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The Vega will small payloads like the smaller Delta-2, Kosmos, Japanese M5 and early Atlas have done. This new rocket will be designed to launch small payloads - perhaps 500 to 1,900 kg satellites for scientific study in space and launch Earth observation missions. It is not unheard of to use such a small rocket for planetary missions - some of Boeing's small rockets have done this like the launch of the Pathfinder-Sojourner mission.
On 14 September 2006 a ceremony took place at the facilities of Snecma Propulsion Solide (SPS) in Bordeaux, France, to mark the occasion of the delivery of the first nozzle for the P80 solid rocket motor. The P80 is the first stage of the Vega small launcher.
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMHV38LURE_index_0.html
The P80 nozzle delivery is a key milestone for the Vega programme. It is the result of several years of intensive development activities, during which Snecma Propulsion Solide performed the detailed definition of the various components of the nozzle, and validated new manufacturing processes. They achieved a major step forward in this area of technology aimed at reducing costs. This is a major event for Vega but it is also a precursor to future updates in the design of Ariane 5 boosters.
Italy is the leading contributor to the Vega programme with 65%, other participants being France (12.43%), Belgium (5.63%), Spain (5%), The Netherlands (3.5%), Switzerland (1.34%) and Sweden (0.8%). Belgium, France, Italy and The Netherlands also contribute to the P80 programme.
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On 14 September 2006 a ceremony took place at the facilities of Snecma Propulsion Solide (SPS) in Bordeaux, France, to mark the occasion of the delivery of the first nozzle for the P80 solid rocket motor.
Now that's an original excuse for a party :>
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