Vega

Launcher
Ferruccio Serraglia
VEGA Integrated Project Team
ESA-ESRIN

Vega 20/11/2008
 Launchers “not just a vehicle”

Providing access to space

Enabler of space activities
Development of space applications sector
Unrestricted access to space for strategic purposes

Developing and safeguarding industrial

capabilities
Launcher systems developed and produced by
European industry
More than 50 industrialists involved in ESA Member
States
Financing more than 3.8 billion € over 2005-2011
Promoting research and development
Solid technology base in all critical areas
(system, solid & liquid propulsion and stage &
equipment)

European undertaking
12 Main Participating States
Enabling autonomous action in the space sector
European launch range located in French Guiana Vega 20/11/2008
ESA Programmes for a Family of Launchers

Vega 20/11/2008
Vega 20/11/2008
 VEGA
Programme Management
and Industrial
Organisation

Vega 20/11/2008
 VEGA Programme Management
Head of VEGA
Department- ESRIN
Contract officer
ESA-HQ

Head of VEGA
Department- Proramme
ESRIN Integration Manager
I P T

Agencies
ntegrated roject eam
ASI Technical
Support

level
CNES Technical
Support
Launch Vehicle Ground Segment P80 Demonstrator
ESA Technical Manager Manager Manager
Support

Industry
level
ELV Spa Vitrociset Avio Spa
Europropulsion
Directorate of
Presentation Title 6
Launchers
 VEGA industrial organisation
The development and production of the
launch system is contracted to a prime
VEGA Launch Vehicle Programme
• ELV S.p.A. (70% Avio Spa and 30% ASI),
-located in Colleferro, Italy- is the prime
contractor for the launcher development
and production.
P80 Demonstrator Programme
• Avio S.p.A. is prime contractor for the P80
with a programme management delegation
to Europropulsion, France.
Ground Segment
• VITROCISET is prime contractor of
the Ground Segment.
Vega 20/11/2008
 VEGA industrial partners
VEGA Launch Vehicle Programme
– CASA, CRISA, INTA, SENER, GTD (E)
– AVIO, Galileo, OCI, Vitrociset, Datamat (I)
– SABCA (B)
– Contraves (CH)
– Dutch Space (Fokker), STORK-SPE, TNO (NL)
– SAAB (S)
– EADS, Arianespace, Thales, Pyroalliance, ONERA, SAFT (F)

P80 Demonstrator Programme

– AVIO (I), REGULUS (F), SNECMA SPS (F), SABCA (B) and
STORK-SPE (NL)

Ground Segment
– Carlo Gavazzi Space, Alenia (Laben), Peyrani, OCI, Gruppo
Rossi, CERASI, Dataspazio, Siram (I)
– Thales, Nofrayane (F)
– Cegelec, Axima (B)
– GTD (E)
Vega 20/11/2008
VEGA Launch
Vehicle

Vega 20/11/2008
 VEGA at a glance
Reference lift capability
The Reference Performance of the VEGA launch vehicle launched from
Kourou is:
1 500 kg at 700 km in circular polar orbit
(Mass defined above the launcher / payload interface)

Standard Injection Accuracy

Standard (1 σ) VEGA injection accuracy are:
• Altitude: 5 km
• Inclination: 0.05°
• Ascending node: 0.1°

Restartable upper stage able to perform multiple

mission profile
• From equatorial to polar & SSO orbit (5.2° - 102°)
• From 300 km to 1 500 km altitude
• From 300 kg to 2 500 kg
Vega 20/11/2008
Fairing
AVUM
Z9

Z 23

Inter skirt 1/2

P 80

Vega 20/11/2008
 VEGA Launch Vehicle
Configuration
Interstage Interstage Interstage Interstage
P/L adapter 3 / AVUM 2/3 1/2 0/1

Fairing

AVUM SRM Z9 SRM Z23 SRM P80FW

APM-AAM

Vega 20/11/2008
 VEGA Performance Map
2300

2200

2100 VEGA LV PERFORMANCE

REQUIREMENT
2000

1900
Payload Mass [kg]

1800

1700
300 km
1600
500 km
1500
700 km
1400

1300

1200
1200 km
1100
1500 km
1000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
Orbit Inclination [°]

