Launched within the framework of the European Space Agency's SSMS program, the French Vega launch vehicle equipped with the Ukrainian propulsion engine RD-843 launched 53 micro- and nanosatellites into sun-synchronous orbit: 7 microsatellites weighing from 15 to 150 kg and 46 cubesats.
This is Vega's first flight this year and the sixth launch for Arianespace. The rocket has already successfully put into orbit some of the 53 satellites on board, belonging to 21 customers from 13 countries.
Spacecraft weighing up to 150 kg will perform a variety of tasks, including Earth observation, telecommunications, scientific measurements, technology testing and educational projects.
Vega was originally scheduled to start on June 18, but due to unfavorable weather conditions it was postponed many times. Over 8 years, the project has carried out 15 launches, only one (last year) ended in failure.
Ukrainian liquid-propellant rocket engine RD-843, which is used as part of the liquid propulsion system of the 4th stage of the Vega launch vehicle, was developed by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau and is serially manufactured by PO Yuzhny Machine Building Plant.
The engine is designed for 5 starts in flight and can deflect up to 10 degrees in each direction. The engine weight is 16.5 kg, thrust - 0.25 tf.
Today, Yuzhmash continues to work on improving engine performance in order to expand the range of output payloads.
