# Vega flight VV18

> space launch

**Wikidata**: [Q104665604](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104665604)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vega-flight-vv18

## Summary
Vega flight VV18 was the 18th flight of the retired European Vega launch vehicle, successfully deploying the Pleiades Neo 3 satellite on April 29, 2021. Operated by Arianespace, the mission lasted 6,112 seconds and marked a continuation of the Vega program after the failure of VV17.

## Key Facts
- **Launch date**: April 29, 2021
- **Operator**: Arianespace
- **Launch vehicle**: Vega (flight VV18)
- **Payload**: Pleiades Neo 3 (1,278 kg)
- **Duration**: 6,112 seconds
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous
- **Manufacturer**: Avio
- **Preceded by**: Vega flight VV17 (failed launch)
- **Followed by**: Vega flight VV19
- **Launch site**: Ensemble de Lancement Vega (France)
- **Instance of**: Space launch, Vega flight

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Vega flight VV18?
A: The mission deployed the Pleiades Neo 3 satellite, the first in the Pleiades Neo constellation, to provide high-resolution Earth observation data.

### Q: How long did the VV18 mission last?
A: The launch and deployment sequence lasted 6,112 seconds (approximately 102 minutes).

### Q: What was the payload mass of Pleiades Neo 3?
A: The satellite weighed 1,278 kilograms, as confirmed by Arianespace.

### Q: Was Vega flight VV18 successful?
A: Yes, the mission was successful, continuing the Vega program after the failure of VV17.

### Q: Who operated Vega flight VV18?
A: The launch was operated by Arianespace, with Avio as the manufacturer of the Vega rocket.

## Why It Matters
Vega flight VV18 was significant as it successfully resumed operations for the Vega launch vehicle after the failure of VV17. The mission deployed Pleiades Neo 3, the first satellite in the Pleiades Neo constellation, which provides high-resolution Earth observation data for applications such as agriculture, disaster monitoring, and urban planning. The Vega rocket, developed by Avio and operated by Arianespace, played a crucial role in maintaining Europe’s access to space for small and medium-sized satellites. The mission demonstrated the reliability and versatility of the Vega launch system, ensuring continued support for Earth observation and scientific missions.

## Notable For
- Successfully deployed the first Pleiades Neo satellite, enhancing Earth observation capabilities.
- Resumed Vega operations after the failure of VV17, maintaining Europe’s small satellite launch capability.
- Launched from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega in French Guiana, a key site for European space missions.
- Operated by Arianespace, a leading commercial launch provider, ensuring commercial viability.
- Achieved a sun-synchronous orbit, optimizing the satellite’s operational lifespan.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Vega flight VV18 was the 18th mission of the Vega launch vehicle, operated by Arianespace. The launch occurred on April 29, 2021, from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega in French Guiana. The mission successfully deployed the Pleiades Neo 3 satellite, the first in the Pleiades Neo constellation.

### Payload Details
The primary payload, Pleiades Neo 3, weighed 1,278 kilograms and was designed for high-resolution Earth observation. The satellite was part of the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) configuration, which allowed for the deployment of multiple small satellites.

### Launch Vehicle
The Vega rocket, manufactured by Avio, was used for the mission. Vega is a retired European expendable launch vehicle known for its ability to launch small and medium-sized satellites into various orbits, including sun-synchronous orbits.

### Mission Timeline
The launch and deployment sequence lasted 6,112 seconds. The mission followed the failure of Vega flight VV17, demonstrating the Vega program’s resilience and commitment to maintaining launch capabilities.

### Significance
Vega flight VV18 was notable for its successful resumption of Vega operations and the deployment of the Pleiades Neo 3 satellite. The mission highlighted the Vega rocket’s reliability and Arianespace’s ability to support Earth observation and scientific missions.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Vega flight VV18",
  "description": "The 18th flight of the Vega launch vehicle, successfully deploying the Pleiades Neo 3 satellite on April 29, 2021.",
  "additionalType": "SpaceLaunch"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.arianespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VV18-launchkit-EN2.pdf)