The Sentinel-3C launch has been scheduled for 14 September from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, according to an announcement published by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space.
The satellite will lift off at 22:21 local time in Kourou aboard a Vega C launch vehicle operated by Avio.
The VV30 mission will place Sentinel-3C into a sun-synchronous orbit approximately 820 kilometres above Earth, where it will join the Sentinel-3A and Sentinel-3B satellites to continue delivering Earth observation data.
Supporting climate and environmental monitoring
The European Commission said Copernicus is the European Union’s Earth observation programme, providing free and reliable data to citizens, businesses, researchers and public authorities.
Sentinel-3C is the latest addition to the Sentinel-3 mission, which monitors the world’s oceans, land, ice and atmosphere from space.
According to the Commission, Copernicus combines advanced space technology with open and accessible data, helping Europe better understand environmental change, prepare for risks and support informed decision-making.
The Sentinel-3C launch will further strengthen these capabilities by ensuring the continued availability of reliable and independent Earth observation data in the years ahead.
Wide range of environmental data
Sentinel-3 measures sea surface temperature, ocean colour, sea level, land cover and other environmental indicators essential for climate monitoring and environmental management.
The satellite’s ocean colour observations allow scientists to detect and monitor algal blooms, supporting the protection of marine ecosystems and the sustainable management of coastal waters.
Its data are also used to monitor wildfires and analyse extreme weather events, including heatwaves.
According to the Commission, Sentinel-3 observations provide land surface temperature data during periods of extreme heat, helping authorities assess impacts on communities, agriculture and ecosystems.
European partnership
As the third satellite in the Sentinel-3 mission, Sentinel-3C will operate alongside its predecessors, ensuring the long-term continuity of high-quality environmental data.
The satellite was designed and developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) on behalf of the European Commission, with Thales Alenia Space serving as the prime contractor and supported by a network of European companies.
Following in-orbit commissioning, EUMETSAT will take responsibility for operating the satellite and delivering its data and services to users.
Weighing approximately 1,143 kilograms, Sentinel-3C will be launched alongside ESA’s FLEX (Fluorescence Explorer) Earth observation satellite as part of a dual-launch mission aboard Vega C.
The Commission said the two missions will complement one another by combining Sentinel-3’s broad observations of oceans, land and ecosystems with FLEX’s detailed measurements of vegetation fluorescence, providing a more comprehensive understanding of vegetation health and ecosystem function worldwide.
Source: CNA
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