- Arianespace’s Vega C is set to make a return to flight, almost two years to the day after a second-stage failure doomed its previous launch
- The rocket will carry vital payloads for Italy’s Space Agency and EU’s Earth Observation program
What happened: Europe’s Vega C rocket set for crucial relaunch
ESA’s Vega-C rocket is complete on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport and ready for liftoff. The final element of the rocket, which includes the Sentinel-1C satellite that will be launched into space, was installed on top of the 35-m launcher on 29 November – like the cherry on a cake.
The Vega C is an expendable, small-lift vehicle operated by Arianespace. It managed only one successful launch, in July 2022, before the failure in December last year and a stand-down while engineers resolved the problems that led to the loss. A nozzle failure in 2023 caused the rocket’s reflight to be delayed until 2024.
“It is an important launch,” said Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio, during a prelaunch media briefing, “very important because we will lift a flagship European satellite of the Copernicus constellation with a flagship European launcher.” Avio is contracted by ESA as Vega-C’s primary designer. Vega-C’s return to flight follows the premiere launch of ESA’s larger Ariane 6 rocket over the summer, ultimately filling the gap in launch vehicle needs for smaller payloads and lessening Europe’s reliance on other launch providers.
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What it’s important
The Vega C launch is a pivotal moment for Europe’s independent access to space, especially as geopolitical tensions reshape global launch services. After Russia’s exclusion from the Western market, reliance on SpaceX has grown, raising concerns about over-dependence on a single provider. A successful Vega C relaunch strengthens Europe’s ability to serve its own satellite needs and international clients.
Small space companies also stand to benefit. For instance, startups like GomSpace and NanoAvionics rely on cost-effective rockets to deploy their CubeSats, critical for advancing services like remote sensing and IoT networks. A revived Vega C bolsters these ventures by offering competitive pricing and diverse launch options.
Taking a positive stance, this development highlights Europe’s resilience. By addressing past failures, Arianespace showcases its commitment to innovation and reliability, reassuring customers and reinforcing its global competitiveness. This benefits not only governments but also the emerging private space sector.
