

The first contract is to develop the Vega E launcher (Vega Evolution), a European project where Avio is the leader of around ten companies. The contract for this activity is worth €53 million.

Vega E is the medium-term evolution of the Vega launcher and, as such, features a high content of technological innovation and more compact three-stage architecture. The upper stage has a revolutionary liquid oxygen/methane engine, technology that gives it a very low impact on the environment and the capacity for multiple re-ignition, a feature giving the launcher more flexibility during orbital manoeuvres.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 04/08/2018 07:47 am
Zefiro 40 Engine Bench Test

Avio successfully tested the Zefiro 40 (Z40) engine, the second stage propulsion system of the Vega C satellite launcher, an evolution of the current Vega launcher scheduled to lift off for its maiden flight in 2019. This is the first functional test required to qualify this new propulsion system. During the test all of the parameters were gathered to calculate the engine’s behaviour at conditions very close to what the Z40 will encounter in actual operation: ignition at about 50 km above the earth’s surface after separation of the first stage P120.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f6ClAAoil0
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 04/28/2018 07:28 pm
from the Avio Annual-Report 2017 page 15

http://avio-data.teleborsa.it/2018%2fAvio-2017-Annual-Report_20180330_115021.pdf

Quote
Vega's second evolution, named Vega E and also funded via the 2016 Ministerial Conference, will
launch from 2024 a payload approx. twice the size of those currently launchable
and will allow Avio
to further its expertise in liquid propulsion.

optimistic goals  :)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 06/08/2018 06:02 pm
https://www.airpressonline.it/33465/spazio-battiston-esri/

Quote
LA SECONDA GENERAZIONE DI COSMO-SKYMED

Tra la fine di quest’anno e l’inizio del prossimo, verrà inoltre lanciato il primo satellite della second generation di Cosmo-SkyMed. Nel 2020 partirà il secondo a bordo del primo Vega C, la nuova versione del piccolo lanciatore made in Italyrealizzato da Avio, l’azienda di Colleferro guidata da Giulio Ranzo. “Ora – ha aggiunto Battiston – siamo in fase di discussione per preparare le condizione per fare il terzo e il quarto”. In prospettiva, “nel 2025 dovremmo avere quattro satelliti operativi della seconda generazione, più il sistema Siasge in fase di passaggio tra i primi due i secondi”. Tutto questo, ha notato Battiston, permette di poterci presentare in Europa forti di “un servizio consolidato e di prospettiva”.

Google translate:
Quote
THE SECOND GENERATION OF COSMO-SKYMED

Between the end of this year and the beginning of the next, the first satellite of the second generation of Cosmo-SkyMed will be launched. In 2020 the second will be on board the first Vega C, the new version of the small made in Italy launcher made by Avio, the Colleferro company led by Giulio Ranzo. "Now - added Battiston - we are under discussion to prepare the conditions for making the third and fourth". In perspective, "in 2025 we should have four second-generation operational satellites, plus the Siasge system in transition between the first two seconds". All this, Battiston noted, allows us to be able to present ourselves in Europe with "a consolidated service and perspective".

The first Vega C launch (with Cosmos SkyMed SG 2) slips to 2020?
Is that translated correctly? And a solid information?   ???
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 06/24/2018 07:23 pm
European industry gears up for Vega-C debut in 2019

21 June 2018

With just one year before Vega-C lifts off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, preparations for Europe’s next launcher are gaining momentum.

Vega-C will increase performance from Vega’s current 1.5 t to about 2.2 t hauled to its reference 700 km polar orbit, with no increase in launch costs.

Thrust in the first phase of flight comes from new solid-fuel first and second stage motors, P120C and Zefiro-40 respectively.

P120C’s upcoming first hot static-firing test at Europe’s Spaceport will prove the design, new materials, techniques, tools and components.

Developed by Europropulsion under contract to Avio and ArianeGroup, P120C is 13.5 m long and 3.4 m in diameter – the largest solid-propellant motor ever built in one segment. Two or four will also be used for Ariane 6.

Zefiro-40, developed and manufactured by Avio in their Colleferro factory, was static fired on 8 March in Sardinia. The resulting test data will guide the qualification and flight models design.

The AVUM+ upper stage, derived from the current Vega AVUM, has been improved. The liquid propellant capacity has been increased by about 150 kg and the structure has been optimised by using carbon composite sandwich panels. Developed by AVIO, it will improve the flexibility of the launcher to deploy one or more payloads thanks to its 2.45 kN main engine and new avionic equipment.

Vega-C’s 3.3 m diameter fairing can accommodate larger payloads. An ‘out-of-autoclave’ manufacturing technique developed by Ruag Space in Switzerland reduces cost, saves time and enables production of very large composite panels.

Electromechanical thrust vector control systems that guide and control the vehicle stages at each phase of flight are in development, harnessing leading-edge manufacturing processes to enhance performance.

The Vega launch pad and mobile gantry are being modified to accommodate Vega-C requiring a more powerful crane, new pallets, and modified fluid services.

The crane that will hoist Vega-C’s 40-tonne second stage has been installed in the mobile gantry, and is currently undergoing mechanical and lift qualification tests.

The next milestone in this ambitious schedule is the upcoming Vega launch using equipment that is ready for Vega-C leading into a period when launch facilities accommodate both vehicles.

https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/European_industry_gears_up_for_Vega-C_debut_in_2019

Image credit: ESA
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/06/2018 01:26 pm
Mobile gantry for Vega-C

Vega's mobile gantry is being modified to accommodate the Vega-C launch vehicle requiring a more powerful crane, new pallets, and modified fluid services. The Vega launch zone (ELV), comprises a permanent infrastructure (the bunker) and a mobile building (the gantry).

Vega-C is expected to debut in mid-2019, increasing performance from Vega’s current 1.5 t to about 2.2 t in a reference 700 km polar orbit, covering identified European institutional users’ mission needs, with no increase in launch service and operating costs.

The participating States in this development are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

 
Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 07/16/2018 04:59 pm
SUCCESSFUL TEST FIRING FOR THE NEW CARBON FIBER P120C SOLID ROCKET MOTOR MANUFACTURED BY AVIO IN ITALY. IT WILL EQUIP THE FUTURE EUROPEAN LAUNCHERS, ARIANE 6 AND VEGA-C

Kourou – French Guiana, July 16th 2018.

The P120C solid rocket motor was successfully tested on the bench test at the European spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana). This successful test is a major step in the development of the future European launchers, Ariane 6 and Vega-C. Avio – a leading Italian company in the aerospace industry, which is listed at the Milan stock exchange – played a fundamental role in developing the P120C, the world’s largest monolithic carbon fiber solid rocket motor, by manufacturing it at its own site in Colleferro (Rome).

Giulio Ranzo, CEO at Avio Spa stated: “The success of the P120C static firing test is a key milestone on the Vega C and Ariane 6 development programs in view of the launchers maiden flights schedule for 2019 and 2020 respectively. A great technological achievement for its unique performance, the result of radical innovation combined with over 30 years of experience in solid propulsion through cooperation between Avio and Ariane Group.”

The P120C is entirely produced in carbon fiber materials. The motor case mass is around 8 tons with a propellant mass capacity of 142 tons. Thanks to more than 2-minutes combustion time, it generates an average thrust that is comparable to 15 jet engines powering modern passenger airplanes. The P120C will equip both Ariane 6 (in both its two-booster Ariane 62 and its four-booster Ariane 64 versions) and the first stage of Vega-C. This will allow up to 35 motors to be produced every year at Avio manufacturing site in Colleferro (Rome).

http://www.avio.com/en/news-en/successful-test-firing-for-the-new-carbon-fiber-p120c-solid-rocket-motor-manufactured-by-avio-in-italy-it-will-equip-the-future-european-launchers-ariane-6-and-vega-c/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: SciNews on 07/17/2018 07:36 am
Edited version of the first hot fire test for P120C development model
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vATtLLUwF4A
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 07/17/2018 10:49 am
Hot firing proves solid rocket motor for Ariane 6 and Vega-C

16 July 2018
Today's hot firing of the P120C solid-propellant motor at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana proves its flight-worthiness for use on Vega-C next year and on Ariane 6 from 2020.

This marks an important milestone in the development schedule of Europe’s new-generation launchers, designed to boost our autonomy in the space arena, and maintain Europe’s global competitiveness.

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Hot_firing_proves_solid_rocket_motor_for_Ariane_6_and_Vega-C
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: eeergo on 07/18/2018 10:11 am
Nice (albeit weirdly-narrated) video on P120C production and management:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeXSgVJx3iQ
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: SciNews on 07/19/2018 05:11 pm
EuroNews: Love and rockets: Inside Italy's Vega launcher factory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyhVjPaKI7c
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Hobbes-22 on 08/01/2018 06:51 am
The user manual for Vega C has been released:

http://www.arianespace.com/vega-c/ (http://www.arianespace.com/vega-c/)

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: SciNews on 08/09/2018 07:31 am
WIRED UK: This is the fastest rocket on Earth https://www.wired.co.uk/article/avio-vega-c-rocket-esa-ariane-6
"The Vega E is due to launch in 2024."
images credit Fabrizio Giraldi
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: hkultala on 08/09/2018 07:46 am
WIRED UK: This is the fastest rocket on Earth https://www.wired.co.uk/article/avio-vega-c-rocket-esa-ariane-6

I'm quite sure FH on trajectory to pluto will have higher speed than any Vega variant can reach.


But they probably mean fastest-accelerating. Vega-C should have something like 2.4 G of initial acceleration?

