The third Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite was successfully launched today aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. This mission, designated VV25, signifies the Vega-C rocket's return to regular commercial operations following upgrades. The launch took place on December 5, with the rocket reaching space in eight minutes and deploying Sentinel-1C at approximately 00:04 CET.
ESA confirmed successful communication with the satellite at 00:12 CET, ensuring its safe orbit. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher remarked on the significance of the event, stating, "This moment combined two great European achievements: the third launch of a Sentinel-1 satellite and the third launch of Vega-C, marking a triumphant return for both flagship European projects."
Sentinel-1C enhances the capabilities of its predecessors by providing high-resolution radar imagery for various applications, including Arctic sea-ice monitoring, disaster response, and maritime security. The satellite features an Automatic Identification System (AIS) for advanced maritime traffic monitoring, capturing vessel identity and location.
Simonetta Cheli, ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes, emphasized the mission's role in tackling global challenges like climate change and disaster response. The Sentinel-1 program exemplifies collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, and industry leaders.
The Vega-C rocket can launch payloads of up to 2300 kg and is designed for enhanced performance and competitiveness. This launch marks a critical step in restoring Europe's independent access to space, following a previous failure in December 2022 due to a nozzle issue.