Spain has announced that it has delayed the launch of its first rocket from a spaceport in the country’s south until September due to the threat of wildfires. The rocket, named VEGA-C, was originally slated to take off from the Spanish spaceport at the end of 2021. However, due to the potential risk posed by the wildfires, the Spanish government has decided to delay the launch until September of 2023.

The VEGA-C rocket is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) program for low-cost launches of small satellites. The rocket is expected to have a payload capacity of up to 4,500 kilograms and will be able to deploy up to 15 satellites at a time. This capability will allow for more cost-efficient launches of smaller payloads, which could lead to increased access to space for research and development.

The delay of the launch to September is a sensible precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the rocket and its payload. The wildfire season in southern Spain typically begins in June and can last until October, making it necessary to postpone the launch until the danger has passed. In the meantime, ESA and the Spanish government are continuing to work together to prepare for the launch.

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source: Phys.org