# Vega flight VV20

> space launch

**Wikidata**: [Q109501744](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109501744)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vega-flight-vv20

## Summary  
Vega flight VV20 was a space launch conducted by Arianespace on November 16, 2021, using the Vega rocket. It deployed the CERES Earth observation satellites into a Sun-synchronous orbit for French defense and security applications. This mission was part of the Vega program, a retired European expendable launch vehicle.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** November 16, 2021  
- **Operator:** Arianespace  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Vega (flight number VV20)  
- **Payload:** CERES Earth observation satellites  
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit  
- **Launch Site:** Ensemble de Lancement Vega  
- **Duration:** 3,404 seconds (approximately 56.7 minutes)  
- **Preceded by:** Vega flight VV19  
- **Succeeded by:** Vega-C flight VV21  
- **Country:** France  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Vega flight VV20?  
A: Vega flight VV20 deployed the CERES satellites, which are used for French defense and security applications, including Earth observation and intelligence gathering.  

### Q: Where did Vega flight VV20 launch from?  
A: The launch took place at the Ensemble de Lancement Vega, a launch site operated by Arianespace in French Guiana.  

### Q: How long did the Vega flight VV20 mission last?  
A: The mission duration was 3,404 seconds (about 56.7 minutes) from liftoff to payload deployment.  

## Why It Matters  
Vega flight VV20 was significant for its role in advancing European space capabilities, particularly in Earth observation for defense and security. The CERES satellites it carried are critical for intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance, enhancing France's ability to monitor global security threats. As part of the Vega program, VV20 demonstrated the reliability of European launch vehicles before the transition to the upgraded Vega-C. This mission also highlighted Arianespace's role in supporting national security objectives through commercial space launches.  

## Notable For  
- Deployed the CERES Earth observation satellites for French defense applications.  
- One of the final missions of the original Vega rocket before its retirement.  
- Launched from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega in French Guiana.  
- Operated by Arianespace, a key player in European space launches.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date:** November 16, 2021.  
- **Operator:** Arianespace.  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Vega (flight number VV20).  
- **Launch Site:** Ensemble de Lancement Vega, French Guiana.  

### Payload  
- **Primary Payload:** CERES (three Earth observation satellites).  
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit.  

### Mission Duration  
- Total duration: 3,404 seconds (~56.7 minutes).  

### Context  
- Preceded by Vega flight VV19.  
- Succeeded by Vega-C flight VV21.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Vega flight VV20",
  "description": "A space launch conducted by Arianespace deploying CERES satellites for French defense.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109317716"],
  "additionalType": "SpaceLaunch"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.arianespace.com/press-release/arianespace-will-launch-three-ceres-earth-observation-satellites-for-french-defense-and-security-applications-on-board-vega/)