Arianespace is set to launch the Sentinel-1C satellite on December 3, 2024, from Kourou, marking a significant step forward for the European Commission’s Copernicus program and a crucial return-to-flight mission for the Vega C launcher. This mission underscores Europe’s commitment to environmental monitoring and its independent access to space. As the sixth Sentinel satellite launched by Arianespace, Sentinel-1C will provide invaluable data for understanding and protecting our planet.
The upcoming VV25 mission is scheduled for liftoff on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, at 6:20 p.m. local time in Kourou, French Guiana (9:20 p.m. UTC, 10:20 p.m. CEST). A Vega C launcher will carry the Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite into a Sun-Synchronous Orbit, approximately 700 km above Earth. Separation of the spacecraft is expected 1 hour and 43 minutes after launch.
Sentinel-1C is a vital component of Copernicus, the European Union’s ambitious Earth observation program. Recognized globally as the most advanced system of its kind, Copernicus delivers continuous, free, and reliable Earth observation data. This information is crucial for public authorities, businesses, and citizens worldwide, aiding in informed decision-making and environmental stewardship. The program is managed by the European Commission, with funding from the European Union and significant contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA).
The Sentinel-1 mission utilizes a constellation of two polar-orbiting satellites to ensure continuous, all-weather, day and night imagery for both land and maritime monitoring. Its C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology is particularly advantageous. Operating at wavelengths unaffected by cloud cover or darkness, SAR can acquire data at any time, under any weather conditions. This capability makes Sentinel-1 imagery indispensable for a wide array of applications, from disaster response to agricultural monitoring.
SAR imagery excels in tracking subtle ground movements, making it the ideal tool for monitoring land subsidence and structural damage. Through systematic observations and advanced interferometric capabilities, ground movements that are imperceptible in daily life become detectable and closely monitorable. This data is not only valuable for urban planners in assessing infrastructure stability but is also critical for monitoring shifts caused by earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity. Furthermore, SAR imagery supports geohazard monitoring, mining operations, geological surveys, and urban planning through comprehensive subsidence risk assessments.
Thales Alenia Space, the prime contractor for Sentinel-1C, delivered the satellite to French Guiana on October 8th, 2024. Since its arrival, Sentinel-1C has undergone a series of rigorous pre-launch tests, ensuring its readiness for the demanding conditions of spaceflight. The culmination of these preparations will be the Launch Readiness Review (LRR) scheduled for December 2nd, 2024. Successful completion of the LRR will give the green light for the launch sequence to commence.
Arianespace has a strong track record of launching Sentinel satellites, having previously deployed Sentinel-1A, Sentinel-2A, Sentinel-1B, Sentinel-2B, and Sentinel-2C. The VV25 mission reinforces Arianespace’s dedication to utilizing space for the betterment of life on Earth and to securing Europe’s independent access to space. This mission is particularly noteworthy as it marks the return to flight for the upgraded Vega C launcher.
The Vega C represents a significant evolution of the Vega launcher family. Upgrades include more powerful solid rocket motors for the first and second stages, larger AVUM tanks, and an expanded fairing. These enhancements dramatically increase payload capacity to 2,350 kg in Sun-Synchronous Orbit and double the available payload volume. Vega C is also better tailored to the needs of small spacecraft missions, featuring an improved SSMS (Small Spacecraft Mission Service) dispenser and the AVUM+ motor, which allows for up to seven re-ignitions. This advanced capability enables Vega C to deploy payloads into three distinct orbits within a single mission, expanding upon the two orbits achievable by the original Vega.
ESA is responsible for the qualification of the Vega C launch system and acts as the contracting authority for its development. Thirteen ESA Member States participate in the Vega C program. Avio Spa, based in Colleferro, Italy, is the prime contractor and design authority for the Vega C launchers, delivering launch-ready vehicles to Arianespace. Arianespace will remain the operator for Vega and Vega C launches up to flight VV29.
The original Vega launcher, which first flew in 2012, completed 22 missions, culminating in a successful final flight on September 4th with Sentinel-2C on board.
VV25 Launch Highlights:
- 351st launch for the Arianespace launcher family, demonstrating decades of launch expertise.
- Earth observation satellites constitute 10% of all satellites launched by Arianespace, highlighting the company’s contribution to environmental science.
- 6th Sentinel satellite launched by Arianespace, solidifying its role in the Copernicus program.
- 51st mission for the European Space Agency, marking a long-standing partnership in space exploration and Earth observation.
- 3rd Vega C launch, signifying the growing maturity and reliability of this enhanced launcher.
- 107th spacecraft built by Thales Alenia Space launched by Arianespace, showcasing a strong industrial collaboration.
This launch of Sentinel-1C aboard Vega C is not just a routine mission; it’s a testament to European innovation, collaboration, and commitment to understanding and protecting our planet. It ensures the continued flow of critical environmental data, benefiting countless applications and users worldwide, while also re-establishing the robust capabilities of the Vega C launcher for future missions.