(4.5 MN / 191 tonnes )
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: SciNews on 08/09/2018 10:02 am
I'm quite sure FH on trajectory to pluto will have higher speed than any Vega variant can reach.
But they probably mean fastest-accelerating. Vega-C should have something like 2.4 G of initial acceleration?
(4.5 MN / 191 tonnes )
Vega reaches 50km in 110 seconds https://youtu.be/xU2fZXgjtdQ?t=46
Falcon Heavy reaches 50km in 140 seconds https://youtu.be/jT1Yk0q1HBI?t=168
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: envy887 on 08/09/2018 01:37 pm
I'm quite sure FH on trajectory to pluto will have higher speed than any Vega variant can reach.
But they probably mean fastest-accelerating. Vega-C should have something like 2.4 G of initial acceleration?
(4.5 MN / 191 tonnes )
Vega reaches 50km in 110 seconds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU2fZXgjtdQ?t=46
Falcon Heavy reaches 50km in 140 seconds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT1Yk0q1HBI?t=168

But can it reach Mach 10 in 5 seconds after launch? The Sprint ABM had 3.0 MN of thrust and only massed 3.4 tonnes, a liftoff TWR of 88.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msXtgTVMcuA
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: SciNews on 08/10/2018 10:08 am
But can it reach Mach 10 in 5 seconds after launch? The Sprint ABM had 3.0 MN of thrust and only massed 3.4 tonnes, a liftoff TWR of 88.
The article was about satellite-launch market, not weapons.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: envy887 on 08/10/2018 11:43 am
But can it reach Mach 10 in 5 seconds after launch? The Sprint ABM had 3.0 MN of thrust and only massed 3.4 tonnes, a liftoff TWR of 88.
The article was about satellite-launch market, not weapons.
It's an inaccurate clickbait headline. The fastest rocket in the world is the 3-stage Delta IV that is launching PSP tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: edkyle99 on 08/10/2018 02:38 pm
Yes, except that by the time Delta 4H/Star 48 is going that fast, it is no longer "in the world", is it?!

In terms of flat out "zero to 60" acceleration for an orbital launch vehicle, what about Japan's SS-520?  18 tonnes of liftoff thrust for a 2.6 tonne launch vehicle, but no future plans to launch perhaps.

I think a valid comparison of this type might be time to orbital velocity - "zero to orbit".

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: SciNews on 08/10/2018 03:00 pm
It's an inaccurate clickbait headline. The fastest rocket in the world is the 3-stage Delta IV that is launching PSP tomorrow morning.
Just move past the title, it's an interesting article.
The Solar Probe will be the fastest, not the rocket launching it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhDD2KaflSU
In terms of flat out "zero to 60" acceleration for an orbital launch vehicle, what about Japan's SS-520?  18 tonnes of liftoff thrust for a 2.6 tonne launch vehicle, but no future plans to launch perhaps.
Unfortunately, the SS-520 launch didn't have visual indication of altitude https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeW-Qqu9-8U
For an accurate comparison, it must be taken into account that at the same altitude the distance traveled may differ.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: brickmack on 08/12/2018 05:17 am
Larger versions of those pictures are available from http://www.fabriziogiraldi.com/wired-uk-avio-aviogroup-made-in-italy-technology-space-innovation-lowearthorbit-hitech-launchervegac/ and http://www.fabriziogiraldi.com/wired-avio-vega-aerospace-space-launcher-engineering-tech-italy/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: SciNews on 09/18/2018 12:34 pm
ESA: Preparing for Vega-C
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4zfov_9Qxs
Quote
At the end of 2019 Vega-C will be launched from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana increasing performance from Vega’s current 1.5 t to about 2.2 t in its reference 700 km polar orbit, with no increase in launch costs.
Vega-C's first stage is based on the P120, the largest single segment carbon fibre solid-propellant rocket motor ever built. It was successfully tested in July 2018. Its development relies on new technologies derived from Vega’s current first stage P80 motor. Two or four P120C motors will also be used for the liftoff boosters on Ariane 6.
Vega-C’s 3.3 m diameter fairing will accommodate larger payloads such as Earth observation satellites of more than two tonnes, and ESA’s Space Rider reentry vehicle.
The Vega launch pad and mobile gantry are being modified to accommodate Vega-C leading into a period when launch facilities will accommodate both vehicles.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: gosnold on 10/17/2018 07:32 pm
Quote
Stéphane Israël @arianespaceceo

Launch contract signed with #OHBItalia for the National Advanced Optical System (NOAS), an earth observation mission at the benefice of  #Luxembourg’s 🇱🇺 Directorate of Defence. Liftoff in 2022 on a #Vega or #VegaC. #MissiontoSuccess 🚀
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 11/24/2018 08:28 am
https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Focus_on_Vega_developments

Focus on Vega developments

Quote
Details of Vega’s developments were presented at the 69th International Astronautical Congress on 1–5 October 2018, in Bremen, Germany (http://www.iafastro.org/). Download the presentation here (.pdf) and paper submitted to the IAC here (.pdf).

These Vega developments are the result of the vision set out at the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level in 2014. In November 2019, the Ministerial Council will meet again to discuss Space19+ to direct Europe’s ‘next generation’ ambitions in space, and address the challenges facing not only the European space sector but also European society as a whole.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 11/24/2018 06:38 pm
https://twitter.com/vega_sts/status/1065886766668935170 (https://twitter.com/vega_sts/status/1065886766668935170)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: gongora on 11/26/2018 01:26 pm
https://twitter.com/HolgerWentscher/status/1066987379335008256
Quote
Production line of VEGA classic at @RuagSpace Emmen with the last three fairing sets in final assembly. Making room for the first @Avio_Group @vega_sts VEGA C which is already in the oven. Note the old (classic) and the new (VEGA C) Horizontal Machining Jigs to the right.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Asteroza on 11/26/2018 10:52 pm
That bit about uprating AVUM+ into VENUS (first version being a hybrid mode service module with both liquid and electric propulsion, as a service module for Space Rider)(second version being what appears to be a pure SEP stage/tug) is pretty interesting. I wonder how generic VENUS in its second form is, as in can it fly on a different small rocket though. I suppose if you can pay, ESA can deliver?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bulkmail on 12/02/2018 09:51 am
https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Focus_on_Vega_developments

Focus on Vega developments

Quote
Details of Vega’s developments were presented at the 69th International Astronautical Congress on 1–5 October 2018, in Bremen, Germany (http://www.iafastro.org/). Download the presentation here (.pdf) and paper submitted to the IAC here (.pdf).

These Vega developments are the result of the vision set out at the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level in 2014. In November 2019, the Ministerial Council will meet again to discuss Space19+ to direct Europe’s ‘next generation’ ambitions in space, and address the challenges facing not only the European space sector but also European society as a whole.

Interesting is that Vega C updates also the AVUM last stage aiming to reduce non-ESA components.
- reduce, but not eliminate/replace all of them?
- haven't seen which specific parts will be replaced and which will remain foreign.
According to this: 2015 presentation, p11 (http://www.academie-air-espace.com/upload/doc/ressources/Launchers/slides/lasagni.pdf)
-- Russian tank - replace with Airbus tank
-- US tank - replace with Airbus tank
-- Ukraine engine - replace with Airbus engine

Does anybody have more info on this Airbus engine?

Also, how does that domestication drive fit with the Vega E last stage engine, where some sources mention it'll be LOX/Methane co-developed with Russia?

What other (major) components remain in Vega C that are of non-ESA origin?

Otherwise, a nice progression AVUM+ -> small satellites dispenser -> reusable/returnable orbital plane -> space tug. Is SpaceRider/IXV scalable to human-rated size? Can some ATV-derived systems or structures be utilized for that?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Alpha_Centauri on 12/02/2018 10:22 pm
Those are old plans. While most parts are still being "europeanised", Vega-C's AVUM+ will retain the RD-869 engine.  As for Vega-E; Avio worked with Russia on the LM10 MIRA, a demonstrator engine, but the production engine (the M10) is being developed in western Europe.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/19/2019 01:34 am
At the South Australian Italian Association dinner for Paolo Nespoli last night, it was announced that Avio is looking to launch its vehicles from South Australia. This is presumably Vega-C using the Southern Launch site at Whalers Bay.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: calapine on 01/19/2019 01:07 pm
Interesting.

I wonder what the politics behind this are. At first look it doesn't seem that maintaining two launchsites half a globe apart makes much sense.

Are there any orbital benefits for launching from Australia?

Edit: Spelling and Grammar fixed.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: brickmack on 01/19/2019 03:36 pm
Vega can already do polar orbit from Kourou, but a higher latitude launch site would help payload capacity a bit. Probably not hugely though (tens of kg?)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Alpha_Centauri on 01/19/2019 04:25 pm
It does seem a bit left-field.  Are you sure they meant Vega-C and not the new Vega-derived micro launcher?

I can only imagine the idea is to be closer to the asian market, which makes more sense for small launchers.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 01/19/2019 05:26 pm
Interesting and a little odd development of Avio starts launches from South Australia.
I searched "Whalers Bay Australia (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Whalers+Bay/@-35.05,136.08,40000m/)" on google maps. It goes to Thistle Island. The Whaler Bay is at the north side, AFAIK a orbital launch side should be located at the South West side of the island.
The launches could go:  South <10deg east. or totally west.
This is the compete opposite from CSG, there they can launch ~5 South from East, to North (? a little west).

I can't imagine a P120C launching away from CSG. But Vega Light or a dual Z40 booster variant could be possible.
Avio ships Z40, Z23 and Z9A stages loades to CSG, they could also ship them to Australia. But the P120c are casted at the Regulus plant at CSG. They can't be shipped (safety regulations). 
Or Avio is looking at their Lyra (Myra engine) project. ...   
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/20/2019 03:11 am
It does seem a bit left-field.  Are you sure they meant Vega-C and not the new Vega-derived micro launcher?

The speaker didn't say which launch vehicle would be used. The use of Vega-C was an assumption on my part, as that was the launcher I was most familiar with. There could certainly be other launchers that Avio is considering.

Interesting and a little odd development of Avio starts launches from South Australia.
I searched "Whalers Bay Australia (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Whalers+Bay/@-35.05,136.08,40000m/)" on google maps. It goes to Thistle Island. The Whaler Bay is at the north side, AFAIK a orbital launch side should be located at the South West side of the island.
The launches could go:  South <10deg east. or totally west.

To be clear, Whalers Bay is at the bottom tip of the peninsular, not from Thistle Island. It was chosen as it was close to Port Lincoln and Adelaide and allows access to Sun synchronous orbits. Attached image shows the launch azimuth's available.

https://southernlaunch.space/faq/

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Whaler's+Way+Sanctuary/@-34.9209858,134.8007871,8z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0xbc77305e4a10ab73:0x129c6b681c26c8f8!2sWhalers+Bay!3b1!8m2!3d-62.9594019!4d-60.6451326!3m4!1s0x6aabab8966f89c57:0x6e572c17664e484!8m2!3d-34.9344969!4d135.6522274
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 01/25/2019 04:29 pm
Transfer to test bench of P120C motor for Vega-C

The first qualification model of the P120C solid-propellant rocket motor, in the configuration for Vega-C, was transferred to the test stand in December to prepare for its first hot firing at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana on 28 January 2019.

