ESA launches two new programmes
Member States of the ESA (European Space Agency) have given the go ahead to two new programmes: the Vega Small Launcher and P80 Advanced Solid Booster. Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland will proceed with full development of the Vega small launcher. The launcher will be developed and manufactured by European industry and will offer the international market a competitive vehicle for small payloads of up to 1500 kg. A maiden flight is planned for the end of 2005. Belgium, France, Italy and the Netherlands will finance the P80 booster. The development programme is designed to meet two objectives: to demonstrate most of the technologies required to improve Ariane 5 solid-propellant booster performance and competitiveness and to develop and ground-qualify an advanced-technology first stage for the Vega launcher. anot
Countries
Italy