SYSTEM DESIGN IN THE VEGA - VEGA C LAUNCH BASE PROGRAMS CONTEXT

 

VEGA – VEGA C PROGRAM

The VEGA project is a launch system (launch vehicle & launch base) for payloads up to 1500 kg at 700 km in SSO polar orbit. The small Vega launcher, developed by AVIO SpA, 30 meters high with a maximum diameter of 3 meters and weighing 137 tons, consists of three solid propellant stages (P80, Zefiro 23, Zefiro 9), a liquid propulsion high stage with multiple re-ignition capability (Attitude and Vernier Upper Module – AVUM) and an Upper Composite which contains one or more satellites.

The VEGA C project is the upgraded version of the VEGA launcher for payloads up to 2300 kg in low Earth orbit. The new launcher, 35 meters high with a maximum diameter of 3.3 meters and a weight of 210 tons, consists of three solid propellant stages (P120, Zefito 40, Zefiro 9), a liquid propulsion high stage with multiple re-ignition capability (AVUM) and an Upper Composite which contains one or more satellites.

Both launchers are integrated and launched from the VEGA Launch Base (ZLV) located in the European Space Center in French Guiana.

The activities carried out by Siem s.r.l in the VEGA Launch Base program context are:

MOBILE GANTRY AND LAUNCH PAD

The Mobile Gantry is a steel structure of 15 floors, 45m high and weighing about 1300 tons equipped with a bridge crane, mobile platforms and a translation system, which allows it to be retracted by about 80m before space rocket launch.

The activities involved the design and construction, in collaboration with Rheinmetall Italia SpA, of the Mobile Gantry, of the Launch Pad including the Movement Systems of the 1st stage of VEGA.

  • Project: requirement specification, definition of mechanical and electrical interfaces, technical specifications and analysis of all subsystems, construction drawing
  • Implementation and acceptance test: suppliers management during the built phase, on-site integration activity and testing

VEGA QUALIFICATION CAMPAIGN

The activities involved a qualified technicians team commitment for the handling of the bridge crane, the mobile platforms and the translation of the Mobile Gantry during the qualification tests and the launch campaign of the first VV01 flight.

VERTA LAUNCH CAMPAIGN

The activities involved a qualified technicians team commitment for:

  • mechanical and electrical maintenance of the Mobiule Gantry and Launch Pad subsystems during the VERTA program (VEga Research and Technology Accompaniment)
  • launcher integration support during VERTA launch campaigns, VV02, VV03 and VV04 flight missions

VEGA C PROGRAM

The activities involved the design and realization of Mobile Gantry and Launch Pad subsystems modifications, on behalf of AVIO SpA, for the VEGA C, upgraded version of the VEGA space rocket.

  • Project: requirement specification, definition of mechanical and electrical interfaces, technical specifications and analysis of all subsystems, construction drawing
  • Implementation and acceptance test: suppliers management during the build phase, on-site integration activity and testing
  • Maintenance and support activity during the first flight lauch campaign

STORAGE ROOM FOR HANDLING SYSTEMS

The activities involved the design and construction of the storage room, on behalf of the CNES, of the handling systems for the P120, 1st Stage of VEGA C.

  • Project: requirement specification, definition of mechanical and electrical interfaces, technical specifications and analysis of all subsystems, construction drawing
  • Implementation, suppliers management, installation and acceptance tests.