All articles tagged with #vega c
On September 15, 2026, a Vega-C rocket launched the FLEX and Sentinel-3C satellites from French Guiana. FLEX will measure plant photosynthesis, while Sentinel-3C will monitor oceans and climate. Both satellites are now in orbit and undergoing commissioning.
A Vega-C rocket launched two European Earth-observing satellites, FLEX and Sentinel-3C, from French Guiana on September 14, 2026. The mission, designated VV30, successfully deployed both spacecraft into orbit, marking the second Vega-C launch of 2026. FLEX will measure plant photosynthesis, while Sentinel-3C will monitor oceans and atmosphere, supporting long-term climate data collection.
A European-Chinese satellite named Smile launched on a Vega-C rocket to image Earth’s magnetosphere in X‑rays for the first time, offering an outside view of how the solar wind interacts with the magnetic shield. The mission, a rare ESA–Chinese Academy of Sciences partnership, aims to test global magnetosphere models and improve space-weather forecasts, with first images due about three months after launch and a planned three‑year mission.
A European-Chinese space weather mission SMILE (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) launched on May 18 atop a Vega C rocket from Kourou, deploying into a 707 km circular orbit about 56 minutes after liftoff. Over the next ~25 days SMILE will perform 11 engine burns to place the spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit up to roughly 121,000 km above the North Pole and 5,000 km above the South Pole. SMILE’s four instruments (UVI, LIA, MAG on the platform and SXI on the payload) will study how the solar wind affects Earth’s magnetosphere to improve understanding of solar storms and space weather. The Chinese Academy of Sciences leads the satellite platform and three instruments, while ESA provides the payload module and will assist with orbit operations. The mission is planned for three years. Vega C, ESA’s 115-foot-tall rocket debuting in 2022, now has seven flights; Avio operates this first Vega C mission.
The European-Chinese Smile mission, a joint ESA-CAS project to study how Earth reacts to solar wind using an X-ray camera for magnetosphere observations and a UV imager for auroras, is rescheduled to launch on May 19, 2026, aboard a European Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana after a precautionary delay due to a Vega-C subsystem issue. The launch time is 05:52 CEST / 04:52 BST / 00:52 local, with Smile released after about 57 minutes into a low-Earth orbit and solar panels unfolding around 63 minutes after liftoff, before entering an elongated orbit peaking about 121,000 km above the North Pole and extending to roughly 5,000 km above the South Pole to deliver data to ground stations. The mission aims to shed light on space weather, solar storms and geomagnetic processes through its four instruments, as ESA and CAS collaborate on this Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer.
A Vega C rocket launched from French Guiana successfully deployed a CO2-mapping satellite and four Earth-observation satellites, part of CNES's efforts to monitor greenhouse gases and land surfaces, marking the third successful Vega C mission since its last failure in December 2022.
Europe's Vega-C rocket successfully launched from French Guiana, marking its return after a two-year hiatus due to a previous failure. The rocket carried the Sentinel-1C satellite for the EU's Copernicus Earth observation program, which aims to enhance radar imagery for environmental monitoring. The Vega-C, an upgrade from the original Vega, offers increased payload capacity and cost efficiency. This launch is crucial for Europe's space access, especially after the cessation of using Russian Soyuz vehicles and delays in the Ariane 6 program.
The European Space Agency successfully launched the Sentinel-1C satellite aboard a Vega-C rocket from French Guiana, marking a significant achievement for Europe's space endeavors. Sentinel-1C, part of the Copernicus program, will provide high-resolution radar imagery for environmental monitoring and maritime traffic detection. This launch also signifies the return to flight for the Vega-C rocket, enhancing Europe's independent access to space. The mission underscores the collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, and industry partners, contributing to global challenges like climate change and disaster response.
Arianespace's Vega C rocket launch has been delayed due to a mechanical issue with the mobile gantry, postponing the mission to December 5. This delay follows a similar postponement of the Proba-3 mission on an Indian PSLV-XL rocket due to a propulsion system anomaly. Despite the setback, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher assured that there are no issues with the Sentinel-1C satellite or the Vega C rocket itself. Meanwhile, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 carrying Starlink satellites, highlighting the competitive nature of the space launch industry.
Arianespace is set to launch the Vega-C rocket on December 5, 2024, marking its return to flight after a failed mission in 2022. The launch will deploy the Sentinel-1C satellite, part of the Copernicus Earth science program, from Kourou, French Guiana. This mission is crucial for Arianespace as it transitions from older rockets to new models like the Ariane 6 and Vega-C, amid geopolitical and technical challenges. Sentinel-1C will enhance radar imaging capabilities and introduce new features like AIS receivers for ship tracking.
Europe's Vega-C rocket is set to return to flight for the first time since a 2022 mission failure, launching the Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite from Kourou, French Guiana. This mission aims to replace the inoperable Sentinel-1B and complete a dual-satellite constellation with Sentinel-1A for comprehensive Earth observation. The launch marks a significant step for ESA and Avio, Vega-C's primary designer, as they continue to innovate with plans for an upgraded Vega-E rocket.
The Vega-C rocket's return to flight has been delayed by a day for additional precautionary checks, as announced by Arianespace. The mission, VV25, will launch the Sentinel-1C satellite into a Sun-synchronous orbit, marking the first Vega-C flight since a failed launch in December 2022. The delay is part of efforts to ensure maximum flight worthiness, following extensive tests on the rocket's upper stage. The Sentinel-1C is part of the Copernicus program, providing crucial Earth observation data.
The Vega C rocket's return to flight has been delayed by a day due to precautionary checks, with a new launch date for the Sentinel-1C satellite expected soon. Arianespace and Avio executives assured that the delay is minor and expressed confidence in the redesigned Zefiro-40 motor, following a previous launch failure. The launch is crucial for Europe's independent access to space and the Copernicus Earth observation program, as Sentinel-1C will replace the malfunctioned Sentinel-1B satellite.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace are at a pivotal moment as they prepare for the launch of Vega-C and Ariane 6 rockets amid significant changes in the space launch industry. ESA, despite its smaller budget compared to NASA, has achieved numerous space exploration milestones. However, recent reliance on SpaceX's Falcon 9 for missions highlights Europe's challenges in maintaining independent access to space. The Ariane 6's delayed debut and Vega-C's technical issues have compounded these challenges. ESA is now focusing on developing reusable launch technologies to compete with SpaceX's dominance.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is overcoming its "launcher crisis" by collaborating with SpaceX for missions like EarthCARE, while preparing for the inaugural flight of its Ariane 6 rocket in July and the return of the Vega C rocket by year-end. ESA is also advancing space sustainability with its Zero Debris Charter and fostering commercial cargo vehicle development. Improved relations with the European Commission are crucial for flagship programs like Copernicus and Galileo.