Europe's small launcher, Vega, will complement Ariane 5 as of 2006, for the launching of small and medium-sized satellites into polar and low Earth orbits.
The programme comprises of a 7 minute A-roll with split audio (English commentary/international sound.
On 25 February ESA signed a contract with the ELV company for completion of the development phase of the Vega European small launcher programme.
VEGA's target lift capability is 1500kg and it will inject its payload into a circular orbit at 700 km altitude. The launch base to be used for vega is the European Spaceport at Kourou in French Guiana.
Arianespace will be the commercial operator for Vega. The first qulification launch is planned for mid-2006, with an expected frequency of 3 to 4 launches a year.
In recognition of the contract signing the ESA TV Service has updated its VEGA presentation about the new European small launcher. This updated version of the programme comprises of a 7 minute A-roll with split audio (English commentary/in

VEGA - Europe's small launcher - 2003 Update
Voiceover A-roll
Start 10.00.00
10.00.40 For more than 20 years, the Ariane launcher has been a European success story. Designed, developed and manufactured in Europe it has ensured
the continent both a competitive launch industry and a world-class spaceport. But competition is increasingly fierce and so, to develop its capabilities a new small launcher has been designed. From 2006 Vega will complement the current big launcher, Ariane 5.
10.01.12 Stefano Bianchi, Vega Launch Manager
""With Vega we will have the opportunity to independently send into space a small
payload which is basically for Governmental research, for observation and for scientific missions.""
10.01.25 For earth observation and many science missions the trend has been towards
smaller satellites, reflecting the need to reduce the costs of their launcher.
Ariane 5 will be able to launch payloads of up to 12 tonnes into geostationary transfer orbit at a very competitive price