ESA’s Vega-C rocket is full on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport and prepared for liftoff, set for 4 December. The ultimate component of the rocket, which incorporates the Sentinel-1C satellite tv for pc that can be launched into house, was put in on high of the 35-m launcher on 29 November – just like the cherry on a cake.

Vega-C is ESA’s smaller rocket specialised in launching to polar orbits for Earth statement satellites equivalent to Sentinel-1C. Along with Ariane 6 – which had its inaugural launch this summer time – the 2 rockets guarantee Europe has autonomous entry to house for the advantage of our residents.

The launch this week is important as it will likely be the ‘return to flight’ of Vega-C after it has been grounded since its earlier flight in 2022. This launch would be the twenty fifth flight for the Vega household of rockets, for the reason that final Vega flight in September marked the retirement of Vega – Vega-C’s predecessor.

Levels stacked

Vega-C has 4 ‘levels’ which are assembled individually and stacked so as on the launch pad.

The primary stage, the P120C, was put in on 14 October and is without doubt one of the strongest one-piece solid-fuelled rocket motors ever constructed. This part can be utilized by Ariane 6 for its boosters. By sharing the identical parts, each rockets might be constructed extra cost-effectively.

The second stage, known as Zefiro-40, has had its nozzle redesigned and the entire stage was test-fired twice for the reason that final Vega-C launch. That is normal process when making ready solid-fuel rocket motors for operations. The third stage Zefiro-9, is the one part shared by Vega-C and its predecessor.

The fourth stage, known as Perspective and Vernier Higher Module, or AVUM+, connects to the Sentinel-1C satellite tv for pc and accompanies it for the primary full orbit of our planet, firing its liquid-fuelled engines in three separate bursts of as much as 5 minutes to put Sentinel-1C as near an ideal orbit as doable. After satellite tv for pc separation, a remaining burn of the fourth stage will de-orbit the {hardware} to go away no house particles.

Liftoff

On launch day, the primary three Vega-C levels will hearth, burn via their gas and be expended in fast succession, enabling the rocket to succeed in house in simply eight minutes. The fourth stage with Sentinel-1C will orbit Earth and put together for launch an hour and fifty minutes after liftoff.

Though the parts are stacked and prepared on the launch pad, technicians join, verify and take a look at proper up till launch day. A remaining ‘launch readiness evaluation’ was held the day earlier than liftoff, authorising Vega-C to be ignited and return to the skies. Watch the launch reside on ESA Net TV.