On 30th of July, AVIO officially announced VV30 launch:
AVIO TO LAUNCH COPERNICUS SENTINEL-3C AND FLEX SATELLITES ON SEPTEMBER 14th 2026 ON VEGA C
On the same day, we have validated the satellite telemetry link between Kourou and the Mission Control Centre in ESOC.
The satellite standalone activities are progressing nominally and according to plan. All the platform functional tests were successfully completed by 4th of August. The battery has been charged. Payload tests started right after (SRAL test set-up on the picture below) and are expected to be completed by 10th of August. While the results are under evaluation, the satellite mechanical and thermal finalization will be the main focus of next activities.
Both the VESPA+R and the PLF (PayLoad Fairing) are now in the premises, undergoing their last preparation activities before the start of the combined operations.
At the launch pad, on 6th of August, we have started the ZLV (Zone de Lancement Vega) facility acceptance which consists of a technical inspection of the COTE room and the working area on floor 9 of the mobile gantry. For the interfaces still to be validated, a second slot will be allocated next week.
At the time of our visit, the two fist stages (P120 and Zefiro 40) of the launcher were already assembled, the transfer of the third one (Zefiro 9) being expected this Friday 7th of August.
Step by step, we are getting closer…
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