On 23 August, 2018, at 00:20 Kiev time a successful launch of a European Vega light launch vehicle was made from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana.

Main engine RD-843 in 4-th stage of launch vehicle was developed by Yuzhnoye SDO and manufactured by SE PA YMZ.

The launch vehicle injected Aeolus SC of European Space Agency with a mass of 1357 kg into sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 320 km. The SC is equipped with laser system which is developed for timely and accurate measurement of wind profile on a global scale from space. The data obtained from spacecraft will allow to enhance quality of weather forecast and will be helpful for a long-term climate research.

It was the twelfth launch under the Vega program and the first one this year. During 6 years of operation, Vega LV has injected into orbit a total of 27 satellites for 20 customers from all over the world.