On 7 September 2010 the European Space Agency and Arianespace signed the work order for the production of the first Vega launcher, as part of the Vega flexibility demonstration flights frame contract signed in December 2009.

At the same ceremony, Arianespace and ELV (European Launch Vehicle, Avio Group) concluded a frame contract for five launch vehicles with a firm order for one launch vehicle.

Antonio Fabrizi, ESA Director of Launchers, Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace and Francesco De Pasquale, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ELV SpA, signed the contracts during a ceremony in Paris, France.