27.11.2025
Vega-C launch vehicle launches KOMPSAT-7 Earth observation satellite with technology from Beyond Gravity
On December 1, the European Vega-C launch vehicle will lift off with the KOMPSAT-7 Earth observation satellite on board. Beyond Gravity is contributing to the success of Vega-C mission for South Korean space mission with state-of-the-art systems such as the payload fairing and a payload adapter.
Beyond Gravity, an international space company headquartered in Switzerland, is supplying key technologies for the Vega-C upper stage launcher. The launcher is scheduled to launch on December 1 from the spaceport in French Guiana. Designed for flexible missions with medium payloads of more than two tons, the four-stage Vega-C will place the Earth observation satellite of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) into orbit with high precision. The KOMPSAT-7 mission will support South Korean government and institutional tasks. It will place the satellite in a sun-synchronous orbit to ensure consistent, repeatable daily observation conditions.
Successful cooperation between Beyond Gravity and Avio
Beyond Gravity has been working closely for many years with Italian rocket manufacturer Avio, which is developing the Vega-C – a partnership that significantly strengthens Europe's independent access to space. "This mission continues the successful cooperation between Beyond Gravity and Avio, as several key technologies contribute to the safe transport of the payload," explains Stefan Hofmann, EVP Launchers a.i. at Beyond Gravity. For example, the payload fairing, the tip of the rocket, protects the sensitive satellite technology during rocket ascent, and the fairing acoustic protection contributes to dampening the sound loads during launch. These systems are complemented by the payload adapter system developed in Linköping, Sweden, which ensures precise integration of the satellite and its reliable deployment in orbit. "The current launch once again highlights the special technological capabilities and mutual trust that characterize our partnership," Stefan Hofmann continued.
Payload adapter system for precision and performance
The payload adapter system plays a central role in satellite launches. It establishes the mechanical and structural connection between the launch vehicle and satellite payloads, helping to precisely place them into their intended orbit. Developed and produced in Linköping, the system ensures the controlled, low-vibration separation of the payload after launch - a crucial factor in mission success.
Its lightweight, modular design was developed specifically for the Vega-C launch vehicle. Integrated separation mechanisms and damping systems ensure that payloads are released at the intended time with minimal mechanical stress. This contributes to protecting sensitive satellites during the mission's flight phases.
Composite shield
Developed in Emmen and Zurich, the payload fairings of the Vega C launch vehicle protect the onboard satellites from mechanical and thermal loads, such as sound pressure, temperature peaks, and vibrations, during launch. Made of carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials, the structure offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, supporting efficient mission performance.
The two-piece rocket nose cone, which is nine meters long, enables the transport of complex or multiple satellite configurations. An integrated, fully automatic pyrotechnic separation system ensures both halves of the fairing are jettisoned precisely when the vehicle reaches thinner layers of the atmosphere. The fairing's aerodynamic profile is tailored to the Vega-C's overall architecture to reduce drag and increase launch efficiency.
Acoustic Protection: Attenuation of sound levels
Every rocket launch generates acoustic loads. An acoustic protection system can reliably reduce noise levels in the launch complex, creating a significantly quieter environment inside the rocket's nose cone. The Fairing Acoustic Protection (FAP) system is being used for the first time on the KOMPSAT-7 mission. Its sound-absorbing elements are located inside the payload fairing. The FAP system reduces noise levels during launch, providing better protection for sensitive satellites.
Vega-C: Europe's modern launch vehicle
Developed by Avio on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA), Vega-C is a further development of the proven Vega. It can transport up to 2,300 kilograms into polar orbits. It combines higher payload capacity, increased efficiency, and great flexibility, thus making a decisive contribution to ensuring independent European access to space.
