A European Vega rocket launched 12 satellites toward orbit tonight (Oct. 8) on its first mission of the year.
The Vega, which is operated by France-based company Arianespace, lifted off from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana tonight at 9:36 p.m. EDT (0136 GMT on Oct. 8).
The 12 satellites will all be deployed into low Earth orbit (LEO) by about one hour and 45 minutes after launch, if all goes according to plan. The 100-foot-tall (30 meters) Vega is designed to loft relatively small payloads.
It's capable of carrying 3,300 pounds (1,500 kilograms) to a circular orbit 435 miles (700 kilometers) above Earth, according to Arianespace's spec sheet.
The Vega debuted in February 2012 and has flown 22 times to date, which explains the name Arianespace gave to tonight's mission: VV23. The flight was the first for the standard Vega variant since November 2021.
The Vega debuted in February 2012 and has flown 22 times to date, which explains the name Arianespace gave to tonight's mission: VV23. The flight was the first for the standard Vega variant since November 2021.