The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to demonstrate its Vega small launcher's extended capability to deploy multiple light satellites by the second half of next year.

Vega will use its new small satellites mission service (SSMS) dispenser during the demonstration, which is designed to allow the vehicle to launch satellites with an overall mass ranging from 1kg to 400kg.

SSMS dispensers use a ‘rideshare’ concept to provide different alternative configurations and relevant combinations to facilitate Vega’s launch capabilities.

The ESA noted the proposed demonstration will mark the first launch opportunity to be carried out under the new light satellite, low-cost launch opportunity (LLLor L3) initiative, which was unveiled at the ESA council meeting held in December last year.

"The proposed demonstration will mark the first launch opportunity to be carried out under the new light satellite, low-cost launch opportunity (LLLor L3) initiative."

L3 seeks to offer cheap and regular launch services for European institutional light satellites by using the capabilities of Ariane 6 and Vega C launch systems.

The first proof-of-concept flight using the exiting Vega launch system will also demonstrate and validate standard innovative services for light satellites.

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The existing Vega rocket was jointly developed by the Italian Space Agency and ESA, and is designed to cope with a wide range of missions and payload configurations.

French launch services provider Arianespace was among the first to use the rocket, which is capable of launching multiple payloads, including one main satellite and additional small satellites into orbit.

Image: Light satellites and Vega’s SSMS dispenser. Photo: courtesy of ESA.