Vega 20/11/2008
 VEGA TRAJECTORIES -3rd STAGE RE-ENTRY
(700 km, PEO trajectory - 99.7% probability level)
90

75

60

45

30

15

0
Nominal
-15 Aerodynamics
Atmosphere
-30 P80FW
Z23
-45 Z9
LV Trajectory
-60

-75

-90
-180 -150 -120 -90 -60 -30 0 30 60 90 120 150 180

Vega 20/11/2008
 Tracking stations
90

75

60

45

30 BERMUDA

ANTIGUA
15
KOUROU
0

-15

-30
PERTH
-45

-60

-75

-90
-180 -165 -150 -135 -120 -105 -90 -75 -60 -45 -30 -15 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
Vega 20/11/2008
Launch Sequence of main events

End of Mission
T = 3469 s
z = 705.5 km
V = 7288 m/s

AVUM Deorbiting
T = 3418 s
z = 705 km
V = 7516 m/s

P/L Separation,
Collision
Avoidance
VEGA T = 3243 s
z = 702 km
Reference Trajectory (700 km, P EO) V = 7519 m/s
AVUM Cut-Off,
Orbit
Circularization
T = 3013 s
P80FW Burnout, z = 700 km
Stage 1/2 Z23 Burnout, Z9 Ignition, Z9 Burnout, Stage AVUM Cut-off,
V = 7522 m/s
P80FW Ignition Separation, Stage 2/3 Fairing 3/4 Separation, Transfer Orbit
& Lift-Off Z23 Ignition Separation Separation AVUM 1st Ignition Injection AVUM 2nd Ignition
T (mission time) = 0 s T = 106.7 s T = 179 s T = 217 s T = 328 s T = 724 s T = 2870 s
z (altitude) = 0 km z = 44 km z = 94.7 km z = 116 km z = 146 km z = 215 km z = 698 km
V (relative speed) = 0 m/sV = 1825 m/s V = 4120 m/s V = 4072 m/s V = 7645 m/s V = 7912 m/s V = 7376m/s

(Altitude vs. time)

Vega 20/11/2008
 Stages re-entry

P/L Separation AVUM

Visibility Deorbiting

Lift Off

VEGA
Visibility
Flight Safety Aspects
(Telecommand)

1st & 2nd Stage 3rd Stage

Reentry Reentry

(Altitude vs. time) Vega 20/11/2008

 VEGA TRAJECTORIES -3rd STAGE RE-ENTRY
(700 km, PEO trajectory - 99.7% probability level)
180°
Nominal
Aerodynamics
Atmosphere
P80FW
Z23
Z9
LV Trajectory

-90° 90°

90°

80°

70°

0° 60°

Vega 20/11/2008
VEGA SRM(s) – Overall description

Consumable Igniter

Filament wound composite case and skirts

Propellant grain (finocyl shaped configuration)

Low-torque flexible joint

Nozzle

TVC system

Vega 20/11/2008
 P80 FW
The solid propellant stages
Zefiro 23 FW

Zefiro 9 FW

L: 4.12 m ∅ : 1.925 m
Combustion time: 117 s L: 8.9 m ∅ : 1.925 m L: 10.5 m ∅ : 3.0 m
Combustion time: 71 s Combustion time: 107 s
Thrust (vacuum): 280 kN
Thrust (vacuum): 1200 kN Thrust (vacuum): 2980 kN
Max pressure: 67 bar Max pressure: 95 bar Max pressure: 95 bar
Propellant mass: 10 115 kg Propellant mass: 23900 kg Propellant mass: 88383 kg
Inert mass: 833 kg Inert mass: 1877 kg Inert mass: 7408 kg
Vacuum specific impulse: 294 s Vacuum specific impulse: 289 s Vacuum specific impulse: 279.5 s
Nozzle expansion ratio: 25 Nozzle expansion ratio: 16
Nozzle expansion ratio: 56
Nozzle deflection angle: +/- 6.5° Nozzle deflection angle: +/- 6.5°
Nozzle deflection angle: +/- 6°
Vega 20/11/2008
 P80 SRM characteristics and performances

P80 FW SRM - VACUUM THRUST AND PRESSURE PROFILES

3500 100

3000
Thrust 80
Pressure
2500

60
P80

Pressure (bar)
2000
Overall Lenght [mm] 10557
Thrust (kN)

