The 18th successful launch of the European lightweight rocket Vega took place from Kourou, French Guiana on November 16, 2021 at 11:27 Kiev time.

Vega rocket carried on board three CERES Earth observation satellites for the French Ministry of the Armed Forces.
Yuzhnoye SDO developed and PA Yuzhmash serially manufactures the
RD-843 main engine unit, which is integrated into the Stage 4 liquid-propellant propulsion system of the Vega rocket.
Specific feature of the RD-843 main engine unit is its capability of multiple burns in flight (up to 5 burns) in order to deploy satellites into different orbits. Currently improvement of the engine performance is ongoing to enhance the payload capability range.
It has been the third Vega launch this year. Total of 20 Vega missions took place since 2012. 111 spacecraft have been orbited over this period.