Launch of Europe’s Vega C rocket possible on Thursday evening
Published: Thursday, Dec 5th 2024, 02:30
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Despite short-term technical problems, the European Vega C rocket could fly into space again for the first time on Thursday evening. It would be the first flight of a rocket of this type since the failed first commercial launch almost two years ago.
The earliest possible time for the launch is 10.20 p.m. Swiss time at the European spaceport in Kourou in French Guiana.
The departure was actually scheduled for late Wednesday evening Swiss time. However, it was postponed at short notice. Due to a technical problem, the movable portal around the rocket could not be removed for the launch, rocket operator Arianespace announced on X.
The head of the European Space Agency Esa, Josef Aschbacher, wrote on the platform: "Delays happen, but the important thing is that there are no problems with Sentinel-1C or Vega-C." There are high hopes that the rocket can be launched on Thursday. The Vega C is to carry the Sentinel-1C satellite of the European Copernicus earth observation program.
Vega C is important for Europe's access to space
The Vega C is a further development of the Vega rocket, which launched lightweight satellites into space from 2012 until this fall. According to Esa, the new rocket can transport around 800 kilograms more payload, is cheaper and can place satellites in orbits at different altitudes. In total, it can carry more than two tons of payload into space.
The new rocket was successfully launched for the first time in July 2022, but a serious blow followed in December 2022: a few minutes after the launch, the rocket veered off course due to a technical problem with the Zefiro-40 engine. Further flights were canceled. For almost two years, prime contractor Avio, Esa and partners endeavored to carry out repairs and extensive tests.
With the return of the Vega C, Esa finally wants to have more opportunities to launch smaller satellites into space independently. Stefano Bianchi, Head of Flight Programs at Esa, emphasizes that the rocket is very important for Europe. It is one of two pillars of European access to space.
©Keystone/SDA
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