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Mr Pelichero (SABCA), Mr Bianchi (ESA), Mr Scippa (ELV) | 
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Vega contract for SABCA
4 May 2005
On  Friday 29 April, a small ceremony took place at ESA's European Research  Institute ESRIN, at Frascati in Italy, to witness the signing of a  contract to develop and qualify the thrust vector control subsystems for  Europe's new small launcher Vega.
The contract, between the  Belgian company SABCA and Vega Prime Contractor the Italian ELV SpA, was  signed by Mr Pelichero, CEO of SABCA and Mr Scippa, CEO of Italian ELV.   Also present were Mrs Wagner, Head of the Belgian Research and Space  Applications Service and Mr Felici, Head of the Vega Department at ESA.   
With the signing of this contract, SABCA, the company in charge of  developing the inter-stage 0/1 structure for Vega's first stage, will  also become responsible for the development and qualification of the  thrust vector control (TVC). This is a critical subsystem for the Vega  launcher as it ensures control of the launch vehicle during the  propulsion phases. Each TVC subsystem consists of a battery set, two  electro-mechanical actuators and a power distribution control unit.  
This contract will also help to reinforce European know-how of  developing electromechanical actuators and enhance expertise in the new  technologies needed for this important launcher element.   
The Vega Launch Vehicle Programme is managed by the ESA  Integrated Project Team from ESRIN.  Once Vega becomes operational in  2007 it will be able to place 300 to 2000 kg satellites economically  into the polar and low-Earth orbits used for many scientific and Earth  observation missions.    
After the event Mrs Wagner said:  
"This contract represents  not only a new industrial and critical development but an increase in  SABCA's responsibilities as a subsystem supplier."   http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Home/SEMCAY2IU7E_0.html