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Cover storyVEGA: the turning pointThe right, timely decisions all along the project’s lifeThe successful launch of VEGA last september fromthe European spaceport at Kourou is not not to regardedas the conclusion of a far-fetched program.It must be seen on the contrary as the starting point of anew adventure, repositioning Italy as a leader among thehandful of countries with a full launching capability.First of all VEGA represents today the state-of-the-art inspace transport. Its technology, in particolar the realizationof its cases by filament winding, thus integratingcontainer and its thermic protection, cuts timing andcosts enhancing the launcher’s performance. Its electromechanicalcontrol of nozzles is a step ahead of traditionalmethods and the solid propellant solution makesVEGA utterly reliable.VEGA project is the evidence not only of Italy’s determinationin pursuing this goal, but also of the powerfulinteraction reached between the main contractor, AVIO,and public institutions, scientific researchers, Universitiesand a whole network of Small to Medium enterprises,the well known backbone of Italy’s industrial texture.After Feb. 13, 2012, VEGA’s maiden flight, there are inEurope only two industrial entities with a full launchingcapability, EADS and AVIO. Competion is open to renewEuropean launchers after the progressive retirementof Ariane 5 for economic reasons. The next Europeanmeeting at Ministers level will start delving with thisproblem. The VEGA segment (1.5 ton payload on a 700km polar orbit or farther if not on a polar plane) is that ofthe last-generation light, improved TLC and EO satellites.The very farsighted decision taken 10 years ago toplan a launcher with a multiple capability, makes it idealespecially in the range of micro, nano and pico satellitesincreasingly employed in low cost, scientific researchmissions. The fast deployment of VEGA thanks to itssolid propellant, eliminating the complex procedures ofliquid refuelling, will be extremely useful in case of emergencieswhen there is urgent need of new EO and/orTLC satellites to monitor rapidly evolving scenarios.These are VEGA short to medium term prospects inspace access. But it must be kept in mind that the EUin its evolution will eventually elaborate common foreignand defense policies. This new role of EU as a spacepower will imply a further development in its launchingcapacity. With its fast operation, easy stockage andmultiple roles VEGA is a milestone for Italy, its industriesand its technology - and Europe as well □48SPACEMAGNumero 1 2012