The European rocket Vega was launched overnight from the European base in Kourou (French Guiana) and for the first time brings 53 satellites into orbit thanks to the special SSMS dispenser (Small Spacecraft Mission Service), which promises to revolutionize space services, encouraging the space economy.
The launcher of the European Space Agency (ESA) built in Italy by Avio is finally in orbit after a long series of postponements due to bad weather conditions.
It has brought into orbit seven micro-satellites and 46 smaller satellites, the CubeSats, released in orbits between about 515 and 530 kilometers high.
The latest satellite was released approximately 104 minutes after launch.
Of the 13 countries that have entrusted their mini satellites to Vega, eight are European and among these is Italy.
With Israel, our country brings the Argtm experiments, of the Federico II University of Naples, into orbit, 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 in conditions of microgravity;
Spacelys, of 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, notes ESA, "marks the rapid and efficient completion of the corrective measures and actions carried out by Industry and ESA as Qualification Authority of the Vega Launch System, following the recommendations made by the Independent Commission of Inquiry which had analyzed the failure of flight VV15 on 10 July 2019 ".
After the launch of the Ariane 5 which on 17 August had 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, relating 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 using vehicles Vega / Vega-C and Ariane 6 European launch machines.
In this perspective, the SMS dispenser is destined to play an important role, capable of carrying dozens of satellites of different sizes thanks to its modular and light structure, built in carbon fiber.
Thanks to it, Vega will be able to offer opportunities for economic launches and for small satellites.
"This launch demonstrates ESA's ability to use innovation to lower costs, become more flexible, more agile, and to take steps towards commercialization," noted 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".