The Vega programme has its origins in the 1990s, when studies in several European countries investigated the possibility of complementing the range of performance offered by Ariane with a new launcher for smaller payloads. Concepts and first studies were carried out the Italian Space Agency, ASI, and the Italian industry; and in June 1998 Vega become an official ESA programme.
Vega offers configurations able to launch payloads ranging from a single satellite up to one main satellite plus six microsatellites. The small launcher handles with payloads ranging from 300 kg to 2500 kg, depending on the type and altitude of the orbit required by the customer. The benchmark is for 1500 kg into a 700 km-altitude polar orbit.
Vega has been designed as a single body launcher with three solid propulsion stages and an additional liquid propulsion upper module used for attitude and orbit control, and satellite release. Unlike most small launchers, Vega will be able to place multiple payloads into orbit.
The first launch is planned for 2012 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana where the Ariane 1 launch facilities have been adapted for its use.
