# Vega flight VV02

> Space launch

**Wikidata**: [Q59922555](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59922555)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vega-flight-vv02

## Summary
Vega flight VV02 was the second launch of the retired European Vega rocket, conducted by Arianespace on May 7, 2013. It successfully deployed three satellites—PROBA-V, VNREDSat-1, and ESTCube-1—into a Sun-synchronous orbit, marking a key mission for Europe's small satellite launch capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 7, 2013
- **Operator**: Arianespace
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vega (second flight of the Vega class)
- **Payload Mass**: 632 kg
- **Payloads**: PROBA-V, VNREDSat-1, ESTCube-1
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Launch Site**: Ensemble de Lancement Vega
- **Preceded by**: Vega flight VV01
- **Followed by**: Vega flight VV03

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Vega flight VV02?
A: Vega flight VV02 was a space launch mission to deploy three satellites—PROBA-V (Earth observation), VNREDSat-1 (Vietnamese Earth observation), and ESTCube-1 (Estonian student satellite)—into orbit.

### Q: When did Vega flight VV02 take place?
A: The launch occurred on May 7, 2013.

### Q: What was the payload mass of Vega flight VV02?
A: The total payload mass was 632 kg.

### Q: Which organization operated Vega flight VV02?
A: Arianespace operated the launch.

### Q: What was unique about the satellites launched in VV02?
A: The mission carried a mix of scientific, commercial, and educational satellites, including Estonia's first satellite, ESTCube-1.

## Why It Matters
Vega flight VV02 demonstrated the reliability and versatility of Europe's Vega rocket, a lightweight launch vehicle designed for small satellites. By successfully deploying three distinct payloads—PROBA-V for vegetation monitoring, VNREDSat-1 for Vietnamese Earth observation, and ESTCube-1 for student-led space research—the mission highlighted Vega's role in enabling cost-effective access to space for diverse stakeholders. This launch reinforced Europe's position in the global small-satellite launch market and supported scientific and educational initiatives, paving the way for future Vega missions.

## Notable For
- **Second Vega Launch**: The second flight of the Vega rocket, proving its operational capability.
- **Multi-Satellite Deployment**: Carried three satellites in a single mission, showcasing Vega's payload flexibility.
- **First Estonian Satellite**: Deployed ESTCube-1, Estonia's inaugural satellite, marking a milestone for the country's space program.
- **Earth Observation Contributions**: PROBA-V and VNREDSat-1 advanced vegetation and environmental monitoring.
- **Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: Achieved precise orbital insertion for Sun-synchronous missions, critical for Earth observation.

## Body
### Launch Overview
Vega flight VV02 was conducted on May 7, 2013, from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega launch site. Operated by Arianespace, it was the second mission of the Vega rocket, a retired European expendable launch vehicle designed for small payloads.

### Payload Details
The mission carried three satellites:
- **PROBA-V**: A European Space Agency satellite for global vegetation monitoring.
- **VNREDSat-1**: Vietnam's first Earth observation satellite, built for environmental and resource management.
- **ESTCube-1**: Estonia's first satellite, a student-built CubeSat for testing electric solar wind sail technology.

### Technical Specifications
- **Payload Mass**: 632 kg
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vega (flight number 2)

### Mission Context
VV02 followed the inaugural Vega flight (VV01) and preceded VV03, contributing to the Vega program's early success. The mission underscored Vega's role in providing dedicated launch services for small satellites, addressing a growing market segment.

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