ESA’s Vega-C rocket has completed its preparations at Europe’s Spaceport and is now ready for liftoff. The final element, Sentinel-1C satellite, was installed on top of the 35-m launcher on November 29, marking a significant milestone in the rocket’s “return to flight” after a two-year hiatus.
Vega-C is ESA’s smaller rocket designed for launching Earth observation satellites into polar orbits. Its successful launch will provide Europe with autonomous access to space, complementing Ariane 6’s inaugural launch this summer.
The rocket has four stages, each assembled separately and stacked on the launch pad. The first stage, P120C, was installed in October and is powered by a solid-fuelled motor also used by Ariane 6. The second stage, Zefiro-40, has undergone nozzle redesign and testing before its final launch.
The rocket’s fourth stage, AVUM+, will connect with the Sentinel-1C satellite and fire its liquid-fuelled engines in three bursts to achieve a perfect orbit. After separation, the fourth stage will de-orbit the hardware, leaving no space debris.
On launch day, the first three stages will fire in rapid succession, allowing the rocket to reach space in just eight minutes. The final stage with Sentinel-1C will orbit Earth and prepare for release approximately an hour and 50 minutes after liftoff. A final “launch readiness review” was conducted before authorizing Vega-C’s ignition, paving the way for its successful return to flight.
Source: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Vega/Vega-C_complete_for_return_to_flight