Mating of Vega's AVUM fourth stage

Vega preparations are moving full speed ahead at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. On 17 December 2011, the AVUM – Attitude & Vernier Upper Module – liquid-propellant fourth stage was added to the vehicle.

The launch window for Vega’s maiden flight, VV01, opens on 26 January and closes in the first week of February.