Despite series of events that had prevented the launch of the Vega rocket carrying a nanosatellite built in the Principality three times this year, it was fourth time lucky for Orbital Solutions this week. 

First it was the global health crisis, then it was the weather at the launch site in Guyana back in June, then it was a typhoon that thwarted the launch of the Vega rocket meant to take a Monegasque-built satellite into the heavens.

Arianespace, the company charged with the launches, was forced to cancel the launch on Tuesday night due to a South Korean typhoon.

But the hiatus ended late Wednesday with the successful deployment using a new dispenser system that will now become a regular feature on future missions.

The first flight of Vega’s rideshare service using the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) dispenser for light satellites, launched from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 02:51 BST / 03:51 CEST on 3rd September (22:51 local time on 2nd September).
Vega’s return to flight proves new launch service capabilities on an ESA-developed launch vehicle while ensuring continuity of Europe’s guaranteed and independent access to space.