This test firing has been conducted in the framework of the activities scheduled in the first step of the Vega programme. Vegaspazio, a joint venture between FiatAvio (I) and Aerospatiale (F) is the prime contractor for the development of the launch vehicle.

The 16 ton Zefiro solid propellant motor, 4 m long and 1.9 m in diameter is developed by FiatAvio. The first hot firing test of the full scale motor took place successfully on 18 June 1998.

Vega will be a single-body satellite launch vehicle, composed of three solid propulsion stages and an additional liquid propulsion upper module for attitude and orbit control, satellite release and de-orbiting, and a fairing for satellite protection. Launched from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Space-port, in Kourou, French Guiana, Vega is designed to take a 800 kg payload mass on a 1200 km polar orbit. Its first launch is planned for end 2002.

The first stage of Vega will be based on a solid rocket motor derived from the Ariane 5 solid booster, with a reduced propellant mass of about 85 tons (from the original 230 t). The third stage will be a 7 t solid rocket motor with a diameter of 1.9 m.

The final decision on the development of the small launcher Vega is expected to be taken in October 1999 by the ESA Council

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