23.07.2024
Sentinel-2C arrives in French Guiana
The Sentinel-2C satellite, the third Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, has arrived at the European spaceport in French Guiana for liftoff on the final Vega rocket in September. Sentinel-2C, like its predecessors, will continue to provide high-quality data for Copernicus – the Earth observation component of the EU Space Programme.
After road transportation from the Airbus facilities in Friedrichshafen to Bremen on 2 July, Sentinel-2C was shipped on 4 July on the iconic Canopée – the first sail-assisted container ship. After a two-week journey, it has now safely arrived and will now undergo a series of pre-launch tests to prepare it for liftoff.
Constantin Mavrocordatos, Sentinel-2 Project Manager at ESA, said, “I am extremely proud of the Sentinel-2 team. Their dedication and flexibility allowed us to adapt to the available launcher slots and meet this crucial milestone on time.
“Sentinel-2 has been a tremendous success, dedicated to observing land and coastal areas. With Sentinel-2C, and later Sentinel-2D, we will be able to serve the user community and scientists for at least another decade, providing the tools to closely monitor our environment and help decision-makers take informed actions.”
The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites, Sentinel-2A (launched in 2015) and Sentinel-2B (launched in 2017), flying in the same orbit but 180° apart to optimise coverage and revisit time.
The satellite carries a high-resolution multispectral imager and will generate optical images from the visible to the shortwave infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. From its altitude of 786 km, the satellite will provide continuous imagery in 13 spectral bands with resolutions of 10, 20 and 60 m and a uniquely large swath width of 290 km.
Data collected from Sentinel-2 is currently being used for a wide range of applications, including precision farming, water quality monitoring, natural disaster management and methane emissions detection.
Sentinel-2 provides particularly useful information for monitoring natural ecosystems, as it can for instance differentiate between various vegetation types and offers data on biophysical variables such as leaf area index, lead chlorophyll content and leaf water content.
Once in orbit, Sentinel-2C will replace its predecessor, Sentinel-2A, while Sentinel-2D will later replace Sentinel-2B. Along with the Sentinel-2 Next Generation satellite, they will ensure data continuity beyond 2035.
Quelle: ESA
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Update: 21.08.2024
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Sentinel-2C fully loaded
With liftoff set for 4 September from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, the Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite is now fully loaded with 133 kg of hydrazine and the tank pressurised with helium up to 21 bars.
The satellite has been at the Spaceport since 22 July being prepared for launch on a Vega rocket.
The Sentinel-2 mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites, Sentinel-2A (launched in 2015) and Sentinel-2B (launched in 2017), flying in the same orbit but 180° apart to optimise coverage and revisit time.
Each satellite carries a high-resolution multispectral imager to deliver optical images from the visible to the shortwave-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. From the altitude of 786 km, the satellites provide images in 13 spectral bands with resolutions of 10, 20 and 60 m over a large swath width of 290 km.
Data collected from Sentinel-2 are used for a wide range of applications, including precision farming, water quality monitoring, natural disaster management and methane emission detection.
Once in orbit, Sentinel-2C will replace its predecessor, Sentinel-2A, while Sentinel-2D will later replace Sentinel-2B.
Quelle: ESA
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Update: 24.08.2024
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Sentinel-2C sealed in the Vega rocket fairing
As preparations continue to launch the Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite on 4 September, the team at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, has bid farewell to their precious satellite as it was sealed from view within the Vega rocket fairing.
Once in orbit, Sentinel-2C will provide high-resolution images for a wide range of applications including land, water and atmospheric monitoring, as are currently provided by Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B.
Since its arrival at the spaceport in July, Sentinel-2C has been undergoing all that it takes to get it ready for liftoff. This includes a huge number of careful checks to ensure all its components are in good working order, the hazardous task of loading the satellite with over 130 kg of volatile fuel and mating the satellite the Vega to the launch adapter.
And now, the teams have encapsulated the satellite within the rocket fairing. Apart from being a significant milestone on the road to liftoff, it is also somewhat emotional as the satellite itself won’t be seen again.
ESA’s Sentinel-2C launch campaign manager, Patricia Lopez, said, “The campaign to ready Sentinel-2C for launch has gone extremely well and this is thanks to the hard work from all the teams involved. Indeed, encapsulation is an important milestone and while we are extremely happy to have reached this point, it was also time for us to say farewell.
