[Bazmundo]

For those at a loose end before lunchtime tomorrow, the ESA is broadcasting the maiden voyage of the new Vega launcher. Transmission starts at 9.40GMT with a launch window of 10-12.30.

http://www.esa.int/S...8QAWX7YG_0.html

Vega is a fantastic new breed of rocket, particularly because it's payload design can be swapped around to carry large satellites or a bunch of smaller ones. Small satellites (picosatellites or Cubesats) have become increasingly popular given that they can satisfy the need for small experiments at low cost in order to add to the bigger picture. Of tomorrow's seven, one is to test solar panel deployment and another to test an atmospheric drag device intended to slow and decay future picosatellites when their experimental timeframe expires (less orbital rubbish that way).

The two larger satellites are also of interest, the LARES is a globe of reflectors intended to help confirm the precise effects of gravitomagnetism (a rotating body adding rotation to a nearby body, not orbital momentum but extra spin). That has implications for whether we consider bodies in the universe relative to their absolute space or relative to each other (which is more important, the space or the stuff in it). Also, ALMASat-1 is the initial demonstration of a widely applicable cheap and lightweight platform (12.5kg) for future instruments, of which an Earth observing mission is lined up to use.

More info on Vega: http://www.esa.int/S...Vega/index.html
LARES: http://www.esa.int/S...EMCWWVUG_0.html
ALMASat series: http://www.almasat.u...-1/almasat1.htm
Cubesats for tomorrow's launch: http://www.esa.int/S...TMCWWVUG_0.html

[Peter H]

crikey, that a real rocket!

[Bazmundo]

Didn't hang around building up thrust like the American 'muscle', must be German throttle design.

[skanky]

It is relatively small though. Less thrust needed.

[Bazmundo]

Proportionally no, but overall to reach maxQ and escape velocity yes. It accelerated from start much better than other rocket designs that I've seen, even some fireworks take a second or so to get going.

[skanky]

Bazmundo, on 13 February 2012 - 11:21, said:

Proportionally no, but overall to reach maxQ and escape velocity yes. It accelerated from start much better than other rocket designs that I've seen, even some fireworks take a second or so to get going.

Yes good point.