AVIO S.P.A

Vega-C | Sentinel-3C & FLEX

SUCCESS Vega-C →
—
—
Sep 15, 2026 at 01:21 UTC
Sun-Synchronous Orbit Earth Science Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana 88% success
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Live Orbit
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3 streams
Mission Control3D trajectory · Live telemetry · AI narrator · Booster tracking
PADAriane Launch Area 1 (ELV)
SITEGuiana Space Centre, French Guiana →
ORBITSun-Synchronous Orbit
TYPEEarth Science
PROGRAMCopernicus

Sentinel-3C is the third satellite in the Sentinel-3 constellation, which provides high-accuracy optical, radar and altimetry data for marine and land services.

The Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) satellite is a part of ESA’s Earth Explorer program. The satellite will map vegetation fluorescence to quantify photosynthetic activity.

VEHICLE
Vega-C
MISSION
Sentinel-3C & FLEX
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
PROGRAM
Copernicus
COUNTRY
ITA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Half-year
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 8effc13a-c658-4d2e-9f15-8dba4d7fe2dd
Reported date: Sep 15, 2026 at 01:21 UTC
Last synced: 4 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
SCHEDULE & STATUS HISTORY
STATUS CHANGESep 15, 2026 at 03:28 UTC
IN FLIGHT → SUCCESS
Source: Launch Library 2
STATUS CHANGESep 15, 2026 at 01:24 UTC
GO → IN FLIGHT
Source: Launch Library 2
STATUS CHANGEJul 30, 2026 at 14:13 UTC
TBD → GO
Source: Launch Library 2
DELAYED(4.1 days)
Jul 30, 2026 at 14:13 UTC
Sep 11, 2026 00:00 → Sep 15, 2026 01:21 UTC
Source: Launch Library 2
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MANUFACTURER
Avio S.p.A
FLIGHTS
8
SUCCESSES
7
SUCCESS RATE
87.5%

Vega-C is a single-body rocket nearly 35 m high with that weighs 210 tonnes on the launch pad. As with Vega, its main elements are three solid-propellant stages, an upper stage powered by a reignitable liquid-propellant engine and a payload fairing. Vega-C's P120C first stage replaces Vega’s smaller P80 to provide a significant increase in thrust at liftoff. It is also used as boosters (2 or 4) for the Ariane 6 rocket.

When is the Vega-C | Sentinel-3C & FLEX launch?
The Vega-C | Sentinel-3C & FLEX is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 1:21 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Sentinel-3C & FLEX?
The Vega-C | Sentinel-3C & FLEX mission uses the Vega-C rocket, manufactured by Avio S.p.A. The Vega-C has flown 8 times with a 87.5% success rate.
Where is the Vega-C | Sentinel-3C & FLEX launching from?
The launch takes place from Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV) at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
What orbit is Sentinel-3C & FLEX going to?
The Sentinel-3C & FLEX mission is targeting Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
Who is launching Sentinel-3C & FLEX?
The Vega-C | Sentinel-3C & FLEX is operated by Avio S.p.A. It is part of the Copernicus program.
Can I watch the Vega-C | Sentinel-3C & FLEX launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
Sep 16, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Sep 15, 2026 03:28 UTC
Status changed: IN FLIGHT u2192 SUCCESS
Launch completed successfully (via Launch Library 2)
Sep 15, 2026 01:24 UTC
Status changed: GO u2192 IN FLIGHT
Launch IN FLIGHT (via Launch Library 2)
Jul 30, 2026 14:13 UTC
Launch delayed by 4.1 days
Sep 11, 2026 00:00 UTC u2192 Sep 15, 2026 01:21 UTC (via Launch Library 2)
Jul 30, 2026 14:13 UTC
Status changed: TBD u2192 GO
Launch GO for launch (via Launch Library 2)
Jul 3, 2026 04:38 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Jul 3, 2026 04:38 UTC
Launch date set: Sep 15, 2026 at 01:21 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Avio S.p.A
Last data sync: 4 minutes ago
●Launch Library 24 minutes ago
Launch ID: 8effc13a-c658-4d2e-9f15-8dba4d7fe2dd
●Open-Meteo Weather2 weeks ago
Pad weather at 5.24, -52.78

Mission Profile

Sentinel-3C & FLEX was a Vega-C mission operated by Avio S.p.A that lifted off from Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV), Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana on September 15, 2026. The flight carried its payload on a earth science mission to Sun-Synchronous Orbit. It was flown as part of the Copernicus program. The launch was a success.