Vega Group PLC
03 June 2003


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                3 June 2002

                                 VEGA Group PLC

                         Successful Mars Express Launch



VEGA Group PLC ("VEGA") is pleased to have been part of yesterday's successful
launch of the Mars Express spacecraft from the Baikonur launch centre in
Kazakhstan.



Run by the European Space Agency (ESA), Mars Express is Europe's first mission
to Mars and aims to undertake scientific research, including the potential for
water and life on the planet. The Mars Express spacecraft, in addition to its
scientific activities, will act as a relay station in orbit around Mars, and
beam back data from the 'Beagle' lander to Earth.



VEGA, a consulting and technology company, has played a key role in the Mars
Express mission. VEGA has spent the last five months training the flight
operations engineers to 'fly' Mars Express, using a simulator designed and built
by VEGA.



The mission is due to reach Mars on Christmas Day.  During that time, VEGA is
providing flight operations engineers who will be working to ensure the
satellite remains on target for the duration of the mission.



Dave Whittle, Director of Space at VEGA commented; "The launch was a great
success with all teams pulling together in the build-up and on the day. Mars
Express represents a key milestone for the European Space industry which can
look forward to further success with upcoming programmes like Rosetta and Venus
Express."



For further information:


VEGA Group PLC :              Phil Cartmell - Chief Executive     01707- 391 999
www.vega.co.uk                Peter Young

Buchanan Communications:      Tim Anderson                        020-7466 5000
www.buchanan.uk.com           Nicola Cronk




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

NRASSMSMDSDSELM