Rome-headquartered systems and satellite launch base specialist Vitrociset (Hall 3, Stand D6) announced on Tuesday that it will develop the entire ground segment of the new European Launcher VEGA at the Kourou Space Centre in Guyana.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Vitrociset "global responsibility as prime contractor and system integrator" for the medium light-launcher, following a European tender process.

Vitrociset will coordinate a team of 30 European companies, including leading Italian companies Carlo Gavazzi Space, Oerlikon Contraves, Dataspazio and Peyrani.

The contract, worth E50 million over 32 months will lead to the first launch of VEGA in 2006.

Source: Flight Daily News