Vega organisation

The original Vega project was an ESA optional programme with the participation of seven Member States: Belgium, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The rocket flew until 2024 after which it was replaced by the upgraded Vega-C.

The programme was managed jointly by an integrated project team of staff from ESA, ASI and CNES. The launch vehicle, ground segment and VERTA teams were based at ESRIN in Italy and the P80 engine team was based at CNES in France. It therefore benefitted from the technical support and expertise of all three agencies.

Development activities were organised in four main projects:

• Launch vehicle
• P80 solid-propellant first stage
• Ground segment
• Initial exploitation phase through the VERTA programme

Industrial team

The industrial prime contractor of the launch vehicle was ELV SpA, 30% of which was owned by ASI and 70% by Avio SpA, including more than 40 European subcontractors. Italian company Vitrociset was the prime contractor for the ground segment.

As the launch service provider, Arianespace participated in the launch operations.