The P120C is 13.5 m long and 3.4 m in diameter, and contains 142 tonnes of solid propellant.

https://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2019/01/Transfer_to_test_bench_of_P120C_motor_for_Vega-C3

https://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2019/01/Transfer_to_test_bench_of_P120C_motor_for_Vega-C

Credits:  2018 – ESA/CNES – Sentinel
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: eeergo on 01/29/2019 01:05 am
https://www.ariane.group/en/news/successful-second-test-firing-for-the-p120c-solid-rocket-motor-for-ariane-6-and-vega-c/

Flashy page to release that the P120C has been successfully fired (no photos or video yet). Only one test firing to go before A6 qualification is achieved.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 01/29/2019 01:47 pm
Vega-C's first stage P120C motor achieves final milestone test

29 January 2019

The first qualification model of the P120C solid-fuel motor, configured for Vega-C, was static fired yesterday on the test stand at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

Fully loaded with 142 tonnes of fuel, the 13.5 m long and 3.4 m diameter motor was ignited for a final simulation of liftoff and the first phase of flight.

During a burn time of 135 seconds, the P120C delivered a maximum thrust of about 4650 kN. No anomalies were seen and, according to initial recorded data, the performance met expectations. A full analysis of these test results will confirm readiness of this motor for Vega-C’s debut launch.

https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Vega-C_s_first_stage_P120C_motor_achieves_final_milestone_test

Image credit: ESA
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: SciNews on 01/29/2019 04:34 pm
Video from CNES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQLmI4A1XT0
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/30/2019 05:04 am
There are three curves in that video. I'm guessing that two of them are pressure and thrust versus time, but what is the third curve?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: eeergo on 01/30/2019 05:20 am
There are three curves in that video. I'm guessing that two of them are pressure and thrust versus time, but what is the third curve?

I think they must rather be pressure at different heights in the booster - they follow similar curves, albeit with slightly different magnitudes, the decay for the lowest curve (I'd guess, corresponding to the lower position, close or at the nozzle) reaches close to zero when the booster is visibly tailing off in the video, while the other two curves are still falling but high.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Notaris on 01/30/2019 07:15 am
There are three curves in that video. I'm guessing that two of them are pressure and thrust versus time, but what is the third curve?

I think they must rather be pressure at different heights in the booster - they follow similar curves, albeit with slightly different magnitudes, the decay for the lowest curve (I'd guess, corresponding to the lower position, close or at the nozzle) reaches close to zero when the booster is visibly tailing off in the video, while the other two curves are still falling but high.

I highly doubt this explanation attempt. The pressure within the booster should be (close to) identical independent of the position!
At around 1:16 in the video, the commentator says that "le courbe suits bien le gabarit", so I would say the middle curve is the messured pressure in the booster, while the top and lower curve are the expected bounds.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 02/21/2019 08:04 pm
no words needed. Enjoy!  ;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHg6SLPEwnM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHg6SLPEwnM)

Edit to add:  Avio Vega Launch-table (http://www.avio.com/en/vega/)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 03/09/2019 08:10 am
It's out!
The Vega-C starts in 2020 for the first time. (at the earliest)
As already feared in the VV14 Thread, that does not fit with 5 launches on the Vega-pad in 2019.
And if I add up the launches, announced by Arianespace for this year, that would result in up to 13 launches.
But Arianespace plans only 12 missions in 2019.
So I think, in January it was already clear, that Vega-C does not launch this year.  >:(

Quote
Vega-C

On the wave of Vega’s success, Member States at the ESA Ministerial meeting in December 2014 agreed to develop the more powerful Vega-C to respond to an evolving market and to long-term institutional needs.

Vega-C is expected to debut in 2020, increasing performance from Vega’s current 1.5 t to about 2.2 t in a reference 700 km polar orbit, covering identified European institutional users’ mission needs, with no increase in launch service and operating costs.

The participating states in this development are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The main objectives are to increase performances, reduce operating costs, provide cost-efficient launch services and reduce the dependency on non-European sources in launcher production at no extra cost.

Additional modifications are being studied to enable Vega to carry micro- and nanosatellites in order to be cost-effective in this emerging market.

Vega-C elements

Vega-C is based on the existing Vega launcher and comprises four stages. Three stages will use solid-propellant motors and one will use liquid propellants.

The first stage is based on the P120C, the largest monolithic carbon fibre solid-propellant rocket motor ever built. Its development relies on new technologies derived from those of P80, Vega’s current first stage motor and will provide a significant increase in performance. The P120C will also be used for the liftoff boosters on Ariane 6.

The second stage with the new Zefiro-40 (Z40) motor will contain about 36 t of solid propellant providing an average thrust of 1100 kN.

The Zefiro-9 third stage, currently used on Vega, burns 10 t of solid propellant.

The AVUM+ upper stage for orbital positioning and attitude control is derived from the current Vega AVUM but has a lighter structure. It carries more propellant inside larger tanks and features several new European-developed components. AVUM+ has a propellant mass of 0.74 t and the main engine will provide an average thrust of 2.45 kN.

A larger fairing with an increased payload envelope (diameter 3 m) to accommodate larger satellites is also being developed. It will be suitable for Earth observation satellites of more than two tonnes, and the Space Rider reentry vehicle.

The total length of Vega-C is about 35 m with a mass at liftoff of 210 t – a significant increase over the current Vega’s 130 t.

Vega-C will be launched from the same site used for Vega at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Vega-C way forward

ESA is overseeing procurement and the architecture of the overall launch system, while industry is building the rocket with ELV SpA as prime contractor. An industrial cooperation agreement has been signed between ASL and Avio for the P120C solid motor.

The Launch System System Definition Review has been completed and the development activities are proceeding as planned.

The Launch System Critical Design Review was achieved in February 2019, marking the start of the design qualification phase.

The evolution requires modifications to the Vega launch pad and mobile gantry, such as a more powerful crane, new pallets, and modified fluid services. These modifications are being made in such a way to keep the pad and gantry compatible with both vehicles during the period when launches of Vega will be alternated with Vega-C.

Last update: 8 March 2019

https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Vega-C/(print) (https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Vega-C/(print))
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 03/09/2019 03:16 pm
The link GWR64 posted doesn't work. this one does:
https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Vega-C (https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Vega-C)
Possibly the maiden launch, being a test launch is still planned for this year. But the first commercial launch is planned for 2020.
That's my positive interpretation. The half to full year delay is a negative take on it.

The positive news is that Vega-C has passed CDR in February.
Quote
The Launch System Critical Design Review was achieved in February 2019, marking the start of the design qualification phase.

AFAIK a lot of the pad modification have already taken place. But I could be wrong.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: GWR64 on 03/09/2019 04:57 pm
link fixed

Gunter has now also changed the first launch of Vega-C to 2020.

https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/lares-2.htm

I hope, the pad modification is already done. This year would not be much time for that.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: PM3 on 03/15/2019 08:45 pm
This is how to build rockets:

Quote from: Caleb Henries
Avio said accelerated progress developing Vega C and the P120C solid rocket booster led to unexpectedly high revenue.
https://spacenews.com/vega-rocket-builder-avio-sees-revenue-jump-new-rockets-progressing/

Incent contractors for building rockets ahead of schedule instead of SLSing.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 03/16/2019 01:14 am
From the article, four Vega launches this year and first launch of Vega-C is early 2020.

"Vega C, which is designed to carry about 700 kilograms more than the current Vega rocket, slipped from a maiden flight this year to early 2020 — a schedule shift Avio attributed to its 2019 manifest and not delays with the rocket.

Avio has four Vega launches this year: the Italian Space Agency’s PRISMA remote sensing satellite, the proof of concept flight of the ESA-supported SSMS adaptor for cubesats and larger microsats, and launches of the United Arab Emirates’ Falcon Eye 1 and 2 satellites. Barring delays, it will be the highest number of Vega launches in a single year since the rocket’s debut in 2012. "

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 05/18/2019 11:11 am
08 MAY 2019

THE “FIRING TEST” OF THE ZEFIRO 40 ENGINE

The “firing test” of the Zefiro 40 engine was successfully carried out yesterday in Sardinia, which will provide the necessary boost to the second stage of the Vega C, the new European launcher for small satellites whose maiden flight is expected at the beginning of 2020. The qualification test was carried out with the support of over 40 specialized operators. It was a functional test necessary for the use of the engine in flight.

http://www.avio.com/en/news-en/the-firing-test-of-the-zefiro-40-engine/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Star One on 06/06/2019 05:51 pm
New ESA video Ariane 6 &amp; Vega-C:

[MEDIA=youtube]L5lrIAvWB2A[/MEDIA]
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: calapine on 06/11/2019 06:18 am
New ESA video Ariane 6 &amp; Vega-C:

[MEDIA=youtube]L5lrIAvWB2A[/MEDIA]

Fixed the link for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5lrIAvWB2A
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Star One on 06/11/2019 10:29 am
The link didn’t need fixing really, or it shouldn’t have done, as it was posted using the media function in the forum.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: RonM on 06/11/2019 02:51 pm
The link didn’t need fixing really, or it shouldn’t have done, as it was posted using the media function in the forum.

Then don't use the media function because it didn't work. Copy and paste the URL.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Star One on 06/11/2019 04:56 pm
The link didn’t need fixing really, or it shouldn’t have done, as it was posted using the media function in the forum.

Then don't use the media function because it didn't work. Copy and paste the URL.

Yes but then on other forums using the same software if you use the direct links they don’t work, so it is rather confusing.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/16/2019 09:16 am
http://www.avio.com/en/press-release/avio-revenues-margins-and-net-profit-keep-rising-vega-return-to-fly-q1-2020/

Quote
“In the first half of the year – added Ranzo – we have successfully completed the qualification tests of the new P120C and Zefiro40 motors (the Vega C and Ariane 6 common first stage and the second stage of the Vega C, respectively). These tests are a key step for the new Vega C, whose test flight is scheduled for H1 2020. At the same time, we have successfully performed the firing test of reduced-scale of the M10 Oxygen-Methane combustion chamber for the upper stage of the upcoming Vega E (soon there will be a full-scale firing test).

In relation to the anomaly on the VV15 and the relative corrective actions: “We are working with ESA and Arianespace to solve the problem and return to fly by Q1 2020 in compliance with the safety and reliability requirements – added Ranzo”.

