Author Topic: Vega-C VV21, maiden flight - LARES 2 - 13 July 2022 (13:13 UTC)  (Read 55878 times)

Online zubenelgenubi

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Re: Vega C VV2X, maiden flight - LARES 2 - early 2022
« Reply #20 on: 05/13/2021 05:39 pm »
Cross-post:
https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/
Quote
<snip>
Early 2022 • Vega C • LARES 2
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: ZLV, Kourou, French Guiana
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Online zubenelgenubi

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Re: Vega-C VV21, maiden flight - LARES 2 - Q1 2022
« Reply #21 on: 07/23/2021 07:12 pm »
Cross-post; my bold:
According to this press release, the maiden flight of Vega-C is expected by the first quarter of 2022
https://www.avio.com/press-release/signed-euro-1188-million-contract-esa-development-vega
Quote
This contract marks the beginning of a new phase in the development of Vega E (Evolution), an improved and even more powerful version of Vega C, whose Maiden Flight is expected by the first quarter of 2022.
« Last Edit: 07/24/2021 05:08 pm by zubenelgenubi »
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Re: Vega-C VV22(?), maiden flight - LARES 2 - Q1 2022
« Reply #22 on: 07/29/2021 12:06 pm »
Cross-post:
According to the SAB SSMS rideshare option list, the Vega-C maiden flight isn't VV21.
VV21, Vega with Vampire 1194 rideshare structure. Q1 2022 to a non SSO orbit, payloads to 620km LTDN 17:30.
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Offline bolun

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Re: Vega-C VV22(?), maiden flight - LARES 2 - Q1 2022
« Reply #23 on: 08/03/2021 09:17 am »
Some info about LARES2

LARES-2 (ASI)

Quote
LARES2 (acronym for Laser RElativity Satellite #2) is the second satellite of the LARES “group. Its main purpose is the precise measurement of the frame-dragging effect of inertial frames, generated by mass-energy currents such as the rotation of a body with mass, as provided for by the theory of general relativity.

Compared to its precursor LAGEOS and LARES missions, the main scientific purpose of the LARES 2 mission is to significantly increase the accuracy of the frame-dragging measurement (also known as Lense-Thirring effect) in a satellite’s orbit around the Earth, as well as the measurement of the Earth’s gravitomagnetic field, with an accuracy of few parts per thousand.

The characterization of the gravitomagnetic field and the concept of frame-dragging are, in fact, two cornerstones of Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Such unprecedented level of accuracy will be essential, both to improve the limits of some fundamental physics concepts, such as those relating to the theory of strings, and to model the orbital effects generated by the collision of rotating black holes, of the same type as those observed by the LIGO interferometers. Finally, the LARES2 mission will also allow to conduct some new fundamental physics experiments and will provide important estimates in the field of space geodesy and geodynamics.

LARES2: the massive "ball" to further verify Einstein's Relativity Theory (OHB Italia)

Quote
The LARES2 System, developed by OHB Italia under the ASI (Italian Space Agency) flag, will be the payload of VEGA C launcher qualification flight scheduled within the end of the current year 2021.

The most important part of the payload is the LAser RElativity Satellite 2, known as LARES2, a passive satellite, composed of a high density nickel alloy sphere of 424 mm (diameter) and weighing about 300 kg, on which 303 retroreflectors are installed. It will be placed in orbit at an altitude of about 6.000 km.

The main purpose of the satellite is to allow the measurement of an orbital disturbance, predicted by general relativity theory, called “Frame-Dragging” or “Lense Thirring” effect, which foresees that a spinning massive body, like a planet, exert a drag on the spacetime, modifying its satellite orbits.

The orbital position of LARES2 will be tracked by laser pulses emitted from ground stations. They will hit the satellite and consequently the retroreflectors will send the signal back, allowing the station to measure the exact position.

