ESA’s Vega-C rocket is complete on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport and ready for liftoff, set for 4 December. The final element of the rocket, that includes the Sentinel-1C satellite that will be launched into space was installed on top of the 35-m launcher on 29 November – like a cherry on a cake.
On launch day, the first three Vega-C stages will fire, burn through their fuel and be expended in rapid succession, enabling the rocket to reach space in just eight minutes. The fourth stage with Sentinel-1C will orbit Earth and prepare for release an hour and fifty minutes after liftoff.
Although the components are stacked and ready on the launch pad, technicians are connecting, checking and testing right up until launch day. A final ‘launch readiness review’ will be held the day before liftoff, authorising Vega-C to be ignited and return to the skies.