“The Vega anomaly does not impact our medium-long term growth plan – concluded Giulio Ranzo. We continue to work on developing new technologies and are launching the SPTF project in Sardinia, for the testing of cryogenic motors. In the meantime, we have completed the configuration of the new SSMS, the dispenser able to put into orbit many small satellites simultaneously to satisfy the increasingly sophisticated demand of Customers. We therefore keep focusing and confident on the opportunities to create value in the long-term for our shareholders”.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 11/27/2019 12:47 pm
Vega-C fairing’s trial by sound

The 10-m high fairing of Europe’s inaugural Vega-C launcher atop a structural model of its upper stage, being prepared for acoustic testing within ESA’s Large European Acoustic Facility (LEAF) – which is able to simulate the extreme noise of a rocket take-off.

Vega-C, due for its first flight next year, is a more powerful version of the current Vega launcher aimed at the thriving small satellite market. Three of its four stages will use solid-propellant motors while its AVUM+ fourth stage – the model of which is seen here attached to the fairing – employs liquid propellant, making it reignitable.

The two halves of the fairing weigh in at 450 kg each, made of carbon fibre sandwich panels filled with aluminium honeycomb. They have the vital function of safeguarding launcher payloads during the early part of the launch, not just from atmospheric turbulence but also the high noise levels of the crucial first few seconds after take-off, when sound waves bounce off the ground towards the fairing.

One wall of the LEAF chamber – which stands 11 m wide by 9 m deep and 16.4 m high – incorporates a set of enormous sound horns. Nitrogen shot through the horns can produce a range of noise up to more than 154 decibels, like standing close to multiple jets taking off. LEAF is part of ESA’s ESTEC Test Centre in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.

Two sets of test campaigns allow engineers to collect data on the sound levels the upper stage and payload adapter will experience, once with the fairing and once without. Microphones have been placed around and inside the fairing for these qualification-level tests.

The fairing will then return to its manufacturer, Ruag Space in Switzerland, where engineers will carry out the remaining qualification tests on this flight hardware, then fit the pyrotechnic cords that will separate the fairing once Vega-C leaves the atmosphere.

Vega-C’s inaugural flight is scheduled for mid-2020, carrying the Italian Space Agency’s LARES 2 satellite, a large retroreflector for the study of general relativity related to Earth’s gravitational field.

Credits: ESA
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 12/20/2019 11:15 am
Fluidic Test – Vega C

The combined test of the A1A assembly of the new Vega C launcher was held at the Guyanese Space Centre.

This system test is one of the main milestones of the VEGA-C development programme.

The test simulates and verifies for the first time the BIP/MG transport operations and integration of the first Vega C stage.

http://www.avio.com/en/news-en/fluidic-test-vegac/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 03/04/2020 07:16 pm
3D-printed thrust chamber passes first tests for Vega evolutions (https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/3D-printed_thrust_chamber_passes_first_tests_for_Vega_evolutions)

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The 3D-printed thrust chamber assembly of the methane-fuelled M10 rocket engine has passed its first series of hot firing tests. The M10 engine will power the upper stage of future Vega evolutions from 2025.

Image credit: ESA/NASA
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Closer to Space on 03/06/2020 04:22 pm
According to someone working at the CSG, Vega C will not liftoff until the end of September 2020. There should be an ignition of the P120 first stage in the coming months.
This date will depend on whether or not flight VV-16 is successful.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 03/11/2020 03:36 pm
AVIO: SIGNING OF AN AGREEMENT TO DEVELOP ROBOTIC SYSTEMS TO TACKLE SPACE DEBRIS (https://www.avio.com/press-release/avio-signing-agreement-develop-robotic-systems-tackle-space-debris)

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COLLEFERRO, Italy, 2 March 2020 – Today Avio has signed a letter of intent with Made In Space Europe S.à r.l. (Made In Space Europe) to develop advanced solutions for in-orbit servicing, including the de-orbiting of space debris.

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The envisaged solution, named VIRTUS (Vega In-orbit Robotic Technology Use & Services), targets the development of a robotic arm from Made In Space Europe and an orbital propulsive module by Avio, allowing multiple in-orbit missions, including space debris removal. The agreement envisages the development of a solution based on Vega C to perform in-orbit services in parallel to satellites’ in-orbit placing. Moreover, this agreement reinforces the economic and industrial cooperation between Italy and Luxembourg, which already foresees the launch of the ESAIL and NAOS satellites with Vega in the coming years.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 05/16/2020 06:31 pm
Q1 HIGHLIGHTS RESULTS (https://www.avio.com/news-events/q1-highlights-results)

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During the first 2020 quarter also the firing test of the Zefiro 23 engine (second stage of Vega, instrumental to the Vega return-to-flight) took place. At the same time, also the firing test of the M10 LOX-Methane engine for Vega E was accomplished in the NASA firing test facilities in the USA
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 05/16/2020 09:54 pm
Cross-posts:
I've listed the names of the payloads with the missions:

- P120 engine test: August 6

Avio is more careful with the date.
Avio Q1 2020 Highlights page 8

http://avio-data.teleborsa.it/2020%2fAvio-Q1-2020-Highlights_v_def_20200514_063658.pdf

Quote
Upcoming flight activity
•Vega C launch campaign to start by year end
...
Development
•Vega C ground qualification review 3 rd quarter
•P120 QM2 test ( third and last static firing test for Ariane 6) by year end
:(
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 10/08/2020 01:34 pm
Zefiro 9 engine: Qualification test passed successfully (https://www.avio.com/press-release/zefiro-9-engine-qualification-test-passed-successfully)

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Cagliari, 1st October 2020. The qualification test of the Zefiro 9 VT3 engine, an advanced version of the third stage propulsion system already in use on the Vega launcher and specifically enhanced and customized for the new Vega C, was successfully completed this morning in view of the maiden flight scheduled for 2021.

Thanks to this test, which took 4 weeks of preparation and involved 20 technicians and specialized operators, it was possible to record more than 500 measurements in the 120 seconds of engine ignition, collecting all the necessary data and parameters to calculate the behavior of the engine with an approximation very close to the real conditions in which it will operate in space. Only few countries in the world have the complete and autonomous capacity to develop and qualify space engines and, for this reason, Sardinia plays an increasingly central role in the Italian and European aerospace sector.

Successful final test firing P120C solid rocket motor for Ariane-6 and Vega-C (https://www.avio.com/press-release/successful-final-test-firing-p120c-solid-rocket-motor-ariane-6-and-vega-c)

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The P120C was successfully tested for the third time on October 7, at Europe’s Spaceport solid rocket motor test bench operated by the French Space Agency (CNES). This third successful test, carried out in the Ariane 6 configuration, paves the way for final qualification by the European Space Agency (ESA). The first and second tests on July 16, 2018, and January 28, 2019 were also successful.

The P120C will equip both configurations of Ariane 6: Ariane 62 will be equipped with two boosters* and Ariane 64 will have four. For all the teams involved, these successful firings are also a source of great pride, because all the steps in the development process took place nominally.

The P120C motor is co-developed by ArianeGroup and Avio, through their 50/50 joint venture
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: eeergo on 10/08/2020 05:21 pm
Zefiro 9 engine: Qualification test passed successfully (https://www.avio.com/press-release/zefiro-9-engine-qualification-test-passed-successfully)

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Cagliari, 1st October 2020. The qualification test of the Zefiro 9 VT3 engine, an advanced version of the third stage propulsion system already in use on the Vega launcher and specifically enhanced and customized for the new Vega C, was successfully completed this morning in view of the maiden flight scheduled for 2021.

Thanks to this test, which took 4 weeks of preparation and involved 20 technicians and specialized operators, it was possible to record more than 500 measurements in the 120 seconds of engine ignition, collecting all the necessary data and parameters to calculate the behavior of the engine with an approximation very close to the real conditions in which it will operate in space. Only few countries in the world have the complete and autonomous capacity to develop and qualify space engines and, for this reason, Sardinia plays an increasingly central role in the Italian and European aerospace sector.

Successful final test firing P120C solid rocket motor for Ariane-6 and Vega-C (https://www.avio.com/press-release/successful-final-test-firing-p120c-solid-rocket-motor-ariane-6-and-vega-c)

Quote
The P120C was successfully tested for the third time on October 7, at Europe’s Spaceport solid rocket motor test bench operated by the French Space Agency (CNES). This third successful test, carried out in the Ariane 6 configuration, paves the way for final qualification by the European Space Agency (ESA). The first and second tests on July 16, 2018, and January 28, 2019 were also successful.

The P120C will equip both configurations of Ariane 6: Ariane 62 will be equipped with two boosters* and Ariane 64 will have four. For all the teams involved, these successful firings are also a source of great pride, because all the steps in the development process took place nominally.

The P120C motor is co-developed by ArianeGroup and Avio, through their 50/50 joint venture

HD video:

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2020/10/P120C_motor_configured_for_Ariane_6_is_test_fired
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 10/23/2020 12:55 pm
All solid motors for Vega-C complete qualification tests
23/10/2020

Europe’s new-generation Vega-C small launch vehicle developed by ESA will increase performance and extend current launch capabilities at Europe’s Spaceport.

The solid rocket motors built for Vega-C under contract to Avio have all completed the hot fire tests to qualify them for flight.

The first stage P120C, second stage Zefiro-40 and the third stage Zefiro-9 are all fueled by solid propellant. These motors, together with the AVUM+ liquid propulsion upper module, will allow Vega-C to lift payloads of up to 2300 kg to a reference 700 km altitude in polar orbit.

The P120C first stage will burn for 130 s using 142 t of fuel to deliver a liftoff thrust of about 4500 kN. This will take Vega-C to an altitude of about 60 km in the first phase of flight before the second stage takes over.

Europropulsion, owned jointly by Avio and ArianeGroup, built three P120C models for test. One development and two qualification models have all been static fired successfully at Europe’s Spaceport.


The first qualification model, in the Vega-C configuration, was hot fired in January 2019. The second qualification model, in the Ariane 6 configuration, was hot fired on 7 October. Using the P120C on two launch vehicles has saved on development costs and benefitted economies of scale and created an opportunity for Europe to scale up production.

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Vega/All_solid_motors_for_Vega-C_complete_qualification_tests
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 10/24/2020 07:39 pm
Odd the image shows APP is producing the Igniter for P120C, but AFAIK Nammo produces this.
Edit to add: and AFAIK also the booster separation motors.
https://twitter.com/Nammo/status/1314116288231415809 (https://twitter.com/Nammo/status/1314116288231415809)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: woods170 on 10/24/2020 08:25 pm
Odd the image shows APP is producing the Igniter for P120C, but AFAIK Nammo produces this.
Edit to add: and AFAIK also the booster separation motors.
APP produced the igniters for all 3 SRM stages of the original Vega rocket. But for the uprated version Vega C the igniter for P120C is indeed supplied by Nammo.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 10/29/2020 04:42 pm
ESA lays out roadmap to Vega-C and Ariane 6 flights (http://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/ESA_lays_out_roadmap_to_Vega-C_and_Ariane_6_flights), dated October 29

Vega C

Vega-C is a more powerful and versatile version of the Vega launch vehicle currently operating at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Vega-C’s maiden flight is planned for  June 2021.

