N° 23–2022: Invitation to media: Join pre-launch press programme to see Vega-C and preparations for Ariane 6 at Europe’s Spaceport

Vega-C is a single body rocket about 35 m high with a mass at liftoff of 210 tonnes. It is able to place about 2200 kg in a reference 700 km-polar orbit. Using a new range of payload carriers, Vega-C will be able to accommodate cargo of different shapes and sizes ranging from multiple small satellites as small as one kilogram up to a single large payload. Ongoing developments will extend Vega-C capabilities to include in-orbit operations, and return missions using ESA's Space Rider reentry vehicle. The Vega-C inaugural launch is planned for July 2022.

Ariane 6 will maintain Europe’s leadership in the fast-changing commercial launch service market while also responding to the needs of European independence in accessing and using space. Europe’s new Ariane 6 launch vehicle will be capable of a wide range of missions. At over 60 metres tall, Ariane 6 will weigh almost 900 tonnes when launched with a full payload – roughly equivalent to one and a half Airbus A380 passenger aeroplanes.

This pre-launch programme will be organised for media to see Vega-C in preparation for launch and to visit the Ariane 6 launcher assembly building where the Ariane 6 core stages are being prepared for combined tests. On 22 June, media might have the opportunity to also see the Ariane 5 launch VA257.

Draft Programme

Monday 20 June – Wednesday 22 June 2022

• Visit of the Vega-C launch facilities, where Vega-C is currently being assembled for launch.
• Ariane 5 VA257 Roll Out
• Ariane 5 VA257 Launch (22 June 22)
• Visit of Ariane 6 launcher assembly building with the Ariane 6 core stages being prepared for combined tests, (no photography or video recording devices allowed inside this building)
• Visit of the Ariane 6 Launch Pad / Mobile Gantry

Please note that the programme can be modified at short notice because of operational constraints. A variety of high level experts and spokespersons are available for interviews. A detailed programme will be available closer to the date.

Media registration

Please express interest by 24 May 2022 via https://blogs.esa.int/forms/esa-media-briefing-form

Please note:

• all costs and expenses for this pre-launch media trip will have to be borne by the participating media;
• because the number of places is limited, ESA cannot guarantee all interested media will be able to join this press programme;     
• accreditation formalities to access Europe’s Spaceport will have to be completed after confirmation of participation.

Further information

ESA Space Transportation: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation

Arianespace launch announcement:

https://www.arianespace.com/press-release/next-arianespace-launch-scheduled-for-june-22-with-ariane-5/

Social media

Follow ESA on

Twitter: @esa @esa_sts
Facebook: @EuropeanSpaceAgency
Instagram: @europeanspaceagency
YouTube: ESA
LinkedIn: European Space Agency - ESA
Pinterest: European Space Agency - ESA

Hashtags: #VegaC #Ariane6 #Ariane5 #VA257

Images

ESA's Photo Library for Professionals:

https://www.esa-photolibrary.com/

Terms and conditions for using ESA images:
www.esa.int/spaceinimages/ESA_Multimedia/Copyright_Notice_Images

For questions or more information related to ESA images, please contact directly spaceinimages@esa.int.

Videos

ESA's Video Library for Professionals:
https://www.esa.int/esatv/Videos_for_Professionals

Terms and conditions for using ESA videos:https://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Terms_and_Conditions

For questions or more information related to ESA videos, please contact directly spaceinvideos@esa.int.

About the European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space.

ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

ESA has 22 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Slovenia, Latvia and Lithuania are Associate Members.

ESA has established formal cooperation with five Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement.

By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working in particular with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes as well as with Eumetsat for the development of meteorological missions.

Learn more about ESA at www.esa.int

For further information:

ESA Newsroom and Media Relations Office – Ninja Menning

Email: media@esa.int

Tel: +31 71 5656409