Almost two years after the failed launch of the European Vega C, a rocket of this type has taken off for the first time. The rocket lifted off from the European spaceport in Kourou in French Guiana at around 10:20 p.m. CET on Thursday. technology from Austria is also on board. Both the thermal insulation and the satellite’s navigation receiver come from the domestic space company Beyond Gravity.
The shell is a multi-layer thermal insulation made of several layers of ultra-thin special films made of polyimide, wich keeps the satellite’s instruments at the required operating temperature despite the extremely harsh environment in space, it said in a release. The navigation receiver makes it possible to determine the position of the satellite at an altitude of around 700 kilometers in space.
Extremely significant for ESA
The launch is extremely important for the European space agency ESA in order to bring smaller satellites into space independently and thus strengthen Europe’s access to space. The Austrian-born head of the European Space Agency ESA,Josef Aschbacher,was correspondingly relieved and spoke of a “triumphant return to old performance levels”. The Vega C is a further growth of the Vega rocket, which launched light satellites into space from 2012 untill this fall. According to ESA, the new rocket can carry around 800 kilograms more load, i.e. bring a total of more than two tons of payload into space. It is also cheaper and can put satellites into orbits at different altitudes.
Europe’s space travel is intended to make it more competitive.According to Aschbacher, the Vega C covers exactly the area that ESA needs for many missions. “This is really a need that we haven’t been able to meet so far.”
Starting as early as 2022
The Vega C was actually launched more than two years ago. But after a triumphant first flight in July 2022, the first commercial launch in December of the same year failed. The rocket deviated from its course a few minutes after launch due to 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.
According to the investigative commission, ther was unexpected erosion on the lining of the exhaust nozzle throat in the engine. The reason for this is probably that the material used was not homogeneous enough.
Almost two years of work for rocket return
While the rocket was originally scheduled to take off again in 2023, ESA and its partners, especially the Italian main contractor Avio, analyzed and tested for almost two years until the model finally returned to the launch pad. Avio admitted that the Ukrainian-made nozzle had not been tested much before the false start.The new nozzle comes from France.
The approximately two-year failure of the Vega C was particularly unfortunate for ESA. As of delays, Ariane 6, which is supposed to launch larger satellites into space, was only available for the first time this July.The European launch vehicle sector was therefore in crisis. in some cases, Esa switched to Falcon 9 rockets from Elon Musk’s US company SpaceX for satellite launches.
The rocket has the sentinel-1C satellite from the European Earth observation program Copernicus on board. The departure was actually scheduled for late Wednesday evening. It was then postponed at short notice because the movable portal around the rocket coudl not be removed for launch due to a technical problem, according to rocket operator Arianespace.
What are the key differences between the Vega C rocket and SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in terms of payload capabilities?
Time.news Editor: Good day, and welcome to another edition of our expert interviews. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of aerospace with Dr. Maria Antonelli, a prominent aerospace engineer and researcher specializing in rocket propulsion. Dr. Antonelli, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Antonelli: thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such exciting developments in the aerospace field.
Time.news Editor: Almost two years after the failed launch of the European Vega C rocket, we saw a accomplished launch recently. Can you walk us through the meaning of this event and what it represents for the European Space Agency?
Dr. Antonelli: absolutely! The successful launch of the Vega C is pivotal not just for the European Space Agency (ESA), but for Europe’s standing in the global space industry. After the previous mishap, there where a lot of questions regarding the reliability of European launch systems. This recent success builds confidence in both the technology and the teams behind it.
Time.news Editor: That’s an crucial point. What do you think were some of the key factors that contributed to the success of this launch?
Dr. Antonelli: There were several factors at play. Firstly, the team implemented a rigorous review process following the failed launch. They analyzed the issues extensively, which included technical audits and modifications to the rocket. This proactive approach ensured that the same issues wouldn’t recur. Additionally, the integration of new technologies and improved materials played a role in enhancing the rocket’s performance.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how failure can sometimes lead to greater innovation. In terms of payload capabilities, how does the Vega C compete with other rockets on the market, like SpaceX’s Falcon 9?
Dr. Antonelli: The Vega C offers unique advantages. It’s designed primarily for launching small to medium-sized payloads into low Earth orbit, making it ideal for specific types of missions, such as deploying satellites for Earth observation and science. While the Falcon 9 can carry larger payloads, Vega C targets a niche that can be very beneficial for European clients looking for a more tailored service.
Time.news Editor: With the increased competition in the aerospace sector, particularly from private companies, how crucial is it for ESA to maintain and upgrade it’s launch capabilities?
Dr. Antonelli: Extremely crucial. We’re moving into an era of space commercialization where private companies are pushing boundaries and reducing costs. ESA must leverage its strengths in innovation and reliability while also ensuring its launch systems remain competitive. This includes further investments in research and collaboration with the private sector.
Time.news Editor: It seems like a collaborative approach might be the way forward. What do you see as the next steps for the Vega C program and European space exploration in general?
Dr. Antonelli: The immediate next steps will involve validating the rocket’s capabilities through more launches and possibly integrating new technologies to enhance performance further. looking ahead, ESA is also focusing on sustainable space endeavors, which will involve developing eco-pleasant propulsion systems and methods to minimize space debris. scaling up international collaborations will be vital for achieving enterprising goals like lunar exploration or mars missions.
Time.news Editor: Exciting times ahead indeed! Before we wrap up, is there any advice you would give to young engineers and scientists looking to enter the aerospace field?
dr. Antonelli: Absolutely! Stay curious and embrace challenges.The aerospace industry is continually evolving, and there’s so much to learn. Seek out internships, participate in research projects, and engage with the community—networking can open many doors. And remember, persistence is key. Many great advancements come from learning from failures!
Time.news Editor: Wise words! Thank you, Dr. Antonelli, for your insights and for shedding light on this crucial milestone for the European Vega C and the future of space exploration.
Dr. Antonelli: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how the landscape evolves in the coming years.
Time.news Editor: And to our viewers, keep an eye on developments in space technology. It’s a thrilling time to be involved in the aerospace sector.Until next time!