Vega was on track for its return to flight, after the July 2019 failure, with its mission (VV16) in March 2020, but Europe’s Spaceport had to be closed due to COVID-19 safety measures. The VV16 launch campaign resumed in May but several further launch attempts were halted due to unfavourable weather. Vega’s return to flight, with the new SSMS dispenser carrying 53 satellites, was successfully launched on 2 September.

Between February and September no activities for the preparation of Vega-C were possible in the Vega mobile gantry while it housed the P80 solid rocket motor in readiness for flight VV16, due to safety constraints.

The qualification at system and subsystems level is currently under finalisation.

As from October, all the new solid motors for Vega-C have completed qualification testing. The Zefiro-40 solid rocket motor for Vega-C completed qualification tests in 2019. The final test of the P120C took place successfully on 7 October.

Two Vega flights, VV17 and VV18, are planned before Vega-C. Activities for the modification of the mobile gantry for Vega-C, such as modifications of the fluids networks as well as connection and installation of the new control bench for Vega-C, will have to start after VV18 now planned early February. 

Vega-C maiden flight is planned for June 2021.

Vega-C is a project managed and funded by the European Space Agency. Avio is the industrial prime contractor. Arianespace commercialises Vega-C.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 11/28/2020 07:24 pm
Cross-post; context is the recent launch failure of VV17:
Vega: full support for the return to flight activities from Italian and French institutions

26.11.2020

After the yesterday meeting in Rome, the Undersecretary of State with responsibility for Space Riccardo Fraccaro and the French Minister of Finance with responsibility for Space Bruno Le Maire, issued a joint statement highlighting the full institutional support to the Ariane and Vega programmes, with particular regard to the return-to-flight of the Italian launcher designed and produced by Avio S.p.A. with the ESA (European Space Agency) mandate.

The support was also reiterated by the Italian Interministerial Committee for Space and Aerospace Policies.

The full statement is available (in Italian only) at the link below:

http://www.governo.it/it/articolo/settore-dello-spazio-dichiarazione-congiunta-italia-francia/15781

https://www.avio.com/press-release/vega-launcher-full-support-italy-and-france-avio-return-flight-activities
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 03/20/2021 09:35 am
Arianespace signs long-term supply agreement with Avio for 10 additional Vega C launchers (https://www.arianespace.com/press-release/arianespace-signs-long-term-supply-agreement-with-avio-for-10-additional-vega-c-launchers/)

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During the recent meeting in Rome between Bruno Le Maire, French Minister of the Economy, Finance and Recovery, and Giancarlo Giorgetti, Italian Minister of Economic Development, Arianespace announced the signature of an agreement with Avio to start production of 10 new Vega C launch vehicles.

This agreement kicks off the procurement of long lead-time items and the initial activities for the production of 10 new launchers, to be delivered from 2023.

Arianespace, the European launch services company, announced today the signature of an agreement with Avio, industrial prime contractor for the Vega and Vega C launchers, to start production of a batch of ten new Vega C rockets, to be launched as from 2023.

Quote
Vega C launchers produced within Batch 4 will serve institutional and commercial missions from 2023 onwards; in particular, they will contribute to the fulfillment of strategic objectives selected by European institutions, either collectively through ESA and the European Commission, or for national purposes. Thus, 2021 will see the contracting by Arianespace of launch services for the next nine Copernicus satellites within the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 of the European Commission.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 05/03/2021 01:05 pm
Europe’s new launch vehicle, Vega-C, is near completion. Elements will soon be shipped to Kourou for assembly and preparation for Vega-C’s inaugural flight. This new launcher improves its Vega predecessor by offering more power and versatility at similar cost. This new design allows Vega-C to transport larger and heavier payloads into space making it a world-class competitor on the global launcher market while ensuring Europe’s independent access to space.


https://youtu.be/sv-DM60fZ0M
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates
Post by: bolun on 05/08/2021 01:01 pm
ITALIAN COMPANY BUYS TEN MORE UKRAINIAN ROCKET ENGINES FOR ESA’S VEGA LAUNCH VEHICLE (https://yuzhnoye.com/en/press-center/news/copy_news_837.html)

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Yuzhnoye State Design Office, Yuzhmash Production Association, and AVIO S.p.A (Italy) have agreed upon the purchase of 10 more Ukrainian rocket engines at the overall value of nearly 6 million euros for the Vega launch vehicle.

Quote
The current contract for the purchase of eleven main engine assemblies is valid until 2023. From these assemblies, seven have been delivered under this contract already, one assembly will be shipped to the customer soon, and the manufacture of three main engine assemblies is under way.


Title: ESA - Vega-E
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2021 02:31 pm
ESA advances Vega rocket evolution beyond 2025
21/07/2021

ESA will further increase the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of Europe’s Vega launch system beyond 2025 through a contract signed with Avio in Italy.

Vega operates from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to launch light satellites to one or multiple orbits in a single launch. This contract takes Vega a step further and marks the start of a new phase in preparation of a new Vega launch vehicle called Vega-E, which will make extensive use of Vega-C building blocks.

The objective with Vega-E is to further increase the competitiveness and performance of Vega-C – which is planned to have its first flight in 2022. This will increase its flexibility in terms of payload mass and volume and reduce the launch service cost and globally the cost of launch per kilo offered in the market.

The key for achieving these objectives is the use of new technologies for a completely new upper stage, featuring a new low-cost liquid-fuelled engine.

“This contract takes Vega a step further having at its heart the new M10 liquid oxygen–methane cryogenic engine, which will further increase its competitiveness, performance and sustainability,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation.

Vega-E will have three stages unlike Vega-C which has four. Two stages will be derived from Vega-C: the first stage P120C solid rocket motor which provides the thrust at liftoff and the second stage solid rocket Zefiro-40 motor. The new third stage is the liquid oxygen–methane cryogenic upper stage which is the core of Vega-E preparation.

“Vega-E’s upper stage will replace the third stage Zefiro 9 solid-propellant motor and the fourth stage upper AVUM of the current Vega configuration. This will have a beneficial effect on performance and cost,” explained Renato Lafranconi, Vega programmes manager at ESA.

Vega-E’s upper stage will improve mission flexibility through its new M10 expander cycle engine with multiple reignition capability. The fullscale 3D-printed thrust chamber assembly of the M10 passed its first series of hot firing tests last year which also qualified new efficient manufacturing methods.

“The reduction of emissions and combustion waste makes the introduction of the M10 engine a further improvement in environmental sustainability which is a driver for the future of Vega,” added Adriana Sirbi, Vega Evolution Preparation Manager at ESA.

Industries and universities from eleven countries are involved in the preparation of the Vega-E launch system, and will contribute to the success of this European rocket. Prime contractor, Avio, with partners will further define the launcher system and its subsystems as well as the preliminary design of the Vega-E launch pad and the associated infrastructure at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

The contract, worth €118.8 m, was signed at ESA’s establishment in Frascati, Italy, by Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation and Giulio Ranzo, CEO at Avio.

ESA_advances_Vega_rocket_evolution_beyond_2025
Title: Re: ESA - Vega-E
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2021 02:31 pm
ESA signs contract with Avio for Vega-E
21/07/2021

A contract worth €118.8 m for the preparation of Vega-E was signed at ESA’s establishment in Frascati, Italy, by Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation and Giulio Ranzo, CEO at Avio. This will further increase the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of Europe’s Vega launch system beyond 2025.

Prime contractor, Avio, with partners will further define the launcher system and its subsystems as well as the preliminary design of the Vega-E launch pad and the associated infrastructure at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega-E
Post by: jacqmans on 07/21/2021 02:33 pm
Artist's view of Vega-E.

Preparatory activities are under way for the evolution of Vega beyond 2025. These will be based on existing building blocks and those under development capable of improving the system’s competitiveness for the normal Vega-C payload class and in the small satellite market.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 07/22/2021 10:05 am
SIGNED A EURO 118.8 MILLION CONTRACT WITH ESA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF VEGA E (https://www.avio.com/press-release/signed-euro-1188-million-contract-esa-development-vega)

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The heart of the development of Vega E is the new third stage cryogenic engine M10, which will be propelled with liquid oxygen and methane, and that will also help to improve the environmental footprint of the launcher.

“This contract is a tangible sign of the great trust that the European Space Agency, along with its member states and the Italian Space Agency, puts into Avio and its capabilities - stated Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio. These funds are very important as we get closer to the Maiden Flight of Vega C but we keep looking to the future beyond and to work on Vega E, which will be even more competitive with also a reduced environmental footprint. Indeed, by the end of the year we will be testing the M10 LOX-Methane engine in our new and completed Space Propulsion Test Facility in Sardinia.”
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 10/11/2021 08:42 am
INAUGURATED THE SPTF, NEW POLE OF TECHNOLOGICAL EXCELLENCE INTENDED FOR SPACE ACTIVITIES AND FINANCED BY AVIO IN COLLABORATION WITH MISE AND THE SARDINIA REGION (https://www.avio.com/press-release/inaugurated-sptf-new-pole-technological-excellence-intended-space-activities-and)

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With the traditional ribbon cutting, the new industrial plant was officially inaugurated and, in particular, the LRE (Liquid Rocket Engine) test bench intended for the execution of tests for the development and qualification of new generation space engines, a low environmental impact (so-called green) based on cryogenic liquid oxygen (LOx) and liquid methane (LNG) propellants. 

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Right here at the SPTF inaugurated today, by the end of the year we will test the new third cryogenic liquid oxygen-methane upper stage (M10) thanks to which the Vega E will not only be more flexible, convenient and performing but also greener. For the development of this new launcher, we recently signed a contract worth 118.8 million euros with ESA

Quote
With the inauguration of the LRE test bench, the first phase of the SPTF project ends, which will now continue with a plant for the production of carbon-carbon components. In parallel and as an integral part of the SPTF Project, the engineering activities will take place at the AVIO headquarters in Sardinia, in Villaputzu.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/29/2021 11:02 am
One question that I have not seen a clear statement anywhere: is the "standard" Vega going to be phased out after Vega C starts flying? If so how many are left?
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Alpha_Centauri on 10/29/2021 11:11 am
I don't know if it's been officially stated, now you mention it, but there is no reason to keep Vega around once Vega-C is up an running, so I imagine it'll be phased out once Vega-C is launching successfully.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: GWR64 on 10/29/2021 11:33 am
One question that I have not seen a clear statement anywhere: is the "standard" Vega going to be phased out after Vega C starts flying? If so how many are left?

