On Dec. 5, a Vega C rocket successfully launched the Sentinel-1C Earth observation satellite from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This marked the rocket's first flight since a failure nearly two years ago, a significant milestone for European space ambitions.

The launch, initially scheduled for Dec. 4, was delayed due to a mobile launch gantry issue. The Vega C's three solid-fuel lower stages performed flawlessly, followed by three burns from the AVUM+ upper stage. Approximately one hour and 45 minutes after liftoff, Sentinel-1C was successfully deployed.

This mission was particularly crucial following the December 2022 failure of a Vega C rocket, which destroyed two Pléiades Neo satellites. The failure was attributed to a nozzle problem on the Zefiro-40 motor. Subsequent redesign and testing addressed this issue, resulting in the successful launch.

Sentinel-1C, built by Thales Alenia Space for the Copernicus program, replaces the malfunctioning Sentinel-1B and complements the existing Sentinel-1A. Its new capabilities include improved maritime traffic monitoring via an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.

“One moment combined two great European achievements today: the third launch of a Sentinel-1 satellite and the third launch of Vega C, marking a triumphant return to form for both flagship European projects,” ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher stated.

The successful launch is especially important given Europe's recent "launcher crisis," stemming from the Ariane 5 retirement and Ariane 6 delays. This prompted reliance on SpaceX for crucial launches. "Today’s launch marks a crucial step forward, reaffirming European independent access to space," said Toni Tolker-Nielsen, ESA’s director of space transportation.

Avio will assume full responsibility for Vega C launches after 2025, taking over from Arianespace. “We are once again proud to contribute to the European Copernicus program and more broadly to an independent access to space for Europe through our launchers,” Giulio Ranzo, Avio's chief executive, commented.

With Ariane 6's inaugural launch (despite a minor malfunction) and Vega C's return, ESA and launch companies aim to increase launch rates. However, Arianespace's announcement of a delay for a second Ariane 6 launch to mid-February highlights the challenges involved, despite the projected six Ariane 6 launches in 2025. Stéphane Israël, Arianespace's chief executive, expressed confidence in increased activity in 2025.