Definition
Ariane flight VA262 is the official designation assigned by Arianespace to a specific launch of the Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.
Overview
The Ariane 5 family is a heavy‑lift launch system used primarily for commercial telecommunications satellites, scientific missions, and governmental payloads. Each mission is identified by a “VA” (vol Ariane) number, which increments sequentially with each Ariane launch. VA262 therefore represents the 262nd Ariane launch in this numbering series.
Details such as the exact launch date, payload configuration, and mission objectives for VA262 are not conclusively documented in publicly available, reliable sources. Consequently, any specific information about the payloads carried, the launch outcome, or the mission’s purpose cannot be verified at this time.
Etymology / Origin
The “VA” prefix originates from the French term vol Ariane (“Ariane flight”). The numeric component (262) follows a consecutive numbering scheme applied by Arianespace to distinguish each Ariane launch event.
Characteristics
- Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 (likely either the Ariane 5 ECA or Ariane 5 ES variant, the two primary operational configurations of the Ariane 5 family).
- Launch Site: Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana.
- Operator: Arianespace, a commercial launch service provider responsible for the operation and marketing of Ariane, Soyuz, and Vega launch vehicles.
- Mission Type: Typically commercial or scientific; the exact mission type for VA262 is not confirmed.
Related Topics
- Ariane 5: The heavy‑lift launch vehicle series developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and operated by Arianespace.
- Arianespace: The European launch service company that manages the Ariane, Soyuz, and Vega families of rockets.
- Guiana Space Centre (CSG): The primary European spaceport used for Ariane launches.
- VA numbering system: The sequential designation method used for Ariane launch missions.
Note: Accurate information regarding the specific launch date, payloads, and mission results for Ariane flight VA262 is not confirmed by reliable, publicly accessible sources.