On board the rocket is one large satellite and several small cube satellites.
the European launch vehicle Vega-C successfully launched from the spaceport in French Guiana” />
European Space Agencycelebrated the first flight today of its new Vega-C launch vehicle, which is designed to provide better returns for customers in the face of increasing competition in putting satellites into orbit, AP NEWS reports.
A new European rocket launched the Italian satellite LARES-2, outwardly similar to a giant disco ball. It will be a target for a ground laser station. In addition, six cubic mini-satellites from France, Italy and Slovenia were randomly launched into orbit for scientific experiments.
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Vega-C is an upgraded Vega rocket that debuted in 2012 as a launch vehicle specializing in launching small payloads into space. The new rocket can carry a larger payload than its predecessor while using less fuel.
The ESA says Vega-C will be particularly useful for launching Earth observation satellites, but it is also envisioned as a vehicle for Space Rider, an unmanned robotic laboratory that will be the agency's first reusable spacecraft.
The launch of the 35-meter-tall rocket from French Guiana was twice delayed shortly before launch due to technical problems, but the third attempt was a success.
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Vega-C accelerates much faster than its big brother Ariane-5, reaching a speed of 16,000 kilometers per hour within two minutes of launch. Ariane-5, the workhorse of the ESA, the heavy launch vehicle, will also undergo an upgrade soon.
