Vega, Vega-C and Ariane 6 are set to offer low-cost, standardised launch services for small satellites under 500 kg, with a first opportunity next year.

Though small satellites are increasing their share of the space market with many valuable applications, the opportunities to reach space often fall short of meeting their mission needs.

ESA’s Light satellite Launch opportunities initiative is investigating possible low-cost launch services based on Ariane 6, Vega and Vega-C efficiently combining payloads in the same mission and offering a standardised service to customers.

The aim is to serve a wide variety of small satellites, from CubeSats to microsats and minisats, technology demonstrators to mega-constellations.

While services would initially serve European institutional needs, the broader long-term objective is to reach the commercial market.