ESA Approves Plans To Begin Development Of Medium-Class Launch Vehicle

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ESA Approves Plans To Begin Development Of Medium-Class Launch Vehicle

The European Space Agency (ESA) has approved plans to proceed with developing a medium-size rocket capable of lifting small- and medium class- satellites, with first launch planned in 2004 or 2005. The specifics of the new concept have not been publicly announced. ESA has concluded that a range of different rockets is needed because the Ariane 5 cannot respond to all the satellite market needs. This decision apparently means that ESA is abandoning Italy's smaller Vega rocket, though Italy has not yet made any decisions regarding the continuation of the Vega initiative.

To reduce costs, European space strategists are directing their engineers to incorporate some elements of the new Ariane 5 in the future model. For example, some elements of Ariane 5, such as its P-230 solid rocket booster equipped with an upper stage, could be used in a medium-class launcher, though no engineering or design decisions have yet been made. More details should be defined at the next ESA Council meeting, set for June.

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April 3, 2000

Andrews Space & Technology