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Vega-C before its maiden flight in July
Photo: S. Martin / ESA / CNES / Arianespace
The first commercial launch of Europe's new Vega C launch vehicle went awry.
The rocket got off course about ten minutes after its launch from the European spaceport in Kourou in French Guiana, as Stéphane Israël, head of the rocket operator Arianespace, said on Wednesday night.
Then the data transfer stopped.
"Unfortunately we can say that the mission is lost."
Arianespace classified the mission as a failure.
According to the company, there was a problem with the Zefiro 40 engine. Data analyzes should now provide conclusions on the exact reasons for this.
In the afternoon, the company wants to provide information on the incident at a press conference.
The off-course rocket had two earth observation satellites on board.
Transport 800 kilograms more load
The new Vega C only completed its maiden flight in July.
It is a further development of the Vega rocket, which has been launching light satellites into space since 2012.
According to the European Space Agency Esa, the new rocket is a lot better: it can carry around 800 kilograms more load, is more flexible and cheaper.
Together with the larger launch vehicle Ariane 6, which is to be launched into space for the first time next year, the Vega C is intended to make European space travel more competitive.
jme/dpa
