04/12/2024
259 views
1 likes
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 factor of the rocket, which incorporates the Sentinel-1C satellite tv for pc that shall be launched into area, was put in on prime 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 corresponding to Sentinel-1C. Along with Ariane 6 – which had its inaugural launch this summer season – the 2 rockets guarantee Europe has autonomous entry to area for the advantage of our residents.
The launch this week is important as will probably 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.
Phases stacked
Vega-C has 4 ‘levels’ which can be assembled individually and stacked so as on the launch pad.
The primary stage, the P120C, was put in on 14 October and is likely one of the strongest one-piece solid-fuelled rocket motors ever constructed. This element can be utilized by Ariane 6 for its boosters. By sharing the identical parts, each rockets will be constructed extra cost-effectively.
The second stage, referred to 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 customary process when getting ready solid-fuel rocket motors for operations. The third stage Zefiro-9, is the one element shared by Vega-C and its predecessor.
The fourth stage, referred to 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 position Sentinel-1C as near an ideal orbit as potential. After satellite tv for pc separation, a ultimate burn of the fourth stage will de-orbit the {hardware} to depart no area particles.
Liftoff
On launch day, the primary three Vega-C levels will hearth, burn by way of their gasoline and be expended in speedy succession, enabling the rocket to achieve area 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, examine and take a look at proper up till launch day. A ultimate ‘launch readiness evaluation’ was held the day earlier than liftoff, authorising Vega-C to be ignited and return to the skies. Watch the launch stay on ESA Internet TV.
