The original version of Europe's Vega rocket successfully launched the Sentinel-2C satellite into orbit on Sept. 4, marking the end of its operational life. The rocket lifted off from the European spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana, at 9:50 p.m. Eastern, after a one-day delay due to an electrical issue with ground systems.
The Sentinel-2C satellite, built by Airbus Defence and Space, is a 1,143-kilogram spacecraft designed for the Copernicus Earth observation program. Its camera provides imagery in 13 visible and shortwave infrared bands at a resolution of 10 meters. Data from the satellite will be used for various Earth observation applications, including forestry, agriculture, bathymetry, and methane monitoring.
Sentinel-2C is set to replace Sentinel-2A, which was launched in 2015 and is nearing the end of its design life. A fourth satellite, Sentinel-2D, is scheduled for launch in 2028 to replace Sentinel-2B and ensure continuity for the program into the 2030s. A next-generation satellite, Sentinel-NG, is under development and could offer improved spatial resolution and more spectral bands.
The Vega rocket has completed 22 launches since its introduction in 2012. However, two launches in 2019 and 2020 resulted in failures, prompting the development of the Vega C. The Vega C, which made its debut in July 2022, is designed to be more powerful and reliable. However, its second launch in December 2022 failed due to a flaw in the nozzle of its second stage motor.
The Vega C is expected to return to flight in November, carrying the Sentinel-1C radar imaging satellite. A final static-fire test of the redesigned motor is scheduled for October. Assuming a successful test, the Vega C is expected to ramp up to four launches in 2025 and five in 2026 and beyond.
This launch also marks a transition in launch services responsibilities between Arianespace and Avio, the prime contractor for Vega and Vega C. Arianespace will handle launch services through the VV29 launch late next year, while Avio will take over launch services from Arianespace after that.