The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Vega-C's fourth stage, AVUM+, at the top of the Vega-C getting ready to be connected to the rocket for flight VV27, 18 June 2025.
The Attitude Vernier Upper Module, AVUM+, provides several improvements over the fourth stage used on Vega-C’s predecessor, the Vega rocket. These include a composite skin sandwich structure, more propellant and main engine reignition capabilities, allowing Vega-C launches to be more flexible for multi-payload missions.
VV27 will take Airbus Defence and Space's four CO3D satellites and CNES' Microcarb mission to space.