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The Vega Facilities Developped under Esa contract by the Italian Vitrociset company, Vega's dedicated Ground Segment comprises the Launch Zone (ZLV: Zone de Lancement Vega) and the Operational Control Centre. The Launch Zone The Vega Launch Zone is being built on the site in the old ELA1 zone (previously used for Ariane-1), and consists primarily of twoelements: a fixed infrastructure (the bunker) and a mobile building (the gantry). The bunker mainly comprises: - The launch table, which ensures that the launcher maintains its vertical position and provides the interface with the exhaust ducts. - The umbilical mast, which ensures continuity of the launcher's and payload's thermal conditioning and power supply until the very last moment, as well as correct disconnection of those systems from the launcher during lift-off. - The exhaust ducts through which the burning gases are channeled when the motor is ignited on the launch pad. - The four anti-lightning masts. - Various premises such as safety room, fluid room, gantry connection room, etc. The mobile gantry provides the infrastructure necessary for integration of the launcher, such as hoisting devices for the erection of the stages, platforms to access to the different levels of the launcher, connection and supply facilities, fuelling installations for the fourth-stage AVUM, safety systems, etc. The gantry is rolled-back before launch, prior to the final countdown. The Operational Control Centre The Operational Control Centre for Vega will be located in the CDL3 building (Launch Control Centre No.3, built for Ariane-5), which allows there to be independent operational and monitoring systems dedicated to Vega as well as a sharing of launch-site components with the other launchers. |
