Vega Rocket First Launch

The European Space Agency's first Vega rocket lifts off from Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana in a flawless launch debut on Feb. 13, 2012.

Liftoff of Vega VV01

On February 13, 2012, the first Vega lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Vega Rocket Launch Timeline

This ESA graphic depicts the flight timeline and major events for the first launch of the new Vega rocket on Feb. 13, 2012.

Liftoff of Vega VV01

On February 13, 2012, the first Vega lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Vega on the Launch Pad

ESA’s new Vega small launcher has taken the next step towards its maiden flight.

Liftoff of Vega VV01

On February 13, 2012, the first Vega lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Liftoff of Vega VV01

On February 13, 2012, the first Vega lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Liftoff of Vega VV01

On February 13, 2012, the first Vega lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Vega Rocket Launches With Birds

On February 13, 2012, the first Vega lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Liftoff of Vega VV01

On February 13, 2012, the first Vega lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Liftoff of Vega VV01

On February 13, 2012, the first Vega lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Payloads for Vega's First Mission

Payloads for Vega's first mission include LARES, ALMASat 1, and seven CubeSats from universities across Europe.

Vega VV01 on Pad with Ariane Lauch Site in Background

ESA’s new Vega rocket is now fully assembled on its launch pad. Final preparations are in full swing for the rocket’s inaugural flight. Flight VV01 will lift off from the new Vega launch site at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, carrying nine satellites into orbit: the LARES laser relativity satellite and ALMASat-1 from ASI with seven CubeSats from European Universities. In the background the Ariane launch site is visible.

Hoisting of Vega's payload composite

Hoisting of Vega's payload composite.

Fully Assembled Vega VV01 on Pad

ESA’s new Vega rocket is now fully assembled on its launch pad. Final preparations are in full swing for the rocket’s inaugural flight. Flight VV01 will lift off from the new Vega launch site at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, carrying nine satellites into orbit: the LARES laser relativity satellite and ALMASat-1 from ASI with seven CubeSats from European Universities. Image released Jan. 26., 2012.

Photos: Europe's Vega Rocket Launches on 1st Flight

Date: 12 February 2012 Time: 09:51 AM ET
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