Space Exploration
VEGA supports many European Space exploration missions, the vast
majority of which are currently undertaken by the European Space
Agency (ESA). These include: Smart 1, XMM, ULYSSES, INTEGRAL, Mars
Express, Venus Express, Rosetta, HUYGENS, BEPI-COLUMBO,
Herschel-Planck, GAIA, DARWIN and ExoMars.
What is Space exploration?
Space exploration missions are about looking outward from Earth
towards the Sun, other planets the universe and beyond. Mission
objectives include seeking to shed light on the evolution of our
solar system, our place in the universe, what the future may hold
and the origins of life.
How VEGA supports Space exploration missions
Amongst the areas in which VEGA supports Space exploration
missions are instrument development and testing, through to
simulation development, training and flight operations. This
includes many years working on Herschel-Planck, where VEGA
scientists and software engineers based in the European Space
Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Holland, have worked in the
areas of instrument calibration science for both the HIFI and SPIRE
instruments on Herschel and community support science for the
overall mission. In addition, we are also involved in ground system
developments, data processing and planning tools.
VEGA has been heavily involved in ground segment and operations
of ESA’s interplanetary missions, Mars Express, Venus Express and
Rosetta, since the development phases of these missions. Building
on this experience, we currently provide our operations system
engineering expertise to support the development of the ExoMars
Mission and Rover Operations Centres.
For more information about VEGA's involvement with Space
exploration, please click on the links below.
Space exploration Market Themes
» Space Science and
Exploration
Space exploration case study
» ESA: Mars Express
Support
Space exploration news
» VEGA assists ESA in
Venus Express successful launch
Contact VEGA about Space
exploration