# Vega flight VV23

> Space launch

**Wikidata**: [Q122996674](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122996674)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vega-flight-vv23

## Summary
Vega flight VV23 (also called VV23) was a Vega-class space launch operated by Arianespace on 2023-10-09. The launch, from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega, carried a 1,241.7 kg payload of multiple satellites to a Sun-synchronous orbit.

## Key Facts
- Vega flight VV23 launched on 2023-10-09.  
- The launch vehicle was Vega, a European expendable orbital launch vehicle.  
- The flight was operated by Arianespace.  
- Launch site: Ensemble de Lancement Vega.  
- Total payload mass: 1,241.7 kilograms.  
- Primary payload and payload elements included THEOS-2, TRITON, NESS (a French satellite), and the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (five small spacecraft).  
- Target orbit for the payloads: Sun-synchronous orbit.  
- VV23 is part of the Vega launch series (series position qualifier: 21).  
- VV23 follows Vega-C flight VV22 (which was a failed space launch) and is followed by Vega flight VV24.  
- Instance classifications: space launch, spaceflight, and launch vehicle (Vega).

## FAQs
### Q: What was Vega flight VV23?
A: Vega flight VV23 was a Vega-class space launch conducted by Arianespace on 9 October 2023 that carried multiple satellites and small spacecraft to a Sun-synchronous orbit.

### Q: What payload did VV23 carry?
A: The mission carried a combined payload mass of 1,241.7 kg, including THEOS-2, TRITON, NESS (a French satellite), and five spacecraft under the Small Spacecraft Mission Service.

### Q: Where did VV23 launch from?
A: The launch took place from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega launch complex.

### Q: How does VV23 fit in the Vega series?
A: VV23 is part of the Vega series (series entry number 21). It followed Vega-C flight VV22 (a failed launch) and was followed by Vega flight VV24.

## Why It Matters
Vega flight VV23 represents a multi-satellite rideshare mission executed on the Vega launch vehicle platform, demonstrating the vehicle’s role in deploying diverse payloads into Sun-synchronous orbit. By carrying a mix of national and commercial payloads—including THEOS-2, TRITON, the French NESS satellite, and five small spacecraft through the Small Spacecraft Mission Service—VV23 exemplifies a contemporary launch-market use case: cost-effective delivery of multiple satellites for different customers on a single flight. Its place in the Vega series (series position 21) and its scheduling immediately after the failed Vega-C flight VV22 provide operational context for the European launch cadence managed by Arianespace. The mission’s payload mass (1,241.7 kg) and Sun-synchronous target orbit highlight its suitability for Earth-observation and sun-synchronous small-satellite deployments. For stakeholders—satellite operators, mission planners, and European space infrastructure observers—VV23 underscores Vega’s utility in medium-payload, polar-orbit insertion missions and its role within a broader constellation- and servicing-focused market.

## Notable For
- Carried a mixed payload of named satellites (THEOS-2, TRITON, NESS) plus five small spacecraft under the Small Spacecraft Mission Service.  
- Delivered a combined payload mass of 1,241.7 kg to Sun-synchronous orbit.  
- Launched from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega on 2023-10-09 under Arianespace operations.  
- Identified as Vega series entry number 21 and designated VV23 (alias: VV23).  
- Mission occurred directly after the failed Vega-C flight VV22 and before Vega flight VV24 in the series.

## Body
### Overview
- Name: Vega flight VV23 (alias: VV23).  
- Instance of: space launch, spaceflight, and Vega (launch vehicle).  
- Operator: Arianespace.  
- Launch date: 2023-10-09.  
- Launch site: Ensemble de Lancement Vega.

### Launch vehicle
- Vehicle class: Vega (European expendable orbital launch vehicle).  
- VV23 used the Vega launch vehicle to place payloads into orbit.

### Payload
- Total payload mass: 1,241.7 kg.  
- Named payloads: THEOS-2, TRITON, NESS (country: France).  
- Small spacecraft: Small Spacecraft Mission Service carrying five small spacecraft (qualifier: '5').  
- Target orbit: Sun-synchronous orbit.

### Series context and chronology
- Part of the Vega launch series (series qualifier value: 21).  
- VV23 follows Vega-C flight VV22 (VV22 is recorded as a failed space launch).  
- VV23 is followed by Vega flight VV24.

### Location and operator details
- Launch complex: Ensemble de Lancement Vega.  
- Mission operator: Arianespace.

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "Vega flight VV23",
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