* Astronomy

Blobrana · L

RE: Vega Launch Vehicle

Blobrana · L

Vega getting ready for exploitation

The Vega launch vehicle programme has recently taken several major steps towards operation: the decision has been made to start the qualification launch campaign; ESA and Arianespace have ordered four new launchers; studies for the launch of the LISA Pathfinder mission have started.
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Blobrana · L

Vega: ESA's new small launcher

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Vega test firing

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Blobrana · L

VEGA warming up for first flight
On 28 April, the final qualification test firing of the third stage solid propellant motor for Europes new small launch vehicle took place at the Salto di Quirra Interforce Test Range in Sardinia, Italy.
At 15:30, the peace and quiet of the Sardinian coast was suddenly interrupted by a powerful, deep roar as a Zefiro 9A motor ignited for its final qualification-firing test. The motor took almost two minutes to completely burn its propellant load, during which time engineers and technicians, representatives of Avio, ELV and ESA/IPT held their breath, waiting for the outcome of this important test.

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Blobrana · L

Zefiro 9A motor

Blobrana · L

RE: Vega Launch Vehicle

Blobrana · L

A prototype of the P80 rocket motor, which will power the first stage of ESA's new small launcher - Vega, was successfully tested on 4 December at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Ignition occurred at 12:35 local time (15:35 UTC/GMT).

The rocket produces a mean thrust of about 190 tonnes for 111 seconds (about a third of the thrust of each of Ariane 5's solid booster stages).
During the course of the firing, over 600 parameters were recorded to gauge the performance of the motor. All initial reports conclude that it is working fully in line with all predictions.
This is the second firing of the P80, which was aimed at qualifying the rocket for flight. Initial tests happened in November 2006.

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-- Edited by Blobrana at 14:31, 2007-12-10

Blobrana · L

On Wednesday 28 March, at around 15:00, the second firing test of the solid rocket motor Zefiro 9 the motor that will power the third stage of ESAs future small launcher Vega - took place at the Salto Di Quirra Inter-force Test Range in Sardinia, Italy.
The first results of the test indicate that the behaviour of the motor and the actuation of the nozzle were in accordance with predictions up until 35 seconds after ignition, when a sudden drop in the motors internal pressure was detected. The pressure stabilised at a value lower than the nominal, leading to a longer combustion time than the expected 105 seconds.
More than 400 sensors fitted to the motor monitored its behaviour during and after the firing test. The first visual investigation conducted on site after the firing showed that the nozzle of the motor was damaged, but no further damage was observed on the motor case or on the test bench.
ESA and Industry teams have already started a thorough analysis and assessment of the data collected during the test. The causes of the anomaly have not been identified yet and an investigation board is being set up for this purpose. The board shall recommend preventative and other appropriate actions to preclude the recurrence of similar anomalies for the finalisation of the motor qualification.

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Blobrana · L

The largest European mono-segment filament-wound case solid propellant motor ever developed came to life at 12:30 Kourou time today (15:30 UT) when it was ignited for its first static firing test at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s Spaceport, in Kourou, French Guiana.

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Blobrana · L

On 30 November, the P80 motor which is to power Vega’s first stage will undergo its maiden static firing on the same test pad used to demonstrate Ariane 5’s solid booster stages in Kourou, French Guiana.
The Solid Booster Test Bench (BEAP) is the unique test pad at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s Spaceport. Since 1993, it has seen the successful testing of Ariane 5 Solid Booster Stage (EAP) motors. Of course, none was actually intended to lift off and the facility is equipped with safety systems to prevent a booster breaking loose from the test bench and leaving the ground. In this case, large blades would cut its envelope open, allowing the solid propellant to burn freely without providing any thrust.
The firing test is planned for 30 November at around 15:00 UTC/GMT (12:00 local time, 16:00 CST/Paris). The timing will depend on wind conditions, to make sure the cloud resulting from the exhaust will not drift over populated areas.

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