THE GALLERY: What are the challenges of this return to flight for Vega and for the European Space Agency (ESA)?
Daniel NEUENSCHWANDER: The stakes are high for ESA with the return to flight of the Vega launcher after the failure of VV15 last July. As the Vega launch system qualification authority, ESA is responsible for this return to flight. This is the most important point. Then, we developed and validated a modular dispenser (SSMS), which allows to launch small satellites with variable sizes. This dispenser can be adapted to each mission, but the interface with the satellites is standardized. It will allow Arianespace to address new markets. Finally, during flight VV16, Vega will put into orbit four small ESA satellites out of the 53 that will be launched, I hope, as soon as possible: one for Earth observation, another for telecoms and two from the management of Space Engineering & Technology.
Can this dispenser be adapted to Ariane 6?
It is a dispenser specific to the Vega launcher. We are also developing a carbon fiber dispenser for Ariane 6, called MLS (Multi launch system, editor’s note). The objective is to allow small satellites to be launched by Arianespace provided that the mission is compatible with the main passenger. Instead of taking a taxi, these little satellites will board a bus with other passengers. If the client …
