Vega, ESA’s new launch vehicle, is ready to operate alongside the Ariane 5 and Soyuz launchers after a successful qualification flight this morning from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

On 13 February 2012, the first Vega lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Credits: ESA – S. Corvaja, 2012

With Vega extending the family …

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Join the European Space Agency for the first qualification flight of the Vega launch vehicle on Monday 13 February, with a launch window open from 11:00 to 13:00 CET (10:00 to 12:00 GMT). Vega will lift off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, to release nine satellites into orbit and add a new capability to Europe’s fleet of launch …

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This video presents the key events in 2012 for the European Space Agency (ESA).

André Kuipers continues his PromISSe mission aboard the International Space Station until May, the fourth ESA long duration mission. During his stay the third European ATV cargo ship will bring food and supplies to the orbital outpost.

Early in the year the new Vega launcher will …

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Follow the launch of Europe’s first Galileo navigation satellites on Russia’s first Soyuz rocket from Europe’s Spaceport. Liftoff is scheduled at 12:34 CEST (10:34 GMT, 07:34 local time), Thursday 20 October. Streaming begins at 11:30 CEST.

Streaming of the countdown and launch is from 11:30 – 13:25 CEST. Streaming recommences at 15:40 to 17:00 CEST, with satellite separation expected at …

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