On July 25, 2025, Arianespace successfully launched the CO3D and MicroCarb satellites aboard a Vega C rocket from the Guiana Space Centre. This mission, designated VV27, marked a significant advancement in Earth observation capabilities.
The CO3D constellation comprises four dual-use satellites developed by Airbus Defence and Space in partnership with the French Space Agency (CNES). These satellites are designed to deliver high-resolution 3D imagery of the Earth's surface, supporting both military and civil applications such as hydrology, geology, civil security, urban planning, and land and resource management. Each satellite is based on an all-electric platform and weighs approximately 285 kg. The data collected will be processed by a cloud-based ground segment operated by Airbus, with image processing provided by CNES. The mission is expected to have a lifespan of eight years.
Alongside CO3D, the MicroCarb satellite, a joint mission between CNES and the UK Space Agency, was also launched. MicroCarb is equipped with a dispersive spectrometer instrument designed to measure atmospheric CO₂ concentrations globally with high precision. This data is crucial for climate scientists studying the carbon cycle and assessing climate change impacts. The MicroCarb platform is based on the latest CNES Myriade model, with the instrument built by Airbus Defence and Space and integrated by Thales Alenia Space UK. The mission is planned to operate for a minimum of five years.
The successful deployment of these satellites underscores Europe's commitment to enhancing its autonomous access to space and advancing our understanding of Earth's systems. The data provided by CO3D and MicroCarb will play a pivotal role in monitoring environmental changes and supporting sustainable development initiatives worldwide.