Quote from: hkultala on 08/09/2018 07:46 amI'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=46Falcon Heavy reaches 50km in 140 seconds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT1Yk0q1HBI?t=168
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 )
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.
Quote from: envy887 on 08/09/2018 01:37 pmBut 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.
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.
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.
Stéphane Israël @arianespaceceoLaunch 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 🚀
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.
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.
https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Focus_on_Vega_developmentsFocus on Vega developmentsQuoteDetails 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.
It does seem a bit left-field. Are you sure they meant Vega-C and not the new Vega-derived micro launcher?
Interesting and a little odd development of Avio starts launches from South Australia. I searched "Whalers Bay Australia" 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.