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The European rocket Vega was launched overnight from the European base in Kourou (French Guiana) and for the first time puts 53 satellites into orbit thanks to the special dispenser SSMS (Small Spacecraft Mission Service), which promises to revolutionize space services, boosting the economy space.
The European Space Agency (ESA) launcher built in Italy by Avio is finally in orbit after a long series of postponements due to bad weather conditions. It has launched seven microsatellites and 46 smaller satellites, the CubeSats, into orbit in orbits between 515 and 530 kilometers high. The last satellite was launched approximately 104 minutes after launch. Of the 13 countries that have entrusted their mini satellites to Vega, eight are European and among them is Italy.
With Israel, our country is launching the Argtm experiments, of the Federico II University of Naples, which will study the effects of microgravity on the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics; Mambo, from the University of Roma Tre, to evaluate the release of drugs in the body under microgravity conditions; Spacelys, from the University of Bologna, to evaluate the effects of microgravity on a protein linked to the immune system; Nogquad, from the University of Tor Vergata, for the study of gene expression and the appearance of diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or fragile X syndrome.
The flight, highlights the ESA, “marks the rapid and efficient completion of the corrective measures and actions carried out by Industry and the ESA as the Vega Launch System Qualification Authority, following the recommendations made by the Independent Investigation Commission that had analyzed the failure of flight VV15 on July 10, 2019 “.
Following the launch of the Ariane 5, which on August 17 marked the reopening of the Kourou base after the lockdown imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the successful launch of Vega marks the full resumption of activities at the European launch base. Managed by Arianespace, the flight is part of the European ESA-Lll initiative, related to low-cost launch opportunities for light satellites, decided in 2016 by the ESA Ministerial Council to pave the way for new standard services for light satellites that They use vehicles. European Vega / Vega-C and Ariane 6 launch machines.
In this perspective, the SMS dispenser is destined to play an important role, capable of transporting dozens of satellites of different sizes thanks to its modular and lightweight structure, built in carbon fiber. As a result, Vega will be able to offer opportunities for inexpensive launches and for small satellites. “This launch demonstrates ESA’s ability to use innovation to reduce costs, become more flexible, more agile and take steps towards commercialization,” said ESA CEO Jan Wörner. An innovation, he added, that “will bring a series of positive results, from new environmental research to the demonstration of new technologies.”