After the Vega VV20 launch and the following Vega-C maiden flight, there should be 2 standard Vega left.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/09/28/arianespace-procures-first-batch-of-upgraded-vega-c-rockets-preps-for-ariane-6-order/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 12/16/2021 10:26 am
ESA AND AVIO SIGNED A CONTRACT TO ADVANCE VEGA C COMPETITIVENESS

ESA’s Vega C launch vehicle will fly in the second quarter of 2022 offering more performance to all orbits and extended mission flexibility at a similar cost to the current Vega. A new contract aims to widen these mission capabilities to capture new opportunities and satisfy emerging market needs to 2027.

The ESA–Avio contract is worth €51 million over two and a half years. The signature event in Paris on 15 December was attended by Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, and Maurizio Cutroni, Avio’s CCO, on behalf of Guilio Ranzo, CEO at Avio.

“ESA reaches forwards to strengthen future access to space for Europe. This contract for Vega C contributes to enhance flexibility of the services to the customer and ensures increased competitiveness of our developments,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Space Transportation at ESA.

Under this contract, Avio as prime contractor to ESA for the Vega and Vega C launcher systems will work with industrial partners to put into action a series of improvements intended to enable Vega C to meet a wider range of market needs.

These developments will also reduce launch service costs and comply with the payload allocation policy approved by the ESA Council, through the achievement, in the short term, of three major high-level objectives.

The activities are intended to reduce the main production and operation tasks thereby decreasing the launcher system cost by 10% and therefore the Vega C launch service cost. In particular, it is planned to cut manufacturing costs for mechanical subsystems and components as well as optimise mission preparation and the launch campaign duration.

A wider range of missions will be possible by increasing the launch system performance margins giving higher mission flexibility, still complementary to the Ariane 6 launch system, to cope with specific missions needs and constraints.

Increasing versatility of the Vega C launch system services is expected by offering ad-hoc launch services solutions based on a portfolio of available products, including small spacecraft mission services and dual-launch services.

“Avio and ESA have identified and consolidated areas to further increase Vega C competitiveness during the lead up to commercial exploitation. I thank supporting Member States, the Italian Space Agency and our partners for their trust in Avio,” said Maurizio Cutroni, Chief Commercial Officer at Avio.

https://www.avio.com/news-events/esa-and-avio-signed-contract-advance-vega-c-competitiveness

ESA contract to advance Vega-C competitiveness

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Vega/ESA_contract_to_advance_Vega-C_competitiveness
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 01/20/2022 10:27 am
NEW LAUNCH SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR VEGA C AND NEW DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES (https://www.avio.com/press-release/new-launch-service-contracts-vega-c-and-new-development-activities)

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In December 2021 Avio completed the full integration of the new M10 Lox-methane upper stage engine system which will power Vega E, whose maiden flight is expected in 2026. The engine has now been transferred to Avio’s SPTF (Space Propulsion Test Facility) in Sardinia to start test campaigns as early as February 2022. This engine represents a breakthrough in performance and environmental suitability for upper stage propulsion systems and represents an important building block for Avio’s future technology roadmap. In 2022 one additional test engine will be integrated to extend the test campaign envelope.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 01/31/2022 11:26 am
One question that I have not seen a clear statement anywhere: is the "standard" Vega going to be phased out after Vega C starts flying? If so how many are left?

After the Vega VV20 launch and the following Vega-C maiden flight, there should be 2 standard Vega left.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/09/28/arianespace-procures-first-batch-of-upgraded-vega-c-rockets-preps-for-ariane-6-order/

Yes, according to this NSF article (January 26, 2022) there are 2 "standard" Vega rockets.

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/01/vega-c-update/

Quote
Following its first flight no earlier than April 2022, Vega-C has a further six scheduled missions in 2022 alone. It will then share the ELV launchpad at French Guiana twice in 2023 for the fly-out of the remaining two original Vega rockets.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 02/13/2022 09:22 pm
Vega, Vega-C and Vega-E

Small, versatile, and efficient — the Vega launch system is Europe’s way of launching light satellites to multiple orbits in a single launch to respond to different market opportunities.

Related article: ESA’s Vega rocket marks ten years with countdown to more powerful successor (https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Vega/ESA_s_Vega_rocket_marks_ten_years_with_countdown_to_more_powerful_successor)

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2022/01/Vega_Vega-C_and_Vega-E

Image credit: ESA
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 02/15/2022 09:23 am
Vega payload carriers and Space Rider

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2019/05/Vega_payload_carriers_and_Space_Rider

Image credit: ESA
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 03/31/2022 03:39 pm
ESA-developed P120C solid rocket motor enters production

31/03/2022

ESA’s Ariane 6 and Vega-C will soon join the family of launch vehicles operating from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to guarantee more opportunities for Europe to reach space. The P120C motor, which will power both Ariane 6 and Vega-C, will soon come into operations with the Vega-C inaugural flight.

The ‘C’ stands for ‘common’ as P120C will be used as the first stage of Vega-C and two or four will be used as strap-on boosters for Ariane 6. To successfully develop a motor for use on two very different launch vehicles is a pivotal achievement of European industry. This strategy reduced development costs, benefits from economies of scale, and creates an opportunity for Europe to scale up production.

The P120C motor is ESA’s new solid propulsion workhorse. The P120C will burn for about 130 s using 142 t of fuel to deliver a liftoff thrust of about 4500 kN. It was developed by Europropulsion, which is owned jointly by Avio and ArianeGroup.

P120C is 13.5 m long and 3.4 m in diameter. Its 25 cm-thick monolithic casing is made using carbon composite material at Avio in Italy. ArianeGroup in France developed the advanced P120C nozzle, while Nammo in Norway provided the igniter. Efficient production methods have shortened production cycles and optimised costs.

Increased power for increased competitiveness with P120C+

Plans for a more powerful version of this motor, called the P120C+, are already in motion. The increased performance and competitiveness will better respond to evolving institutional and commercial demand requiring versatility improvements.

With an extra 14 t of solid propellant in a casing that is extended by about one meter, the P120C+ enables extra payload capacity. This would make the Ariane 6 and Vega-C vehicles more competitive and versatile, extending the range of mission opportunities. The new motor would replace the P120C for use on both Ariane 6 and Vega-C.

The P120C+ plan will be part of proposals submitted for consideration at the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level in 2022.

“The P120C solid rocket motor will allow both Ariane 6 and Vega-C to lift off from Earth. With P120C+ we will further improve the launch capability and cost efficiency of both launch vehicles, enhancing the launch services for European institutional missions” commented Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation.

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/ESA-developed_P120C_solid_rocket_motor_enters_production
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Rondaz on 04/01/2022 10:18 am
The ESA-developed P120C solid rocket motor enters production. ESA’s new solid propulsion workhorse will power both Ariane 6 and Vega-C.

https://twitter.com/esa/status/1509470271673098243
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: baldusi on 04/06/2022 04:44 pm
According to Space News (https://spacenews.com/amazon-launch-contracts-drive-changes-to-launch-vehicle-production/) and this article (https://www.nextinpact.com/lebrief/68805/lesa-prepare-moteur-p120c-pour-ariane-6-et-vega-c) ESA and Ariane are going forward with the P120C+ solids. This will have more propellant and allow 2 additional tonnes to LEO on Ariane 64. It will also increase performance for Vega.

Quote
“ Plans for a more powerful version of this engine, called P120C+, are already underway ,” says the European Space Agency. “ With an additional 14 t of solid propellant in a case that is approximately one meter longer, the P120C+ allows for a larger payload ”.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 05/06/2022 01:50 pm
SUCCESSFUL FIRING OF THE NEW M10 ENGINE FOR VEGA E

Colleferro, 6 May 2022 – The new M10 oxygen/methane engine for Vega E was successfully tested yesterday at Avio's new Space Propulsion Test Facility (SPTF) at the Salto di Quirra range in Sardinia. The engine developed by Avio, with a thrust class of 10 tons, is the first of its kind to be successfully tested in Europe. The M10 represents, in all intents and purposes, a new-generation green engine, realised with extensive use of additive layer manufacturing (ALM) technologies. The M10 engine is part of the development of the Vega E launcher, a project coordinated by ESA (European Space Agency) aimed at qualifying the successor of Vega C starting from 2026.

The project, backed by ESA, has been supported from the start by the Italian Government and in particular by the Minister for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition, Vittorio Colao, in view of the positive effects in terms of innovation and sustainability at the National and European level.

The development of M10 started a few years ago with an initial cooperation between Avio and the Italian Space Agency, through which some key technologies were developed. The program was then established within the European Space Agency as a prospective solution for the upper stage of Vega E.

Vega E will have a higher performance than Vega C, with increased flexibility and versatility at reduced costs. Unlike Vega and Vega C, Vega E will have a three-stage configuration. The first two, P120C and Zefiro 40, will be the same as the Vega C. The new M10 engine, developed and built by Avio in Colleferro with the support of other European companies, will equip the last stage of the future Vega E launcher. The engine will be throttleable and re-startable to enable multiple orbital manoeuvres; the combination of oxygen and liquid methane will also make it a more environmentally sustainable engine.

The LRE test facility at Perdasdefogu in Sardinia, a new technological hub created by AVIO, was built in record time for the testing of cryogenic engines, thanks to the successful cooperation with the local Public Administrations and the Ministry of Economic Development in the context of a cooperation between the Italian Defence Chief of Staff, the Italian Air Force Chief of Staff and Avio. With the new M10 engine, Avio is one of the few global players that possesses the innovative cryogenic methane engine technology for space applications. Thanks to this technology, it will be possible to further develop the product range and guarantee an independent access to Space for Europe in the long-term future.