A fundamental element of the LARES 2 System is the retaining mechanism assembly that keeps the spheric satellite locked during launch and releases it once it has arrived in orbit. This is a complex and non-conventional device clamping the 300 kg satellite when subjected to the high launch accelerations, without using standard fixation elements, as bolted junctions.

Note: the launch dates of the articles are outdated

Image credit: OHB Italia
« Last Edit: 08/03/2021 09:28 am by bolun »

Offline bolun

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Re: Vega-C VV22(?), maiden flight - LARES 2 - Q1 2022
« Reply #24 on: 08/04/2021 09:35 am »
More payloads

https://www.asi.it/en/earth-science/lares-2/

Quote
On the occasion of the launch, along with LARES2 as main payload, six CubeSats selected by the European Space Agency and manufactured by European universities and research centres will be placed in the same orbit. These include Astrobio (manufactured by the INAF and the School of Aerospace Engineering) and GreenCube (manufactured by the University of Rome La Sapienza), whose development has also been promoted and developed by the ASI.

GreenCube

Innovation: All Italian the first micro-vegetable garden for space farming

Quote
A micro-garden 6000 km from Earth to grow fresh vegetables for future space missions. GREENCUBE[1], designed by an all-Italian scientific team, for the first time will be aboard a mini-satellite to be launched during the inaugural flight of VEGA-C, the official carrier of the European Space Agency (ESA)

The prototype,  developed by ENEA,  University of Naples Federico II and University of Rome La Sapienza as coordinator and holder of an agreement with the Italian Space Agency (ASI), measures 30 x 10 x 10 cm[2] and is based on a closed-cycle hydroponic system guaranteeing a complete 20-day testing growth cycle of micro-vegetables, selected from those best suited to withstand extreme extraterrestrial conditions.

AstroBio

AstroBio CubeSat a new tool for astrobiology experiments in Medium Earth Orbit

Quote
AstroBio CubeSat (ABCS) is a 3U CubeSat (100×100×340 mm) selected by European Space Agency (ESA) to be launched on fall 2020 with the Vega C qualification maiden flight, as piggy back of the ASI LARES2 satellite. ABCS will be deployed in an approximately circular orbit at 5900 km altitude and 70° of inclination spending a significant amount of the orbital period within the harsh internal Van Allen belt, close to its maximum. ABCS will host a laboratory payload based on an innovative lab-on chip technology suitable for research in astrobiology. The objective is to test in space environment a highly integrated laboratory using immunoassay techniques exploiting chemiluminescence detection.

https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2021/pdf/2494.pdf

Note: the launch dates of the articles are outdated

« Last Edit: 08/04/2021 09:43 am by bolun »

Offline bolun

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Re: Vega-C VV22, maiden flight - LARES 2 - Q1 2022
« Reply #25 on: 11/10/2021 11:44 am »
9M 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

Quote
The Maiden Flight of Vega C is expected by March 2022.
[dated Nov 8]
« Last Edit: 11/11/2021 02:44 pm by zubenelgenubi »

Online zubenelgenubi

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Re: Vega-C VV22?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - NLT March 2022
« Reply #26 on: 11/16/2021 11:37 am »
Cross-post:
Latest Vega launch paves way for Vega-C
16/11/2021
<snip>
Today’s mission will be followed by Vega’s successor, Vega-C, which will take its first flight in 2022. This starts the transition to Vega-C where for a period, both vehicles will be used.
<snip>
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Vega/Latest_Vega_launch_paves_way_for_Vega-C
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Offline Yiosie

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Re: Vega-C VV22?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - NLT March 2022
« Reply #27 on: 11/16/2021 08:48 pm »
From Stephen Clark's article on the VV20 launch:

French military intelligence satellites launch on Vega rocket (bolds mine)

Quote
The next Vega launch will be the debut flight of an upgraded version of the rocket called the Vega C, with more powerful first and second stage motors, and a liquid-fueled fourth stage with more fuel capacity. The Vega C also has a larger payload shroud to expand the volume available for satellite passengers.

