Vega VV16 Launched, Carrying PhiSat-1 with Ubotica AI Technology on Board
Vega rocket deploys 53 satellites on successful return to flight mission
Delayed a year by a launch failure, the coronavirus pandemic and a stretch of stiff upper level winds this summer, an Italian-made Vega rocket vaulted into orbit from French Guiana on Wednesday night and deployed 53 small satellites from 13 countries to punctuate a flawless return to flight mission.
Mission Details
Vega VV16 rocket with 53 satellites via Arianespace Space Group lifted off Sept. 2 at 9:51 p.m. EDT (0151 GMT on Sept. 3) from Guiana Space Center in South America, with PhiSat1 onboard. Arianspace’s mission update (click here) has images and video from the launch event.
New Rideshare Service for Light Satellites to Launch on Vega Rocket – Transporting More Than 50 Satellites Into Orbit at Once
Europe’s next Vega launch will transport more than 50 satellites at once into orbit on the first rideshare mission dedicated to light satellites. Liftoff from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana is set for 02:51:10 a.m. on June 19 (Dublin time). (Editor’s note: The launch has been re-scheduled a number of times due to un-favourable weather conditions, and now scheduled for 4th September).