End of an Era: Vega Rocket's Final Launch Carries Sentinel-2C Satellite Into Orbit

The Vega Rocket's Final Voyage

The European Space Agency (ESA) recently bade adieu to the Vega Rocket following its successful launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-2C spacecraft. The Vega Rocket, which was not as commercially successful as hoped, managed 22 launches before it was finally retired. Its final launch was delayed owing to electrical issues on ground links, which were later resolved, allowing the rocket to undertake its last mission.

Challenges and Failures

Facing failures in 2019 and 2020, the Vega Rocket nevertheless served a significant role in the ESA's space operations. Its successor, the Vega-C, following a nozzle failure, managed just one launch in 2022. Redesigns of the Zefiro 40 engine nozzle used in the Vega-C also failed testing in 2023, which has further delayed the return to flight for Vega's successor until the end of 2024.

Sentinel-2C Mission

The Sentinel-2C will replace the Sentinel-2A, monitoring Earth's land and coastal waters with its high-resolution optical imagery payload. The upcoming Vega-C launch in 2025 will replace Sentinel-2B with Sentinel-2D, as ESA and Arianespace anticipate greater success with the Vega-C Rocket's improved flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Legacy of the Vega Rocket

Despite challenges, the Vega Rocket's legacy will continue with the Vega-C, sharing components such as the Zefiro 9 third stage.