Session
Session X: Space Access
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
The first European ride-share mission will be carried out by the Vega launch system in September 2019. The VEGA PoC (Proof of Concept) flight using the SSMS (Small Satellite Mission Service) hardware was conceived in the context of ESA LLL Initiative. This paper reports on the highlights of the preparation of the first European rideshare mission with Vega launcher and on the development of the related launch system.
Based on Vega flights accumulated experience, the development of multi-Payload mission concept started from analysis of the activities currently foreseen to fly a single payload mission adapted to the needs of multi payload rideshare missions. After evaluation of impacts in terms of technical feasibility, missioning schedule and related programmatic and cost elements for the missioning of the Light Sats launch service, the implementation phase was initiated and description of its major tasks is the focus of this paper.
The described hardware development and processes to reach SSMS PoC flight using the Vega launch system, are the first step towards the ultimate goal of a finally optimized process for Light Sats ride-share missions applicable to all European launchers.
The First Vega Ride-Share Mission Flight
Utah State University, Logan, UT
The first European ride-share mission will be carried out by the Vega launch system in September 2019. The VEGA PoC (Proof of Concept) flight using the SSMS (Small Satellite Mission Service) hardware was conceived in the context of ESA LLL Initiative. This paper reports on the highlights of the preparation of the first European rideshare mission with Vega launcher and on the development of the related launch system.
Based on Vega flights accumulated experience, the development of multi-Payload mission concept started from analysis of the activities currently foreseen to fly a single payload mission adapted to the needs of multi payload rideshare missions. After evaluation of impacts in terms of technical feasibility, missioning schedule and related programmatic and cost elements for the missioning of the Light Sats launch service, the implementation phase was initiated and description of its major tasks is the focus of this paper.
The described hardware development and processes to reach SSMS PoC flight using the Vega launch system, are the first step towards the ultimate goal of a finally optimized process for Light Sats ride-share missions applicable to all European launchers.
