space travel
Comeback of a rocket: Europe’s Vega C is set to return to space
Updated on December 4, 2024 – 9:59 a.mReading time: 3 min.
The false start of the Vega C two years ago was a serious blow to Europe’s space travel.A rocket of this type is now set to take off again for the frist time. For Esa,this is about basic things.
It has been almost two years since the first commercial flight of the European Vega C rocket failed. Since then, the European space agency Esa adn its partners have been busy analyzing errors and testing. Now the rocket should return to the launch pad and thus strengthen Europe’s access to space. The launch is planned for 10:20 p.m. German time at the European spaceport in Kourou in French Guiana.
The Vega C is a further development of the Vega rocket, which launched light satellites into space from 2012 until this fall. According to Esa, the new rocket can carry around 800 kilograms more load, is cheaper and can put satellites into orbits at diffrent altitudes.
The new rocket was launched for the first time in July 2022. Everything went well. But a serious blow followed in December 2022: a few minutes after launch, the rocket deviated from its course because there was a technical problem with the Zefiro-40 engine. the flying object was then destroyed and fell into the sea. All other planned launches to date have been canceled.
An investigative committee later stated that there had been unexpected erosion on the lining of the exhaust nozzle throat in the engine.The material used was probably not homogeneous enough.
“We have been working intensively for two years now,” says Marino Fragnito from the Italian main contractor Avio shortly before the launch of the rocket. The problem with the nozzle was challenging to understand. There were only a few quality controls on the part manufactured in ukraine.
The nozzle is now manufactured in France and tested several times, explains Fragnito.”We are now confident that this launch and the next launch will be successful.”
With the return of the Vega C,esa finally wants to have more options to transport smaller satellites into space independently. Stefano Bianchi, head of flight programs at ESA, emphasizes that the rocket is very critically important for Europe. “vega C and Ariane 6 are the two pillars of European access to space.”
Ariane 6 launched into space for the first time this summer after years of delays. It can transport large satellites. The first start was considered a success, even if the re-ignition of an engine did not work as planned in the end.
The delay in Ariane 6 and the failure of the Vega C had plunged Europe’s launch vehicle sector into crisis. In some cases, Esa switched to Falcon 9 rockets from Elon Musk’s US company SpaceX for satellite launches.
If you ask Esa, the Vega C will make Europe’s space travel more competitive. Martin Tajmar,space expert from the TU Dresden,however,says: “The Vega is a discontinued model.”
Tajmar explains that the rocket is practically not marketable commercially as of the high launch costs. Still, for Europe it fulfills the purpose of independence and maintaining competence in the space industry. “Above all, it is indeed of course engaging as an option to Ariane 6 when it comes to small payloads.”
Vega C already has more than a dozen orders. The passenger in the comeback is the Sentinel-1C satellite from the European Earth observation program Copernicus.
Esa and Avio are optimistic that the rocket’s return will be a success. “We did what we could,” says Bianchi.
What are the main challenges faced by the European Space Agency in space exploration?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Space Travel Expert
Time.news editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to our special segment on space exploration! Today, we are thrilled to have with us Dr. Elena Richter, an expert in aerospace engineering and a consultant for the European Space Agency. Dr. Richter, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Richter (ER): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about the vega C and its significance for Europe’s space endeavors.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. The Vega C is gearing up for its much-anticipated return to flight. Can you tell us why this mission matters so much for Europe?
ER: Absolutely! The Vega C’s return is critical for Europe’s access to space, particularly for launching small and medium-sized satellites. After its failed commercial flight nearly two years ago, this upcoming launch represents a second chance not just for the rocket but for the entire European space program. It’s about reclaiming confidence and demonstrating that Europe can play a competitive role in the global space market.
TNE: That failure was indeed a significant setback.what lessons did the European Space Agency (ESA) learn during these past two years leading up to this launch?
ER: ESA has worked diligently to recover from that failure. They conducted a thorough investigation to identify the root causes and implemented a series of tests to address them. This involved everything from analyzing data to refining the rocket’s design. The time spent has also ensured that all systems are thoroughly vetted and ready for a accomplished launch this time around.
TNE: The Vega C is said to be a further advancement of the original Vega rocket.What are the key upgrades that have been made?
ER: The Vega C has several notable enhancements. The most significant is its increased payload capacity, which allows it to carry around 800 kilograms more than its predecessor. This adaptability is crucial for deploying a wider range of satellites, including those for science, telecommunications, and Earth observation. Additionally, improvements in the rocket’s first and second stages aim to boost performance and reliability.
TNE: Fascinating! Can you shed light on the specifics of the upcoming launch? When and where is it scheduled to take place?
ER: The launch is scheduled for December 4,2024,at 10:20 p.m. German time from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This site is strategically located near the equator, making it ideal for launching satellites into orbit.
TNE: with so much riding on this mission, what are the potential implications of a successful launch for ESA and for Europe’s standing in the global space race?
ER: A successful launch would not only restore confidence in Europe’s space capabilities but also open up new opportunities for commercial partnerships. It could attract more customers for launches, which is essential for the sustainability and growth of Europe’s space industry. Given the increasing competition from other space-faring nations, this launch could significantly bolster Europe’s position in the global arena.
TNE: Exciting times ahead! Dr. Richter, what do you see as the future of Europe’s space exploration in the next decade?
ER: I believe we are on the cusp of a new era. With advancements in technology and increasing investment in space initiatives, europe is poised to make significant strides in areas such as satellite technology, planetary exploration, and even international collaborations for human spaceflight. If the Vega C launch is successful, it might very well be a springboard for more enterprising missions, including those to the moon and Mars.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Richter, for your valuable insights. We will be eagerly watching the vega C launch and hoping for a successful return to space for Europe.
ER: Thank you! It was my pleasure to discuss this exciting topic with you.Here’s to a successful launch!
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay with us for more updates on space travel and other news!