Vega
Versatile, efficient, precise — the Vega launch system is Europe’s way of launching light satellites to multiple orbits in a single launch
Vega first launched in 2012 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to complement Europe’s heavy-lift Ariane rockets. Vega-C, a more powerful variant with greater payload volume and improved competitiveness, took over this role with its inaugural flight on 13 June 2022. Vega-E is now in development to further increase performance while reducing launch service costs.
Last launch: VV29, Vega-C with Smile mission – European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 May 2026 at 00:52 local time (04:52 BST, 05:52 CEST).
Next launch: 14 September 2026 at 22:21 local time from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana (15 September 02:21 BST/03:21 CEST) , FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C on same Vega-C flight.
Latest
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VideoEnabling & Support
Vega for ESA: the story
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VideoEnabling & Support
Vega-C inaugural launch campaign timelapse, VV21
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VideoEnabling & Support
Vega-C launch in slow motion
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StoryEnabling & Support
M10 engine test success marks key step toward Vega-E
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Agency Link to Vega launch gallery