Giulio Ranzo, Avio's CEO, said: "The successful test of the M10 engine represents a historic moment for our Company. Avio demonstrates that it has the most innovative and sustainable technology available for the cryogenic propulsion of future launchers. Starting from this technological element, Avio will be able to develop a new generation of particularly efficient and competitive products. I congratulate the Avio and ESA teams for the quality of the work done to reach this first important milestone".

https://www.avio.com/press-release/successful-firing-new-m10-engine-vega
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 05/07/2022 04:39 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVKICM7Y_QA
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 05/08/2022 01:20 pm
Good news that; Avio successfully conducted the first test of the M10 Demonstration motor on the SPTF LRE test stand. This engine didn't have the full vacuum optimized nozzle (because it's static fired at sea level).
According to the EUCASS2019-0315; they are going to use four demonstrator motors and two qualification motors to certify the M10 engine for use on Vega E. ESA (mainly Italy) funded this development (Vega E) with 118.8mln. The M10 engine development will likely take place between 2022 and 2025.

To me it's odd that the M10 engine development will take until 2025. While ISAR Aerospace claims to develop the quite similar Aquilla engine in 2022.
Both are new engines that required new test stands to be developed and build.
What is determining the difference in the duration of these two engine developments?
Is the M10 development very conservative? Low risk on Vega E development, because Vega C is (should be) available.
Is the Aquilla engine development very risky/ using optimistic assumptions? (ASAP to market, thus unrealistic schedule)
Does Aquilla have a technological heritage that makes it's development much easier/faster?
Is this the difference between legacy and start-up approach?
We shall see how both engine developments work out in real life.

Does any one think a sea-level optimized M10 would be nice for a first stage. A Ø2.4m multi engine stage that can launch the VUS upper-stage; so there is a replacement for Vega?
Solids are another possible approach (~P50-[Z40-]VUS).
All could launch from ELV (@CSG), when LOx LNG propellent loading is facilitated there. (~10mT or ~60mT)

M10 is the first and most likely smallest engine that will be tested on SPTF LRE.
I think they should develop the GOx-GCH4 spark torch igniter and GOx / GCH4 pressurization. (and a third thing I don't want to write down here)
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 05/28/2022 01:05 pm
https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/1529837447290490880

Quote
Hot stuff! 🔥
Success for the second firing of AVIO’s #M10 liquid oxygen/methane engine that will be used for future #VegaE. A bit longer firing (30sec) allowed to confirm behavior as expected.
Title: How Italy distroted Europes commercial microlauncher market!
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/29/2022 08:42 pm
Spacenews article: Avio gets pandemic recovery funds to develop launchers for the 2030s. (https://spacenews.com/avio-gets-pandemic-recovery-funds-to-develop-launchers-for-the-2030s/)

My summery Avio got 340mln to develop a microlauncher that uses the M10 engine and to develop the M60 (~600kN LOx LNG) engine.
This funding comes from the EU pandemic recovery funds.
Defacto this is payed by northern Europe, aka Germany.
This is really unfair competition. And this will destroy private I vestments in launcher technologies.
German companies ISAR Aerospace (Airbus Ventures) and RFA (OHB) both got 10mln for the initial two launches of their microlaunchers from  ESA Boost! (German funding) they require a lot of pri ate investments to be able to provide the launch services.

And Avio gets full government funding (collected by German taxpayers) to do the same. This is really bad. And it makes me really mad and sad.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: GWR64 on 07/04/2022 07:44 pm
Spacenews article: Avio gets pandemic recovery funds to develop launchers for the 2030s. (https://spacenews.com/avio-gets-pandemic-recovery-funds-to-develop-launchers-for-the-2030s/)
...
I deleted everything. I tried to answer, but it was not possible to write a politically correct text.
maybe I can carefully leave: TARANIS, SEOSAT-Ingenio, Vega-C year ...
no smiley
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 07/05/2022 08:27 am
I just realize this is the Vega Update topic. Sorry for trying to start the discussion here.
Let's also share the pressrelease by Avio:
"NEXT GEN EU" CONTRACTS FUNDED WITH 340M EURO AT COMPLETION SIGNED BY AVIO FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW GREEN LIQUID PROPULSION LAUNCHERS (https://www.avio.com/press-release/next-gen-eu-contracts-funded-340m-euro-completion-signed-avio-development-new-green)
I'll paraphrase some things from the pressrelease:
ESA is Contracting Authority with oversight of Italian government and Italian space agency.
€217.5mln is spent on an in-flight demonstration of a microlauncher with two LOx Methane stages.
Another 120mln will be spend on the development of an higher thrust engine (with ~6x M10 thrust). 
Only ~€11mln funding was approved, for initial work orders the next couple of months. 
Avio started hiring 150 additional staff from beginning 2022.

I'll edit in a link to a post I'll write on the discussion topic.

Let's also add the two other contracts Avio got.
€118,8 mln for Vega E (https://www.avio.com/index.php/press-release/signed-euro-1188-million-contract-esa-development-vega); M10 engine and VUS upperstage development. (On the SPTF test bench (https://www.avio.com/index.php/press-release/inaugurated-sptf-new-pole-technological-excellence-intended-space-activities-and)) 
€ 51mln spend over 2.5years to advance Vega-C competitiveness (https://www.avio.com/news-events/esa-and-avio-signed-contract-advance-vega-c-competitiveness) /ESA (https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Vega/ESA_contract_to_advance_Vega-C_competitiveness)

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: jebbo on 08/05/2022 08:05 am
200 second firing of the M10 engine for VEGA-E.

https://twitter.com/AndrewParsonson/status/1555464346129555457

--- Tony
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 08/12/2022 08:17 am
Cross-post:
https://twitter.com/JasonRainbow/status/1557761031233060870
Quote
Jason Rainbow @JasonRainbow
Spaceflight's Sherpa-LTC2 orbital transfer vehicle is on its way to Cape Canaveral for a second attempt to debut the chemically powered space tug on a SpaceX launch - SpaceNews

https://spacenews.com/spaceflights-chemically-powered-space-tug-heads-for-launch/ [August 11]

Quote
Spaceflight said it signed a deal [announced August 8] to access Vega [includes Vega-C] with Italy’s SAB Launch Services — which also provides launch services on other European launchers — to cover launches starting as soon as next year.

[Spaceflight CEO Curt] Blake said Spaceflight is “very close to identifying specifics” for the customers and Vega missions that would use Sherpa, with the first launch likely around the end of 2023 or early 2024.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 09/15/2022 12:04 pm
https://www.avio.com/press-release/first-half-2022-results

Quote
Avio is involved in the development and production of the P160 first-stage engine (an upgraded version of the P120), which is also designed to yield a further 10 percent performance increase to Vega C and also to future Vega E. With this contract, Avio also expects to achieve economies of scale on the P120/P160 production, which will also benefit the overall Vega program.

Quote
... Avio will develop a new high-thrust engine that will exploit the LOX-methane technology of the M10 engine along with other technologies such as non-pyrotechnic separation systems and cryogenic propellant tanks. These technologies will be tested through two technology demonstrators scheduled for launch in 2024 (suborbital version) and 2026 (orbital version), respectively. Such technologies will increase Avio’s launcher capabilities and competitiveness.

Quote
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Avio confirms that it has over time built a significant stock of AVUM engines available for Vega and Vega C, so Vega's operation through the medium term is not going to be impacted by the war events to date.

Quote
Avio also announces the signing of an MoU with CDP Venture Capital SGR for structured cooperation in the important aerospace startup scenario emerging in Italy. Leveraging this agreement, Avio has joined the Takeoff startup accelerator based in Turin and directed by Plug & Play. This program will provide Avio with the opportunity to review and engage with a number of entrepreneurial initiatives also with a view to making potential future investments.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 11/19/2022 02:31 pm
https://www.avio.com/press-release/9m-2022-highlights

Quote
... the flight backlog of Vega C is 7 flight (plus 2 Vega flights yet to be performed).

Quote
... M10 oxygen-methane engine has successfully completed 23 ignition tests with a cumulative operating time of more than1200 seconds
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 12/03/2022 03:09 pm
https://www.avio.com/press-release/record-budget-italy-esa-ministerial-council-more-eu700m-new-contracts-expected

Quote
The Ministerial Council of ESA Member States took place in Paris on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 November, allocating budgets for space research and development programs for the three-year period 2023-2025.

Quote
... the programs in which Avio is prime contractor or co-prime contractor, such as Vega C, Vega Evolution, and Space Rider have been significantly expanded in outlook. In particular, the following has been approved:

- the completion of the development of Vega E, successor to the Vega C launcher, which will use the M10 methane upper stage (successfully tested by Avio at the SPTF test center in Sardinia recently)

- A program to strengthen Vega C, aimed at increasing the frequency of annual launches, improving technology and reducing dependence on critical suppliers

- The completion of the Space Rider program.

- A new Italy-led program to build a re-usable upper stage

- The planned modification of the P120 solid rocket motor to increase its performance for the benefit of both the Ariane 6 and Vega C/E launchers

Other programs include the completion of Ariane 6 development activities with Maiden Flight confirmed in 2023.

https://www.avio.com/press-release/european-commission-signs-record-contract-5-vega-c-launches-copernicus-constellation

Quote
Avio announces the signature of a contract by Arianespace with the European Commission for five Vega C launches for the Copernicus earth observation constellation satellites, to be executed between 2024 to 2026.

Quote
Thanks to this contract, the Vega C launch backlog reaches 13 flights, plus 2 Vega launches, for a total of 15 flights
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 03/17/2023 10:34 am
PNRR: 285 EURO MILLION FOR INNOVATIVE PROPULSION TECHNOLOGIES AND NEW GENERATION LAUNCHERS PROTOTYPES (https://www.avio.com/press-release/pnrr-285-mln-innovative-propulsion-technologies-and-new-generation-launchers)

Quote
Rome 13 March 2023 - Today, two contracts were signed at the headquarters of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy in the presence of Minister Adolfo Urso, the Director of Space Transportation Systems of the ESA, Daniel Neuenschwander, and the CEO of Avio, Giulio Ranzo. The total value of the contracts is over €285 million and is part of the initiatives for the Italian space industry to implement "NextGenerationEU" with the aim of enhancing the technological capabilities of the Italian industry for space access.

Quote
The first program, called STS and financed with €181.6 million until its completion, will be dedicated to the development, by 2026, of a flight demonstrator of new technologies and specific projects for a two-stage lightweight launcher with liquid oxygen and methane propulsion, with reduced environmental impact. The main developments are expected in the field of composite material cryogenic tanks, non-pyrotechnic separation systems, and integrated avionics systems based on aeronautical hardware and software extraction.

