Vega C, the new lightweight, high-performance launcher
Vega C is operated by Arianespace and optimized for a wide variety of missions including shared launch services. Developed in partnership by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French national space agency (CNES), it is smaller and lighter than its predecessor Vega and provides a launch solution suited to the institutional and commercial market.
Vega C is powerful, modular and versatile, allowing Arianespace to respond effectively to the needs of its customers in the low-orbit satellite market. With its increased capacities, greater load volume and improved performance, Vega C can fulfil a wide range of missions.
Technical details for the Vega C launcher:
35 m
210 t
3,5 m
4 500 kN (kilonewtons)
2 300 kg (SSO)
3 300 kg (LEO)
2 500 kg (Polar Orbit)
Vega C: enhanced performance and optimized synergies
The Arianespace Vega C launcher stands out for its improved performance and injection capacity. For a 700 km sun-synchronous Earth orbit, the payload capacity of Vega C is 2,300 kg*. These improvements make it possible to meet the growing needs of the market by launching larger and heavier satellites. Furthermore, Vega C uses the P120C first stage which will be upgraded to the P160, used as a side booster for Ariane 6.
* These performance calculations take into account the safety rules of the Guiana Space Center (CSG).
Modularity and volume
Vega C is a modular launcher with a large-diameter fairing, enabling it to adapt to the requirements of Arianespace customers. This modularity and larger volume enable Vega C to complete a wide range of missions.
Capacity to carry small radar and Earth observation satellites
Combination of multiple satellites via VESPA and VAMPIRE modular adapters
Transport of nanosatellites and microsatellites via the new Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) launch service
Delivery of payloads to multiple orbits in a single launch
P120C thruster
Vega C: unique flexibility for your space launches
The unique flexibility of Vega C is ensured by its AVUM+ upper stage, where the engine can restart up to seven times, allowing it to reach three different orbits. This multiple restart capability makes Vega C ideal for complex missions requiring multiple in-flight adjustments, making it the ideal solution for combined launches in rideshare configuration.
The typical profile of a mission with AVUM+ generally includes two burns to reach the target orbit: a first burn to reach an intermediate orbit and a second burn to reach the final orbit. After satellite separation, the AVUM+ can perform additional maneuvers to release the satellites into their operational orbits or to activate a controlled re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, meeting environmental regulations.
The flexibility of the AVUM+ also allows for changes to orbital planes and elevations, maximizing mission efficiency and precision.
Launch configurations
The versatility of Vega C offers several launch configurations:
Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) system:
The SSMS (Small Spacecraft Mission Service) is a modular adapter that allows Vega C to offer hosting solutions to carry small satellites ranging from mini satellites to cubesats. This rideshare and piggyback service is designed to optimize the cost of accessing space for small payloads by sharing vehicle capacity.
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