Arianespace’ Vega Launch Postponed

The payload integration process for Flight VV16 is shown at the Spaceport, beginning with Vega’s upper composite being transferred to the SLV Launch Complex (photo at left). It was then hoisted up the launch site’s mobile gantry for installation atop the launcher (photos center, and right). Photo is courtesy of Arianespace.

Unfavorable high-altitude wind conditions over the Guiana Space Center has led to a decision that the final preparation phase for Arianespace’s Flight VV16 with Vega could not be initiated as planned today.

Therefore, tomorrow’s (June 18) scheduled liftoff from French Guiana has been postponed.

Depending on suitable weather conditions, the soonest possible launch date for this Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) Proof of Concept flight – to be performed at the service of 21 customers – is Saturday, June 20, at the following precise liftoff timing:

9:51:10 p.m., Washington, D.C. time
10:51:10 p.m., Kourou, French Guiana time
01:51:10, Universal Time (UTC), on June 20
03:51:10 a.m.Paris and Rome time, on June 20.

The Vega launch vehicle and its 53 spacecraft payloads are in stable and safe conditions.