The second program, called HTE and financed with €103.7 million until completion, will be dedicated to the development of a new liquid oxygen and methane engine with high-performance technology, reduced environmental impact, and high thrust, with its detailed design and the realization of increasingly complex demonstrators up to the ground qualification test by 2026.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: TheKutKu on 06/29/2023 11:20 am
https://www.avio.com/press-release/zefiro-40-firing-test-preliminary-outcome

Quote
Colleferro, 29 June 2023 – Yesterday a static firing test of the Zefiro 40 motor (second stage of the Vega C launcher) was performed according to schedule as one of the requirements linked to the return to flight of Vega C after the flight anomaly suffered on the last launch VV22 in December.

Following the recommendation of the Independent Enquiry Commission on VV22, the test was performed to qualify the performance of the motor with a new carbon-carbon material for its nozzle throat. The conditions of the test were purposely set as extremely severe in terms of max motor operating pressure in order to demonstrate a large performance margin with a view to ensure maximum flight reliability.

Preliminary analysis of test results (to be further investigated in the following days/weeks before reaching definitive conclusions) allowed to reach the following results. The new carbon-carbon material showed a nominal performance, closely linked to prediction. However, after 40 seconds into the test, another anomaly was revealed, leading to a reduction in overall pressure performance of the motor before the test completion planned at 97 seconds. This aspect will require further investigation and testing activity to be conducted by Avio and the European Space Agency to ensure optimal performance conditions.

The Vega launcher is unaffected by the performance of Zefiro 40, which is specific to Vega C. Vega next launch remains planned for September. The planning for the return to flight of Vega C is currently under evaluation, pending further analysis and investigation as above mentioned. Avio remains anyway committed to leverage the Vega launcher while Vega C prepares to return to flight.

Avio will communicate further details as soon as more detailed analysis is complete.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: darkenfast on 06/30/2023 06:38 am
SpaceNews take on the Zefiro 40 test anomaly.

https://spacenews.com/vega-c-suffers-setback-in-return-to-flight-effort/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/06/2023 11:54 am
https://twitter.com/andrewparsonson/status/1676906885964759041

Quote
.@ESA has established an Independent Enquiry Commission to investigate the failure of the @Avio_Group-led Vega C Zefiro 40 static fire test conducted on 28 June 2023.

https://europeanspaceflight.com/esa-launch-independent-enquiry-commission-to-investigate-vega-c-z40-test-failure/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: harrystranger on 07/12/2023 12:31 am
The Vega C Zefiro 40 stage may be visible in this satellite image from June 30.
https://twitter.com/Harry__Stranger/status/1678731521023438848
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: GWR64 on 08/05/2023 08:15 pm
Quote

Giulio Ranzo

CEO at AVIO
1 Tag Bearbeitet

Very excited to report full success of our #M10 #LOX-methane 1st engine test for DM2 : the new, improved , lighter and … fully throttable version of AVIO ‘s upper stage engine for #VegaE (we tested DM1 last year). We now have an intense summer full of tests and exploration of performances.
Great congrats to the AVIO and European Space Agency - ESA teams for a unique team effort. This is the first upper stage LOXCH rocket engine in Europe with  these performances.🚀🚀🚀

with video: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/giulio-ranzo_m10-lox-vegae-activity-7093290032685285376-Bw5B
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/04/2023 11:24 am
https://twitter.com/spcplcyonline/status/1698651377231143252

Quote
Aschbacher says the independent inquiry into the Vega-C technical problems will be completed by the end of Sept.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 09/13/2023 12:05 pm
Again, not sure where to post this so:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkceAJcaFxs
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/13/2023 12:26 pm
https://twitter.com/andrewparsonson/status/1701206871762227694

Quote
This chart appears to indicate that @Avio_Group will conduct additional Z40 testing will take place in 2024. So, that would mean a return to flight for Vega C would occur in mid to late 2024? And that's if they manage to successfully complete the test firing.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: GWR64 on 09/24/2023 05:51 pm
https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/1700086596836712587

Quote
#AVIO has completed the first five firing tests of DM2 model of M10, the 100kn thrust liquid oxygen/methane engine that will power #VegaE. Optimal performance achieved in 45sec tests at max pressure and Ox rich mixture ratio. #spaceiscloser #space

https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/1705160007862649336

Quote
#Avio is proud to announce that the new LOX-CH Engine #M10 DM2 successfully completed a 340 secs continuous firing test. The new #VegaE’s upper stage engine performed as expected also changing multiple times LOX-CH mixture ratio. Video's speed is 4X #space #spaceiscloser
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/27/2023 06:13 pm
https://twitter.com/andrewparsonson/status/1707092709557608485

Quote
An ESA Independent Inquiry Commission established to investigate the failure of the Vega C Zerfiro 40 static fire test will report its findings before the end of the week.

https://europeanspaceflight.com/esa-to-publish-vega-c-test-z40-test-failure-findings-this-week/
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 09/28/2023 04:33 am
https://twitter.com/andrewparsonson/status/1707092709557608485

Quote
An ESA Independent Inquiry Commission established to investigate the failure of the Vega C Zerfiro 40 static fire test will report its findings before the end of the week.

https://europeanspaceflight.com/esa-to-publish-vega-c-test-z40-test-failure-findings-this-week/

(Not good) update:

https://twitter.com/AndrewParsonson/status/1707137427633304014
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/28/2023 04:29 pm
Let’s try again:

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1707431967602401599

Quote
ESA will hold a briefing Monday (1030 GMT) to discuss the results of the independent review of the Vega-C test anomaly in June, along with "an updated target schedule of the 2024 Vega-C launch manifest."
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/02/2023 09:48 am
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1708779907923268043

Quote
ESA announced this morning it's targeting a return to flight of the Vega-C in the fourth quarter of 2024 to accommodate work to improve the design of the Zefiro 40 nozzle, after damage in a test in June, and perform two firing tests to confirm those changes.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/02/2023 09:55 am
Briefing in just over half an hour:

https://twitter.com/esa/status/1708782232159019175

Quote
📺 Join us live for a media briefing on the findings of the Independent Enquiry Commission on the #VegaC test at 11:30 BST/12:30 CEST on #ESAWebTV.

🔗 esawebtv.esa.int
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/02/2023 11:48 am
https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Vega-C_Zefiro40_Test_Independent_Enquiry_Commission_announces_conclusions

Quote
N° 46–2023: Vega-C Zefiro40 Test: Independent Enquiry Commission announces conclusions

2 October 2023

Following the failure of the Vega-C launch (VV22) in December 2022, an Independent Enquiry Commission drew several conclusions and made recommendations to ensure a reliable return to flight and a robust exploitation. One of the recommendations was to implement a (delta-)qualification of the nozzle with a new Carbon-Carbon throat insert material different from that previously used on the Zefiro40, the solid rocket booster of the Vega-C second stage. On 28 June 2023, a static firing test of the modified Zefiro40 engine took place at the test bench in Salto di Quirra in Italy. During the test the engine nozzle suffered significant damages.

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher has set up an Independent Enquiry Commission chaired by the ESA Inspector General, Giovanni Colangelo, and composed of experts from CNES, ASI, ESA, Arianespace and academia to understand the cause of the test anomaly and propose recommendations.

The Independent Enquiry Commission concluded that in the current design of the nozzle, the combination of the geometry of the Carbon-Carbon throat insert and the different thermo-mechanical properties of the new material caused progressive damage of other adjacent nozzle parts and a progressive degradation eventually leading to the nozzle’s failure. This phenomenon is not linked to those observed on VV22 with the previous Carbon-Carbon material.

The Independent Enquiry Commission has formulated a series of recommendations including the need to improve the nozzle design of the Zefiro40 motor, calibrate numerical models to predict the behaviour and conduct two more firing tests to verify performance with the aim to ensure a reliable return to flight and a robust commercial exploitation of Vega-C.

A task force steered by ESA and Avio has been set up and will immediately start to implement the recommendations proposed by the IEC. Vega-C, undergoing design changes of the Zefiro40 nozzle and technical reviews as well as the two firing tests, is expected to return to flight in the fourth quarter of 2024. In the meantime, another Vega flight will take place in the second quarter of 2024. A media briefing will be held by ESA, Avio and Arianespace on 2 October at 12:30 CEST to detail findings and answer questions. 

ESA considers the return to flight of Vega-C a strategic priority to secure Europe’s independent access to space and will support the necessary efforts drawing from already available resources.

Avio in its role as Design Authority is committed to fully implement the recommendations of the Independent Enquiry Commission and is responsible for the return to flight of Vega-C.

ESA, as launch system qualification authority, Avio, as design authority and prime contractor of the Vega launcher and Arianespace, as launch service provider, will continue their joint efforts to achieve the common objective of a robust exploitation of the Vega launch system, for the benefit of their institutional and commercial customers.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: bolun on 10/02/2023 02:47 pm
Media briefing: Findings of the Independent Enquiry Commission on Vega-C test (video)

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2023/10/Media_briefing_Findings_of_the_Independent_Enquiry_Commission_on_Vega-C_test
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Runerdieker on 10/02/2023 08:26 pm
Not only the Vega C and the Zefiro40 failed, also the lights during the mediabriefing... (15:01-15:53)
In a reaction apparently to get the sensors of the lights turn them on, the CEO of Avio Ranzo seems trying to catch flies (15:30)! ;D
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Mamut on 11/13/2023 04:06 pm
https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/1724087017275896156
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 11/13/2023 11:05 pm
The video of the long M10 engine test.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHHOYXmHEho (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHHOYXmHEho)

Is the development of the M10 engine progressing better than planned?
Do they still require the four development engines and two qualification engines.
Or can Avio skip some development engine and progress sooner to the qualification engines?

Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 01/11/2024 02:26 pm
Cross-Post:

https://twitter.com/ESpaceflight/status/1745450243158876569

Quote
ESA director of space transportation Toni Tolker-Nielsen has announced that Vega C will return to flight on 15 November 2024. The agency is, however, considering Falcon 9 as a backup for the launch of Sentinel 1C.
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: starbase on 01/15/2024 04:47 pm

https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1746855246520058036
🙄
Title: Re: ESA - Vega Updates (Vega, Vega-C, Vega-E, etc. 2005 and forward)
Post by: shiro on 03/21/2024 05:02 pm
https://twitter.com/andrewparsonson/status/1770844021272854827

Quote
The first redesigned Vega-C Z40 nozzle has been completed with the new carbon carbon material from ArianeGroup. The nozzle will be used for the first of two static fire tests, which is currently expected to occur between the end of May and early June. Credit: Avio/Giulio Ranzo