Vega-C | Sentinel-3C & FLEX
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.
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?
What rocket is being used for Sentinel-3C & FLEX?
Where is the Vega-C | Sentinel-3C & FLEX launching from?
What orbit is Sentinel-3C & FLEX going to?
Who is launching Sentinel-3C & FLEX?
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Mission Profile
Sentinel-3C & FLEX is a Vega-C mission operated by Avio S.p.A set to lift off from Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV), Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana on September 15, 2026. The flight is tasked with delivering its payload on a earth science mission to Sun-Synchronous Orbit. It is flown as part of the Copernicus program.