Outer Diameter [mm] 3003

1500
40 Propellant Mass [Kg] 88385
Inert Mass [Kg] 7408
1000
Burn time [s] 106.7
20
500
Vacuum specific impulse [s] 279.5
Max Vacuum Thrust [KN] 3050
0 0
MEOP [bar] 95
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Nozzle expansion ratio 16
Time (s)
Nozzle deflection angle (°) +/- 6.5
Vega 20/11/2008
 P80 NOZZLE : Reference Design

Flexseal with rubber Cowl (naxeco-

pads & shims phenolic)
(Low modulus & glass
epoxy) Stationary shell
Nose cap insulator (EG2
(2D Carbon +GSM55B) Bracket
phenolic) (steel)
Downstream exit
cone insulator
Exit cone (naxeco-phenolic)
(Aluminum)
Nose
Upstream exit
cone insulator
(2D carbon phenolic)

Throat boots End fittings

(carbon phenolic) (steel)
Throat part
(naxeco –pyc)

Directorate of
Presentation Title 22
Launchers
 SRM Case

Carbon/epoxy wound case

3m diameter for P80
2m diameter for Z23 and Z9
P80, Z23 and Z9 cases are
manufactured in Avio facilities
(Colleferro)

Directorate of
Presentation Title 23
Launchers
 SRM Propellant

HTPB 1912 propergol (the same for all 3

SRMs but with a different combustion
velocity).

Casting operation
- in Avio facilities for Z23 and Z9
(Colleferro),
- in Guyana for P80.

Directorate of
Presentation Title 24
Launchers
 SRM Igniters

Grain Integrated
Nozzles

Pyrotechnic
Igniter

Main Case
P80 Z23 Z9 (consumable
IFO )
Total mass 130 34.3 14.7 C
Pellet Thermal
(Kg) Adapter
s Protectio
ring n
Grain mass 22 9.4 3.3
(Kg)
Thermal 93.4 42 15.1
energy (106 J)
Delay (s) 0.34 0.23 0.18

Directorate of
Presentation Title 25
Launchers
 Zefiro 23 characteristics & performances

Zefiro 23 SRM- Pressure and Thrust vs Time

1200 100

90

1000
80

Thrust Pressure
70
800
ZEFIRO 23
Vacuum Thrust (kN)

60

Pressure (bar)
Overall Lenght [mm] 7590
600 50 Outer Diameter [mm] 1905
Propellant Mass [Kg] 23900
40
Inert Mass [Kg] 1860
400
30 Burn time [s] 72

20
Vacuum specific impulse [s] 288
200
Max Vacuum Thrust [KN] 1200
10 MEOP [bar] 106
0 0 Nozzle expansion ratio 25
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Nozzle deflection angle (°) +/- 6.5
Time (sec)
Vega 20/11/2008
 Zefiro 9 characteristics and performances

Zefiro 9 SRM- Pressure &Thrust Vs Time

350 80.00

70.00
300

Thrust Pressure
60.00
250

ZEFIRO 9
Vacuum Thrust (kN)

50.00
Overall Lenght [mm] 3860

Pressure (bar)
200

40.00
Outer Diameter [mm] 1905
150 Propellant Mass [Kg] 10115
30.00 Inert Mass [Kg] 835
100 Burn time [s] 110
20.00
Vacuum specific impulse [s] 295
50
10.00
Max Vacuum Thrust [KN] 330
MEOP [bar] 83
0 0.00 Nozzle expansion ratio 56
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Nozzle deflection angle (°) +/- 6°
Time (sec)
Vega 20/11/2008
 AVUM
avionics module
Helium pressurised tanks
(GHe): 88 litres @ 310 bar
Propellant tanks
UDMH: 2 x 142 litres
NTO: 2 x 142 litres
Max pressure: 36 bars

RACS: 2 x 3 thrusters
Thrust: 200 N (each)
NH4 tank: 15 litres @ 26 bar

Propulsion
module
(LPS + RACS)
Main engine: RD-869 (YUZHNOYE - Ukraine)
• Thrust: 2450 N
• Specific impulse: 315.5 s
• Restartable: 5 times
• Gimbal displacement: +/- 10°
Vega 20/11/2008
 Zefiro 9

1st Development firing test : Dec. 2005

2nd Qualification Firing test : Nov. 2008
Qualification Firing test: Feb. 2009

Vega 20/11/2008
Development firing test : June 2006
Qualification Firing test : Sept. 2008

Zefiro 23 Vega 20/11/2008

Development firing test : Nov 2006
Qualification Firing test : May 2007

P80 Vega 20/11/2008

The bi-liquid upper module, AVUM
finishes of the primary injection and gives
flexibility to achieve any orbit.