“For a very short time before the fairing closure, the lucky ones who were here could see the satellite as never before, all dressed-up in its flight configuration and looking like a precious jewel that we will now keep safely packed until launch.
“Clearly, the real good-byes will come in less than two weeks now – liftoff is scheduled for 3 September at 22:50 local time here in Kourou, which is 4 September 03:50 CEST – which we are all very much looking forward to.”
As its name suggests, Sentinel-2C is the third in the Sentinel-2 series. Once commissioned in orbit, it will replace its predecessor, Sentinel-2A, which was launched in 2015. Later, Sentinel-2D will replace Sentinel-2B.
This all ensures the continuity of imagery for Copernicus Services and beyond.
The mission provides high-resolution optical imagery for a wide range of applications including land, water and atmospheric monitoring. The mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites flying in the same orbit but 180° apart.
The satellites each carry a high-resolution multispectral imager that generates optical images in the visible, near-infrared and shortwave-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. From their altitude of 786 km, they provide continuous imagery in 13 spectral bands with resolutions of 10 m, 20 m and 60 m, with a large swath width of 290 km.
Sentinel-2C will be taken into orbit on a Vega rocket – in fact the last rocket of its kind. Vega will be superseded by the new Vega-C.
Access the video
Sentinel-2C in the Vega launch tower
In preparation for liftoff on 4 September 2024 (3 September Kourou time), the Vega–Sentinel-2C upper-composite has been hoisted into the launch tower at Europe’s Spaceport.
The Sentinel-2 mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites, Sentinel-2A (launched in 2015) and Sentinel-2B (launched in 2017), flying in the same orbit but 180° apart to optimise coverage and revisit time.
Each satellite carries a high-resolution multispectral imager to deliver optical images from the visible to the shortwave-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. From the altitude of 786 km, the satellites provide images in 13 spectral bands with resolutions of 10, 20 and 60 m over a large swath width of 290 km.
Data collected from Sentinel-2 are used for a wide range of applications, including precision farming, water quality monitoring, natural disaster management and methane emission detection.
Sentinel-2C launches on Vega, Europe’s nimble rocket specialising in launching small scientific and Earth observation spacecraft such as to sun-synchronous polar orbits, following the Sun.
At 30 m tall, Vega weighs 137 tonnes on the launch pad and reaches orbit with three solid-propellant powered stages before the fourth liquid-propellant stage takes over for precise placement of Sentinel-2C into its orbit. By rocket standards Vega is light-weight and powerful, the first three stages burn through their fuel and bring Vega and its satellite to space in just seven minutes.
Once in orbit, Sentinel-2C will replace its predecessor, Sentinel-2A, while Sentinel-2D will later replace Sentinel-2B.
Quelle: ESA
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Update: 3.09.2024
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Watch Sentinel-2C launch live on the final Vega rocket
The Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite is ready for liftoff! Tune in to ESA WebTV on 4 September from 03:30 CEST to watch the satellite soar into space on the last Vega rocket to be launched from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Sentinel-2C is scheduled to liftoff at 03:50 CEST.
About Copernicus Sentinel-2
The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission provides high-resolution optical imagery for a wide range of applications including land, water and atmospheric monitoring. The mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites flying in the same orbit but 180° apart: Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B. Together, they cover all of Earth’s land and coastal waters every five days.
The satellites each carry a high-resolution multispectral imager that generates optical images in the visible, near-infrared and shortwave-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. From their altitude of 786 km, they provide continuous imagery in 13 spectral bands with resolutions of 10 m, 20 m and 60 m, with a large swath width of 290 km.
Sentinel-2C is the third in the Sentinel-2 series. Once commissioned in orbit, it will replace its predecessor, Sentinel-2A. Later, Sentinel-2D will replace Sentinel-2B. This all ensures the continuity of imagery for Copernicus Services and beyond.
About Vega
Vega was the very first rocket entirely managed by ESA, built to send small satellites into low Earth orbit. Designed by Avio, who is also the prime contractor, the rocket is operated by Arianespace. Vega consists of four stages, the first three propelled by solid propellant motors and the last stage uses liquid propulsion.
The Vega inaugural flight took place in February 2012. In all, including this final upcoming VV24 mission, Vega will have launched 22 times during its years in service, taking more than 100 missions to space from dozens of European institutions but also customers around the world.
