![](\"http:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Vega-C_VV21_with_LARES-2_ready_for_launch_card_full.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Vega-C VV21 with LARES-2 ready for launch and waiting for the gantry to be retracted on 13 July 2022 at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.<\/p>\n
Vega-C<\/a>\u00a0brings a new level of performance to ESA’s launch family. With new first and second stages and an uprated fourth stage, Vega-C increases performance to about 2.3 t in a reference 700 km polar orbit, from the 1.5 t capability of its predecessor, Vega.\u00a0Download the VV21 media kit (EN<\/a>,\u00a0DE<\/a>,\u00a0ES<\/a>,\u00a0FR<\/a>,\u00a0IT<\/a>) to learn more.<\/p>\n Vega-C features a new, more powerful first stage, P120C, based on Vega\u2019s P80. Atop that is a new second stage, Zefiro-40, and then the same Zefiro-9 third stage as used on Vega. \u00a0<\/p>\n The re-ignitable upper stage is also improved. AVUM+ has increased liquid propellant capacity, to deliver payloads to multiple orbits depending on mission requirements and to allow for longer operational time in space, to enable extended missions.<\/p>\n The P120C motor will do double service, with either two or four units acting as strap-on boosters for Ariane 6. Sharing this component streamlines industrial efficiency and improves cost-effectiveness of both launchers.<\/p>\n With its larger main stages and bigger fairing \u2013 which doubles the payload volume compared to Vega \u2013 Vega-C measures 34.8 m high, nearly 5 m taller than Vega.<\/p>\n The new launcher configuration delivers a significant improvement in launch system flexibility. Vega-C can orbit larger satellites, two main payloads or can accommodate various arrangements for rideshare missions. ESA\u2019s upcoming Space Rider return-to-Earth vehicle will be launched to orbit on Vega-C.<\/p>\n