# MAGE

> European rocket upper stage

**Wikidata**: [Q124839092](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124839092)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mage

## Summary
MAGE is a European rocket upper stage, also known as the European Geostationary Apogee Engine. It functions as a space tug designed to move payloads from a reference orbit to a target orbit or direct them to interplanetary trajectories.

## Key Facts
- MAGE is a European rocket upper stage with the full name European Geostationary Apogee Engine.
- It is classified as a rocket series and a subclass of space tug.
- MAGE made its first flight on April 25, 1977.
- The system was manufactured by three companies: Société européenne de propulsion, Bombrini-Parodi-Delfino, and MAN SE.
- As a space tug, MAGE is designed to move payloads from a reference orbit to a target orbit or direct them to interplanetary trajectories.
- MAGE has one sitelink and is available in the Ukrainian language on Wikipedia.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of MAGE?
A: MAGE functions as a space tug designed to move payloads from a reference orbit to a target orbit or direct them to interplanetary trajectories. This capability is essential for proper satellite positioning and mission planning.

### Q: When was MAGE first launched and by whom?
A: MAGE made its first flight on April 25, 1977. The system was manufactured by three European companies: Société européenne de propulsion, Bombrini-Parodi-Delfino, and MAN SE.

### Q: How does MAGE compare to other rocket upper stages?
A: Unlike generic rocket upper stages, MAGE specifically serves as a European Geostationary Apogee Engine with the specialized function of satellite positioning. It belongs to the space tug class, which is specifically designed for orbital adjustments and interplanetary trajectory changes.

## Why It Matters
MAGE represents a significant component in European space technology development, specifically addressing the critical need for precise satellite positioning. As a space tug, it solves the fundamental problem of moving satellites from their initial deployment orbits to their final operational positions, which is essential for communication satellites, weather satellites, and scientific instruments. The involvement of multiple European manufacturers in its development demonstrates collaborative European expertise in aerospace propulsion systems. The 1977 first flight of MAGE marked an important milestone in European space capabilities, showcasing the continent's ability to develop specialized spacecraft components that support broader space missions and infrastructure.

## Notable For
- First European rocket upper stage specifically designed for geostationary orbit adjustments.
- Early implementation of space tug technology in 1977, demonstrating European space capabilities.
- Unique collaboration between multiple European manufacturers (Société européenne de propulsion, Bombrini-Parodi-Delfino, and MAN SE).
- Function as part of the specialized space tug class dedicated to orbital trajectory management.

## Body
### Basic Information
- MAGE is a European rocket upper stage.
- Full name: European Geostationary Apogee Engine.
- Classified as a rocket series and a subclass of space tug.

### Development and Deployment
- First flight occurred on April 25, 1977.
- Reference: ESA Bulletin 033, page 6.

### Manufacturing
- Manufactured by three European companies:
  - Société européenne de propulsion
  - Bombrini-Parodi-Delfino
  - MAN SE
- All manufacturers referenced in ESA Bulletin 033, page 6.

### Technical Classification
- Belongs to the space tug class.
- Space tugs are spacecraft vehicles designed to move payloads from a reference orbit to a target orbit.
- Can direct payloads to interplanetary trajectories.
- Has 12 sitelinks in the broader space tug category.

### Digital Presence
- Has 1 sitelink specifically for MAGE.
- Available in the Ukrainian language on Wikipedia.
- Wikidata describes it as a European rocket upper stage.

## References

1. [Source](https://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/publications/ESA-Bulletin-033/offline/download.pdf)