ESA’s new Vega launcher success!
13 February 2012
Vega, ESA’s new launch vehicle, is ready to operate alongside the Ariane 5 and Soyuz launchers after a successful qualification flight yesterday morning from Europe’s Spaceport.
With Vega increasing the number of launchers available at the spaceport, Europe now covers the full range of launch needs, from small science and Earth observation satellites to the largest missions like ESA’s supply shipments to the International Space Station.
The first Vega lifted off at 10:00 GMT from the new launch pad, and carried out a perfect qualification flight.
“Today is a moment of pride for Europe as well as those 1000 individuals who have been involved in developing the world’s most modern and competitive launcher system for small satellites,” said Antonio Fabrizi, ESA’s Director of Launchers.
