ESA · Space

FLEX and Sentinel-3C Satellites Launched

ESA launched its FLEX Earth Explorer and Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellites together on a Vega-C rocket, a milestone for Europe's Earth Observation Programmes.

The dual launch occurred on September 15th. Sentinel-3C was deployed first, followed by FLEX. Ground control confirmed successful deployment and contact with both satellites.

Controllers will now verify the health and performance of both spacecraft during the 'launch and early orbit phase'.

FLEX will measure plant photosynthetic activity from space to assess plant health and the impacts of climate change.

Sentinel-3C continues systematic environmental data collection, observing oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere for Copernicus Services.

The Sentinel-3 mission is jointly managed by ESA and Eumetsat, with different responsibilities for data delivery.

The Vega-C rocket successfully placed both missions into their required orbits.

FLEX will orbit in tandem with Sentinel-3A, later joined by Sentinel-3C, to combine measurements for enhanced vegetation analysis.

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