The European Union has successfully launched its new Vega-C rocket.
The medium-lift vehicle was launched from French Guiana to transport seven satellites into orbit, of which the largest will test Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
Vega-C is extremely important for Europe’s continued space access.
Due to the conflict in Ukraine, Russian missiles are no longer available, leaving a significant capability gap.
The removal of Russian Soyuz launchers from the market earlier this year left European institutional and commercial satellites scurrying to find alternate transportation.
Vega-C will be the obvious choice for many, but the new Italian-led rocket system was completely booked through 2023, 2024, and 2025 before Wednesday’s successful inaugural launch.
Moreover, Vega-arrival C’s into the launcher market is significant for a second reason. Its first stage, the portion of the spacecraft that gets it off the ground, will also be used on the Ariane-6, Europe’s upcoming heavy-lift rocket.
Sharing stage technology between both launcher systems is anticipated to result in substantial cost reductions.
“The launch demand in Europe over the next few years and beyond will be considerable, and Vega-C and Ariane-6 will be our workhorses,” said the European Space Agency’s director general, Josef Aschbacher.
Giorgio Saccoccia, president of the Italian Space Agency, told that this trip should be viewed as the first launch of a new generation of European rockets and the beginning of a strengthening of Europe’s position in space transportation.
Vega-C is an improvement of the 2012-introduced Vega automobile. The improvement increases performance while reducing expenses. In addition, its designers anticipate that their modifications will boost the satellite’s adaptability to fulfill the different needs of modern satellite operators.
Some spacecraft, such as the Earth monitoring Sentinels of the European Union, can weigh several tonnes. On the opposite end of the scale, production of shoebox-sized and smaller spacecraft has increased.
Therefore, Vega-C will be able to perform both large, single-payload missions and so-called rideshare missions, in which tens to hundreds of small satellites are launched simultaneously.
Vega-C will also transport Europe’s miniature robotic space shuttle into orbit. The Space Rider will collect and return scientific experiments to Earth. It will presumably make its debut in 2024.
Both the Vega and Vega-C use a Ukrainian-made upper-stage engine. Due to the war in the East European nation, this has been a popular topic of conversation.
There was concern that the war could disrupt the supply of RD-843 motors manufactured by Yuzhmash, the Ukrainian government’s aerospace factory.
Avio, the Italian company responsible for producing Vega automobiles, claims it has sufficient supplies for the time being.
A western European equivalent is being designed for the future.
In addition to wishing to join the European Union, Ukraine also wishes to join the European Space Agency. Engine technology would be one of its primary contributions.
“The procedure has begun. According to Dr. Aschbacher, it takes around ten years to complete all the membership requirements.
“ESA’s member states have given me the mandate to discuss with Ukraine and to seek projects or chances for cooperation, but given the current conditions, this is occurring at a minimal level.
“However, Ukraine has a vested interest in completing all required measures as soon as possible.”
Seven satellites, including the Lares-2 (Laser Relativity Satellite-2) payload, were launched on Wednesday. It will appear to be a disco ball and will be carefully tracked by lasers from the ground.
This would enable researchers at Italy’s National Institute for Nuclear Physics to investigate “frame dragging,” a phenomenon predicted by Einstein’s equations in which the Earth twists local space-time as it spins.
