Vega flight VV16 was the 16th flight of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Vega expendable launch system. It was a landmark mission, designated as the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) Proof of Concept (PoC) flight, showcasing Vega's new capability to launch multiple small satellites simultaneously into various orbits.
Mission Overview
- Launch Vehicle: Vega (VV16)
- Operator: Arianespace for ESA
- Launch Date: September 3, 2020, at 01:51:10 UTC (August 2, 2020, at 22:51:10 local time)
- Launch Site: ELV launch pad, Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana
- Payload Mass: Approximately 1,300 kg (including the SSMS dispenser)
- Orbit: Multiple Sun-synchronous orbits (SSO) at varying altitudes (between 515 km and 530 km)
Payload
The primary objective of VV16 was to demonstrate the SSMS dispenser, a modular, lightweight, and versatile carbon-fibre structure designed to accommodate a large number of small satellites (microsatellites, nanosatellites, and CubeSats) on a single launch. The mission successfully deployed 53 satellites for 21 different customers from 13 countries.
The diverse payload included:
- 7 microsatellites: Ranging from 15 kg to 150 kg.
- 46 CubeSats: Various sizes (1U, 2U, 3U, 6U, 12U).
These satellites served a wide range of purposes, including Earth observation, telecommunications, scientific research, technology demonstration, and educational projects.
Mission Objectives
The key objectives of the Vega flight VV16 were:
- Demonstrate the SSMS dispenser: Prove its ability to safely and precisely deploy multiple small satellites into distinct orbits during a single mission.
- Validate the operational concept: Test the entire SSMS launch service chain, from payload integration to complex orbital maneuvers and multi-deployment sequences.
- Provide affordable access to space: Offer a cost-effective rideshare solution for small satellite operators, helping to meet the growing demand in the small satellite market.
Mission Timeline and Outcome
After a successful lift-off, the Vega rocket performed a series of complex maneuvers, including restarts of its AVUM (Attitude and Vernier Upper Module) upper stage, to place the various groups of satellites into their designated orbits. The deployments occurred over a period of about 104 minutes.
The mission was fully successful, deploying all 53 satellites into their intended orbits without incident.
Significance
Vega flight VV16 marked a significant milestone for Arianespace and ESA. It not only demonstrated the robustness and flexibility of the Vega launch vehicle but also established the SSMS as a viable, competitive solution for small satellite launches. This capability positions Vega as a key player in the rapidly expanding global small satellite market, offering regular opportunities for shared launches and contributing to the European independent access to space.