ESA title
Enabling & Support

Vega

Versatile, efficient, precise — the Vega launch system is Europe’s way of launching light satellites to multiple orbits in a single launch

Vega

Vega first launched in 2012 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to complement Europe’s heavy-lift Ariane rockets. Vega-C, a more powerful variant with greater payload volume and improved competitiveness, took over this role with its inaugural flight on 13 June 2022. Vega-E is now in development to further increase performance while reducing launch service costs.

Last launch: VV26, Vega-C with Biomass, 29 April 2025 06:15 local time at Europe's Spaceport (10:15 BST, 11:15 CEST)

Next launch: VV27

Vega

Latest

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Enabling & Support

Artist's view of Europe's launcher family from 2024 onwards

09/05/2025 821 views 21 likes
Artist's view of Europe's launcher family from 2024 onwards
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Video 00:05:13
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Vega-C liftoff in slow-mo

08/05/2025 661 views 26 likes
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Video 00:03:02
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From cleanroom to space: a journey of Biomass

06/05/2025 384 views 3 likes
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Video 00:00:56
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Enabling & Support

Up close and loud: Vega-C liftoff with Biomass

30/04/2025 499 views 3 likes
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Video 00:08:17
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Enabling & Support

Vega-C takes Biomass to the sky

30/04/2025 1757 views 29 likes
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Video 01:54:04
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Replay: Biomass launch coverage

29/04/2025 1028 views 12 likes
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Story
Biomass takes to the skies
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Biomass launched to count forest carbon

29/04/2025 15896 views 132 likes
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Story
Vega-C fairing release revealing Biomass
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Watch Biomass launch live

24/04/2025 21429 views 66 likes
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Enabling & Support

P120C and P160C on Vega-C and Ariane 6

23/04/2025 360 views 6 likes
P120C and P160C on Vega-C and Ariane 6
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Enabling & Support

Europe's largest solid-propellant rocket motors

22/04/2025 972 views 22 likes
Europe's largest solid-propellant rocket motors
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Biomass on the launch pad

22/04/2025 926 views 25 likes
ESA’s Biomass satellite, encapsulated within a Vega-C rocket fairing, has been rolled out to the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana ahead of liftoff, planned for 29 April at 11:15 CEST.
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Sealing Biomass within the Vega-C fairing
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Forest mission sealed within rocket fairing for liftoff

16/04/2025 3195 views 67 likes
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Enabling & Support

P160C solid-propellant rocket motor rolls out to its test s…

09/04/2025 263 views 2 likes
P160C solid-propellant rocket motor rolls out to its test stand
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Story
Biomass heads for the launch site
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ESA’s pioneering Biomass satellite arrives at launch site

10/03/2025 4345 views 54 likes
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Story
Perfect placement for Smile’s payload module
Science & Exploration

When two become one: engineers get Smile ready for launch

06/03/2025 2325 views 48 likes
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More items
  • Video
    Enabling & Support

    Vega for ESA: the story

    03/09/2024 1607 views 19 likes
    Open item
  • Video
    Enabling & Support

    Vega-C inaugural launch campaign timelapse, VV21

    28/07/2022 1117 views 3 likes
    Open item
  • Video
    Enabling & Support

    Vega-C launch in slow motion

    22/07/2022 2406 views 18 likes
    Open item
  • Story
    Enabling & Support

    M10 engine test success marks key step toward Vega-E

    06/05/2022 4146 views 15 likes
    Open item
    Vega-E is being targeted to fly from 2026 as the next evolution of the Vega launch system.
  • Agency

    Link to Vega launch gallery

    Open item
    Launch of Vega VV20

More

Vega

Vega-C Vega launch site Vega-E Space Rider

Previous Vega rockets

Vega Vega launches from Europe's Spaceport Vega-C images Vega-C videos

Space transportation

Space Transportation Ariane Space Rider Future space transportation Boost! Europe's Spaceport Launches from Europe's Spaceport from 2012