Sentinel-2C will be the last liftoff for the Vega rocket which specialises in launching such small scientific and Earth observation spacecraft to sun-synchronous orbits, flying over the poles of Earth and following the Sun. Fittingly the Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B satellites were also launched on Vega marking a logical conclusion to Vega’s stellar roster of satellites launched.
This final launch marks the handover of Vega to the upgraded Vega-C. Vega has for years ensured that Europe has a versatile, independent access to space, complementing the Ariane family of rockets to launch any satellite to any orbit – continuing with Vega-C and Ariane 6.
Follow the launch live from Kourou (all times CEST)
Follow the launch live on ESA WebTV on 4 September from 03:30-05:07 CEST.
Key moments:
| Time in CEST | Time after liftoff | Event |
| 03:50 | 0:00:00 | Liftoff first stage P80 motor fires |
| 03:51 | 0:01:56 | First stage separation |
| 03:53 | 0:03:39 | Second stage Zefiro-23 separation |
| 03:53 | 0:03:56 | Fairing jettison |
| 03:56 | 0:05:52 | Third stage Zefiro-9 separation |
| 03:57 | 0:07:36 | First ignition of fourth, upper stage, AVUM |
| 04:13-04:38 | Programme break | |
| 04:44 | 0:54:36 | Second ignition of AVUM |
| 04:47 | 0:57:32 | Sentinel-2C separation |
| 04:59 | 01:09:00 | Acquisition of signal |
| 05:01 | Closing remarks | |
| 05:07 | Transmission ends | |
| 05:46 | 1:54:52 | Third ignition of AVUM for deorbiting |
Quelle: ESA
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Update: 5.09.2024
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Sentinel-2C joins the Copernicus family in orbit
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 5 September at 03:50 CEST (4 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.
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!”
About Copernicus Sentinel-2
The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission provides high-resolution optical imagery for a wide range of applications including land, water and atmospheric monitoring. The mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites flying in the same orbit but 180° apart: Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B. Together, they cover all of Earth’s land and coastal waters every five days.
With Sentinel-2C now in orbit, it will soon replace its predecessor, Sentinel-2A, following a brief period of tandem observations. Sentinel-2D will eventually take over from Sentinel-2B. Later, it is planned that the Sentinel-2 Next Generation mission will then ensure data continuity beyond 2035.
The current Sentinel-2 satellites each carry a high-resolution multispectral imager that generates optical images in the visible, near-infrared and shortwave-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. From their altitude of 786 km, they provide continuous imagery in 13 spectral bands with resolutions of 10 m, 20 m and 60 m, with a large swath width of 290 km.
Sentinel-2 data are currently being used for a broad range of applications, including agriculture, water quality monitoring, natural disaster management, including wildfires, volcanic eruptions and floods. The mission has surpassed its original expectations, for example, by demonstrating its ability in detecting methane emissions.
For agriculture, the mission helps to monitor crop health, predict yields and enable precision farming. Images are used to detect crop type, and to determine biophysical variables such as leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll content and leaf water content to monitor plant growth and health.
The Sentinel-2 mission is the result of close collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, industry, service providers and data users.
ESA develops, builds, launches and operates the satellites in orbit, and downloads the scientific data.
Sentinel-2 data are freely available via the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, providing instant access to a wide range of data from both the Copernicus Sentinel missions and the Copernicus Contributing Missions.
The Sentinel-2 satellites have been designed and built by a consortium of around 60 companies led by Airbus Defence and Space.
The Copernicus component of the EU Space Programme is supported by a set of dedicated satellites, known as the Sentinel family, and contributing missions (existing commercial and public satellites). Looking to the future, six Sentinel Expansion missions and four Next Generation Sentinels are being developed to address EU policy and gaps in Copernicus user needs.
About Vega
Sentinel-2C was the last liftoff for the Vega rocket – after 12 years of service this was the final flight, the original Vega is being retired to make way for an upgraded Vega-C.
Other missions launched by the small and nimble rocket over its lifetime are flagship ESA missions such as technology demonstrator Proba-V, wind monitoring satellite Aeolus, the reentry vehicle IXV and LISA Pathfinder, a forerunner to LISA that will measure gravitational waves in space.
The Vega line ensures that Europe has a versatile, independent access to space, complementing the Ariane family of rockets to launch satellites to any orbit – continuing with Vega-C and the heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6.
Quelle: ESA