The Vega C’s inaugural launch is scheduled no earlier than April from French Guiana. Teams at the spaceport will spend the next couple months completing modifications to the launch pad’s mobile gantry to accommodate the larger rocket.

“This is the latest Vega success before we welcome Vega C and new mission opportunities through increased performance and competitiveness,” said Renato Lafranconi, Vega program manager at the European Space Agency. “ESA will oversee this transition, build on the accomplishments of Vega and prepare future adaptations for a Vega E suitable for a rapidly evolving and competitive market, to continue guaranteed access to space for Europe.”

Offline eeergo

Inaugural rocket's shipment process is starting:

https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/1462808055024869384
-DaviD-

Offline bolun

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Re: Vega-C VV22?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - NET April 2022
« Reply #29 on: 12/12/2021 05:57 pm »
New equipment from Avio has arrived to Kourou. Something for Vega C maiden flight?  ::)

https://twitter.com/esa_sts/status/1469311899653312515

Quote
Another super special arrival & delivery
@EuropeSpacePort
Can you guess what's inside #MNColibri?
Full details to follow early next week on http://esa.int/sts
« Last Edit: 12/12/2021 05:59 pm by bolun »

Offline GWR64

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Re: Vega-C VV22?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - NET April 2022
« Reply #30 on: 12/12/2021 07:04 pm »

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Re: Vega-C VV22?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - NET April 2022
« Reply #31 on: 12/13/2021 02:38 pm »
First Vega-C rocket stages reach Europe’s Spaceport

The first elements of ESA’s new-generation Vega-C launch vehicle have reached Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

Vega-C will replace the current Vega launch vehicle to offer more payload volume in the fairing, greater performance, for a wider range of missions at a price per kilogram of payload similar to Vega. Its first flight is planned in the first half of 2022 to launch LARES-2 and several CubeSats as secondary passengers.

MN-Colibri cargo ship reached Pariacabo harbour on 9 December carrying Vega-C’s second stage Zefiro-40, and third stage Zefiro-9 solid rocket motor from Avio’s Colleferro factory in Italy. Avio is prime contractor to ESA for the development of Vega-C launcher system and ground proximity means. 

The Zefiro-40 is a new motor developed and manufactured by Avio. It is 7.6 m long and 2.4 m in diameter. It will burn for 92 seconds using about 36 t of solid propellant to generate an average thrust of 1300 kN which is four times greater than that of an engine of a modern passenger aircraft. This will propel Vega-C to an altitude of about 123 km.

The Zefiro-9 is 3.9 m long and 1.9 m in diameter. It will power Vega-C’s third stage burning 10 t of solid propellant to take Vega-C to an altitude of about 190 km. It is an advanced version with a new igniter with respect to the one used on the Vega launch vehicle currently operating at Europe’s Spaceport.

Further elements for Vega-C are expected to be shipped to French Guiana in 2022. These include: the first stage P120C insulated motor case which is also the booster for ESA’s upcoming Ariane 6 launch vehicle; the upper stage AVUM+; and interstage structures.

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2021/12/First_Vega-C_rocket_stages_reach_Europe_s_Spaceport

Image credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace

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Re: Vega-C VV22?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - NET April 2022
« Reply #32 on: 12/16/2021 06:41 pm »
Cross-post:
https://www.avio.com/news-events/esa-and-avio-signed-contract-advance-vega-c-competitiveness

Quote
ESA’s Vega-C launch vehicle will fly in the second quarter of 2022 ...
[dated Dec 16]
« Last Edit: 12/17/2021 03:39 am by zubenelgenubi »
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Offline GWR64

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Re: Vega-C VV22?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - NET May 2022
« Reply #33 on: 12/17/2021 03:57 pm »
Cross-post:
https://www.avio.com/news-events/esa-and-avio-signed-contract-advance-vega-c-competitiveness

