spacetoday.net: Vega launch fails

Posted: Thu, Nov 19, 2020, 8:04 PM ET (0104 GMT)
Vega liftoff on failed VV17 mision (Arianespace)

A Vega launch Monday failed because cables in the rocket's upper stage were incorrectly installed. Arianespace announced Tuesday that analysis of telemetry from the rocket, along with data collected during its production, led them to conclude that cables to two thrust vector control actuators were inverted, causing commands intended for one actuator to go to the other. The stage tumbled out of control, causing the loss of the mission and the two European satellites on board. The company said this was the result of "a series of human errors" rather than a design flaw. Arianespace and the European Space agency will convene an independent commission to confirm the cause of the failure and make recommendations.