# Vega flight VV04

> space launch

**Wikidata**: [Q59928980](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59928980)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vega-flight-vv04

## Summary
Vega flight VV04 was the fourth flight of the Vega rocket, an expendable orbital launch vehicle developed by the European Space Agency. It launched on February 11, 2015, from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega in French Guiana, carrying a payload of 1,932 kilograms, including the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV).

## Key Facts
- **Launch date**: February 11, 2015
- **Operator**: Arianespace
- **Launch vehicle**: Vega
- **Payload mass**: 1,932 kilograms
- **Payload**: Included the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV)
- **Launch site**: Ensemble de Lancement Vega, French Guiana
- **Preceded by**: Vega flight VV03
- **Followed by**: Vega flight VV05
- **Instance of**: Vega flight (4th flight)
- **Significant event**: Rocket launch at Ensemble de Lancement Vega on February 11, 2015

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Vega flight VV04?
A: The primary purpose was to test the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV), a prototype for a future European re-entry vehicle, and to demonstrate the Vega rocket's capabilities.

### Q: Who operated Vega flight VV04?
A: The launch was operated by Arianespace, a European launch services provider.

### Q: What was the payload mass of Vega flight VV04?
A: The payload mass was 1,932 kilograms, including the IXV.

### Q: Where did Vega flight VV04 launch from?
A: It launched from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega in French Guiana.

### Q: What was the significance of the IXV on this mission?
A: The IXV was a key payload, serving as a testbed for re-entry technologies, which are crucial for future European space missions.

## Why It Matters
Vega flight VV04 was significant as it marked the fourth operational flight of the Vega rocket, demonstrating its reliability and capability. The mission included the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV), a prototype designed to test re-entry technologies. This was crucial for developing Europe's independent access to space, particularly for missions requiring re-entry, such as sample return from Mars or crewed missions. The success of VV04 contributed to Vega's reputation as a versatile and cost-effective launch vehicle for both scientific and commercial payloads.

## Notable For
- **First Vega flight with the IXV**: VV04 carried the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle, a key test for future European re-entry missions.
- **Demonstrated Vega's reliability**: The successful launch reinforced Vega's role as a dependable European launch vehicle.
- **Contributed to European space autonomy**: The mission supported Europe's goal of independent space access, particularly for re-entry technologies.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Vega flight VV04 was the fourth operational flight of the Vega rocket, operated by Arianespace. It launched on February 11, 2015, from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega in French Guiana. The mission carried a payload of 1,932 kilograms, including the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV).

### Payload and Objectives
The primary payload was the IXV, a prototype designed to test re-entry technologies. The mission aimed to validate the IXV's performance during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, which is critical for future European space missions, such as sample return from Mars or crewed missions.

### Launch Vehicle
The Vega rocket, developed by the European Space Agency, is an expendable orbital launch vehicle. It was designed to provide Europe with an independent access to space, particularly for smaller payloads. Vega flight VV04 was part of a series of missions to demonstrate the rocket's capabilities and reliability.

### Significance
Vega flight VV04 was notable for its role in advancing European space technology. The successful launch and the IXV's performance provided valuable data for future re-entry missions. The mission also highlighted Vega's versatility and cost-effectiveness, making it a competitive option in the global launch market.

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  "description": "The fourth flight of the Vega rocket, launched on February 11, 2015, carrying the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV).",
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