Sentinel-2C launched into orbit

Sentinel-2C takes to the skies. (ESA-S. Corvaja)

The third Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite launched today aboard the final Vega rocket from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana. Sentinel-2C will continue providing high-resolution data that is essential to Copernicus – Europe’s world leading Earth observation programme.

Sentinel-2C launched into orbit on 4 September at 03:50 CEST (3 September 22:50 local time) and separated from the Vega rocket at approximately 04:48 CEST.

Around 14 minutes later, at 05:02 CEST, ESA received the all-important signal indicating that the satellite was safely in orbit.

Sentinel-2C lifts off. (ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–S. Martin)

Constantin Mavrocordatos, Sentinel-2 Project Manager at ESA, said, “I am overjoyed with the successful launch of Sentinel-2C, a milestone that would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team. Together, we’ve taken another significant step forward in advancing Earth observation and supporting critical applications that benefit our planet.”

ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, commented, “We are thrilled to celebrate the successful launch of Sentinel-2C, a new milestone in the well-established collaboration between ESA and the European Commission.

“This mission further confirms the role of Copernicus as a leading programme to contribute to climate change and environmental challenges worldwide, but also ensures the continuity of vital data to support agriculture, forestry, maritime monitoring, and for many other sectors. Together, we are solidifying Europe’s commitment to a sustainable future, empowering decision-makers with the tools they need to protect our planet.”

ESA’s Director of Space Transportation Toni Tolker-Nielsen, said, “Europe’s Vega rocket launched the previous two Sentinel-2 satellites in 2015 and 2017, so this launch was a fitting farewell to a very successful rocket.

“Teams are already preparing for the next Vega launch, the upgraded Vega-C by the end of the year. Today’s liftoff was Vega’s 20th successful launch in its 12 years of service, farewell Vega, long live Vega-C!”