Vega, the European launcher built by Avio, was chosen by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the launch of its ADM-Aeolus satellite scheduled for late 2017.

The mission will play a key role in the Earth exploration program as ADM-Aeolus will enable three-dimensional observation of the winds, thereby helping scientists to gain more detailed knowledge on the subject and improve mathematical models on the atmosphere’s behaviour. The direct result of the mission will be improved quality of weather forecasting and of climate research.

European launcher Ariane 5 has successfully completed its third mission in 2016, putting the BRIsat and EchoStar XVIII satellites into orbit.
The mission left the European Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana Saturday 18th June at 18:39 local time, 23:39 in Roma, and had a duration of 42 minutes. The BRIsat and EchoStar 18 satellites were put correctly into a geostationary transfer orbit.

The mission lifted off at 02:20 AM local time, 06:20 AM in Rome, from the Kourou European Space Centre in French Guiana, and lasted for a total of 27 minutes and 23 seconds. EUTELSAT 65 WEST A was correctly placed into a geostationary transfer orbit.

This is the 273rd mission carried out by the European family of launchers, which includes the VEGA – a next-generation launcher designed and built by AVIO through its ELV subsidiary. The two motors produced by AVIO provided the necessary thrust to Ariane 5 in the first 120 seconds after take-off.

Ariane 5 is ready for its first flight in 2016: on January 27, a European launcher will propel the Intelsat 29e satellite into orbit. This will be the 273rd mission carried out by the European family of launchers, which includes the VEGA – a next-generation launcher designed and built by AVIO through its ELV subsidiary.