The AVUM provides roll control

during the boost phases and three-
axis control during ballistic phases
before payload separation.
AVUM Vega 20/11/2008
MEA Development firing test : 15-11-2005
MEA Qualification Firing test : Sept 2006
Stage firing tests (UCFIRE): Apr.-May 2007

AVUM
Vega 20/11/2008
Fairing + ACU 937B adaptor

Vega 20/11/2008
 SRMs: Requirements,
Definition and Justification

Vega 20/11/2008
 SRMs: Requirements, Definition and Justification
This specification defines the requirements and
associated constraints concerning the performance,
design, qualification and use of the Vega Launch Vehicle
Launcher Specifications (LV) system. This specification shall be used as the
basis for the elaboration of the projects, specifications
of development and qualification work concerning all the
hardware that constitute the Vega
LV system.

Reports the needs and constraints at which the Zefiro 9

SRM Functional Third Stage SRM must comply with during its non-
operational and operational mission.
Specifications This specification is according with the high level needs
reported in the Launch System Specification.

This Specification establishes the requirements in terms

of: design; performance; interfaces; development;
SRM Technical qualification; test; production; integration of the Zefiro 9
Solid Rocket Motor for the Third Stage of VEGA Launch
Specifications Vehicle. It defines and implements all characteristics and
performance required for the ZEFIRO 9 SRM in
answer to the Functional Specification

The aim of the document is to furnish the technical

SRM Design Justification justification of the Zefiro 9 SRM motor, as far as the
requirements of design, propulsive performance and
interfaces contained in the Technical Specification.
Vega 20/11/2008
[Requirement Z9 ST-05] [Requirement Z9 ST-06]

ZEFIRO 9 SRM NON OPERATIONAL ZEFIRO 9 SRM OPERATIONAL

Phases. Phases.
• Motor integration • First Stage Motor ignition
• Motor acceptance • LV lift-off
• Motor/stage handling • First Stage propulsive flight
• Motor/stage storage in Europe • First Stage burnout detection
• Stage equipment integration •First Stage separation
• Stage acceptance • Second Stage Motor ignition
• Stage transportation from production • Second Stage propulsive flight
site in Europe to LV integration site in • Second Stage burnout detection
Guyana • Second Stage separation
•(BIV) • Third stage coasting
• Stage storage in Guyana • ZEFIRO 9 SRM Third Stage ignition
• LV lower assembly integration and • ZEFIRO 9 SRM Third Stage
test at BIV propulsive flight
• LV upper assembly integration and • ZEFIRO 9 SRM Third Stage burnout
test at BIV detection
• LV taxiing to the launch pad • ZEFIRO 9 SRM Third Stage
• Stand by on the launch pad separation
• ZEFIRO 9 SRM Third Stage fall-
down and destruction Vega 20/11/2008
 SRMs Requirements: steady state

Z9-DM0 TEST RESULTS ANALYSIS

300000

250000

200000
Bench reaction (N)

150000

Axial bench reaction 1

Axial bench reaction 2
100000
Upper predicted measurement limit
Lower predicted measurment limit

50000

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Time (s) Vega 20/11/2008
SRMs Requirements: ignition

Vega 20/11/2008
SRMs Requirements: burn out & tail off

Vega 20/11/2008
Stages Separations Burn Out & Tail Off Requirements

Vega 20/11/2008
 SRMs System Requirements
Thrust Envelope

Max. dynamic Max. acceleration

F [KN] pressure

B C
Controllability
at Stage
separation

Abs (dF /dt) D

A
Abs (dF/dt)

Time[s]
Min. acceleration P80 FW Thrust Gate LV Performance
at Lift-off

Vega 20/11/2008