Quote
ESA’s Vega-C launch vehicle will fly in the second quarter of 2022 ...
[dated Dec 16]

late March Soyuz VS28,  April Ariane 5 VA257,
then Q2 probably means NET May, it's not early 2022,

Inaugural rocket's shipment process is starting:

https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/1462808055024869384
« Last Edit: 12/17/2021 04:27 pm by zubenelgenubi »

Offline GWR64

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Re: Vega-C VV22?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - NET late April 2022
« Reply #34 on: 12/21/2021 05:59 pm »
The journey of #VegaC towards its maiden flight continues: its second and third stages, Zefiro 40 and Zefiro 9, have arrived to @EuropeSpacePort  in Kourou. Other elements will be shipped in early 2022.

https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/1472892035623440394

by the way: Why VV22?


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Re: Vega-C VV22?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - NET late April 2022
« Reply #35 on: 01/09/2022 07:05 pm »
Cross-post; article dated Jan 2
Celesta = Robusta-1D
Robusta MTCube 2 = Robusta-1E

https://www.midilibre.fr/2022/01/02/labecedaire-de-ce-qui-nous-attend-a-montpellier-cette-annee-2022-10023040.php
Google translate:
Quote
Nano

The Montpellier University Space Center, Van Halen Foundation, will put the finishing touches on the Robusta-3A Méditerranée nano satellite, which will be tasked with anticipating Cévennes episodes through meteorological records. The small craft, the size of three Rubik's cubes in a row, could be sent into orbit in 2023.

Two nano satellites “made in Montpellier” will take off this year aboard Vega C, from the Guyanese space center in Kourou. They are called Robusta MTCube 2 and Celesta and are tasked with different analyzes on the memories for the first and the radiative environment in low orbit for the second.
« Last Edit: 01/09/2022 07:33 pm by zubenelgenubi »
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Offline bolun

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Re: Vega-C VV21?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - NET late April 2022
« Reply #36 on: 01/19/2022 11:35 am »
From DG Aschbacher Annual Press Conference (18/01/2022)

https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/corporate/JA_ESA_Press_Conference_18_Jan_2022.pdf

Slide number 19

Quote
Vega C Mayden Flight May 2022
« Last Edit: 01/19/2022 11:39 am by bolun »

Offline GWR64

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Re: Vega-C VV21?, maiden flight - LARES 2 - May 2022
« Reply #37 on: 01/20/2022 05:51 pm »
Quote
Avio
@Avio_Group
#InsideVega

The journey of #VegaC towards its maiden flight continues: few days ago, its solid propellant motor P120C was activated and transferred from Regulus to @EuropeSpacePort
 EUP/K facilities ahead of flight #VV21 (#VVC1)

https://twitter.com/Avio_Group/status/1483756125073801218

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Re: Vega-C VV21, maiden flight - LARES 2 - May 2022
« Reply #38 on: 03/02/2022 01:40 am »
Volga-Dnepr An-124 transport aircraft are currently not available to ship satellites; not-Russian transports are, particularly for smaller satellites?

I haven't seen any reports on Volga-Dnepr being banned from transporting satellite but the closure of EU airspace to Russian aircraft causes challenges.
https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1497973334847414278
« Last Edit: 03/04/2022 03:01 pm by zubenelgenubi »
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Re: Vega-C VV21, maiden flight - LARES 2 - May 2022
« Reply #39 on: 03/02/2022 02:04 am »
Volga-Dneiper An-124 transport aircraft are currently not available to ship satellites; not-Russian transports are, particularly for smaller satellites?

I haven't seen any reports on Volga-Dnepr being banned from transporting satellite but the closure of EU airspace to Russian aircraft causes challenges.
https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1497973334847414278

From Arianespace updates I have seen quite a few of the satellites using regular Boeing 747 freighters, especially those flying on Vega.
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