ESA · Space

ESA Launches FLEX and Sentinel-3C Satellites

The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully launched its advanced FLEX Earth Explorer satellite and the Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite together on a Vega-C rocket from French Guiana. This dual launch marks a significant advancement in Europe's Earth Observation Programmes.

The FLEX satellite is designed to detect and measure the faint fluorescence emitted by plants during photosynthesis, a phenomenon invisible to the human eye. This measurement, varying with plant health and environmental conditions, will offer global insights into photosynthetic activity and vegetation stress.

Sentinel-3C, the third satellite in its series, will continue to systematically measure Earth's oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere. Its mission is to monitor global dynamics and provide near-real-time data for ocean and weather forecasting.

The Vega-C rocket, capable of launching 2300 kg, utilized a dual-launch configuration for the first time with the Vespa secondary payload adapter. Sentinel-3C was deployed first, followed by FLEX, with the Vespa adapter opening to allow FLEX's injection into orbit.

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