05/07/24 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 5 July, the European Space Agency (ESA) Council adopted a resolution on European launch services and the continuity of European access to space, paving the way for the marketing of the Vega launcher by its prime contractor, Avio. A November 2023 EU Council resolution called for the revision of the legal framework governing the operation of launchers developed by the Agency to be instigated, to enable Avio to become the operator and launch service provider for Vega as soon as possible. Arianespace and Avio have agreed that Arianespace will remain the launch service provider and operator of the Vega and Vega-C launch services until flight Vega 29, scheduled for the last quarter of 2025. For future launches, customers who have already signed contracts with Arianespace will be offered the option of transferring their contracts to Avio. (CG)