March 23, 2023
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  • [ March 22, 2023 ] Relativity’s 3D-printed Terran 1 rocket reaches space, but falls short of orbit Mission Reports
  • [ March 22, 2023 ] Penultimate Delta rocket to launch next month on ULA’s first mission of 2023 Delta 4
  • [ March 21, 2023 ] Good weather expected for Relativity Space’s late-night launch attempt Mission Reports
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Mission Reports

Vega rocket deploys 53 satellites on successful return to flight mission

September 3, 2020 Stephen Clark

Delayed a year by a launch failure, the coronavirus pandemic and a stretch of stiff upper level winds this summer, an Italian-made Vega rocket vaulted into orbit from French Guiana on Wednesday night and deployed 53 small satellites from 13 countries to punctuate a flawless return to flight mission.

Mission Reports

Live coverage: Vega rocket launches with 53 small satellites

September 2, 2020 Stephen Clark

Arianespace launched a solid-fueled Vega rocket from French Guiana at 9:51 p.m. EDT Wednesday (0151 GMT Thursday) after delays of more than five months caused by the coronavirus pandemic and unfavorable upper level winds. The Italian-built launcher will deploy 53 small satellites into orbit.

Mission Reports

Long-delayed Vega rocket launch could happen Wednesday night

September 1, 2020 Stephen Clark

Arianespace delayed the launch of a Vega rocket from French Guiana Tuesday night due to a typhoon threatening a ground station in South Korea needed to track the vehicle as it deploys a cluster of more than 50 small satellites.

Mission Reports

After weather delays, Arianespace delays Vega launch to recharge batteries

July 1, 2020 Stephen Clark

After an unusual stretch of excessive high-altitude winds prevented launch from French Guiana of 53 small satellites on a Vega rocket in June — and no sign of a letup in winds in the coming days — Arianespace said Wednesday that the mission will be delayed to Aug. 17 to allow time for teams to recharge launcher and payload batteries.

Mission Reports

Live coverage: Vega launch of 53 smallsats again delayed by high-altitude winds

June 27, 2020 Stephen Clark

After months of delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Arianespace scrubbed back-to-back Vega launch attempts Saturday and Sunday due to unfavorable high-altitude winds over the European-run Guiana Space Center in South America. The Vega rocket is awaiting launch on a rideshare mission carrying 53 small satellites into orbit for 21 customers in 13 countries.

Mission Reports

Cluster of international satellites ready for ride into orbit on Vega rocket

June 27, 2020 Stephen Clark

Debuting a two-tier structure designed to accommodate dozens of small satellites on a single mission, an Italian-made Vega rocket is set for liftoff Saturday night from the northeastern coast of South America on a flight to demonstrate European industry’s answer to growing rideshare launch demand.

Mission Reports

Vega rocket’s return-to-flight launch waits for improved wind conditions

June 18, 2020 Stephen Clark

The first launch of an Italian-made Vega rocket since an in-flight failure nearly one year ago has been postponed to no earlier than Monday night due to unfavorable upper level winds over the Vega launch base in Kourou, French Guiana.

News Headlines

  • Relativity’s 3D-printed Terran 1 rocket reaches space, but falls short of orbit
    March 22, 2023
  • Penultimate Delta rocket to launch next month on ULA’s first mission of 2023
    March 22, 2023
  • Good weather expected for Relativity Space’s late-night launch attempt
    March 21, 2023
  • Webb telescope sees the prelude to a supernova
    March 21, 2023
  • Virgin Orbit pauses operations amid financial troubles
    March 20, 2023
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