Overview
The Vega C launch vehicle is poised to send two significant ESA Earth observation missions into space from the Kourou launch site in French Guiana.
Sentinel-3C is part of the Copernicus programme and will continue monitoring oceans, land surfaces and ice. It carries instruments to measure sea surface temperature, wave height and vegetation properties.
The second payload, FLEX (Fluorescence Explorer), will measure solar‑induced chlorophyll fluorescence to quantify global photosynthetic activity of plants.
Avio S.p.A. serves as the Italian prime contractor, launch service provider and operator of the Vega C system. This flight will be the first use of the upgraded Vega variant for a dual‑mission launch.
Liftoff is currently targeted for the second quarter of 2026, with the exact date pending final confirmation from ESA and Arianespace.
Preparations at the launch complex include integrating the payloads into the fairing, propellant loading and extensive system testing. Both missions are expected to provide data essential for climate research, agricultural monitoring and early warning of natural disasters.