Sentinel 3 mission
Set to fly in September 2026, The Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite is part of the European Union’s Copernicus Earth Observation Programme and has been developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). The Sentinel-3 mission provides continuous monitoring of Earth’s oceans, land, sea ice, and atmosphere, delivering high-quality data to support environmental monitoring, climate research, marine services, and weather forecasting. The Sentinel-3C launch campaign has been designed to ensure the successful deployment and commissioning of the satellite, maintaining the continuity of critical Earth observation data and supporting operational services across Europe and worldwide.
Key elements of the campaign include:
- Satellite Shipment: Careful packaging and secure transport of the Sentinel-3C satellite from the manufacturing facility to the launch site, ensuring the satellite remains safe and fully functional during transit.
- Preparation and Testing: Rigorous pre-launch testing of satellite instruments and systems at the launch site to verify performance.
- Launch Vehicle Integration: Coordination with the launch service provider AVIO and CNES for integration of the satellite with the launch vehicle. The launcher will be a Vega-C.
- Launch Operations: Detailed scheduling of launch procedures, including countdown, fueling, and final system checks.
- Post-Launch Commissioning: In-orbit checkout and calibration of satellite instruments to confirm operational readiness.
This campaign aims to ensure the continuity and enhancement of Europe’s Earth observation capabilities through the successful launch of Sentinel-3C, supporting ocean and land monitoring, climate research, environmental management, and operational services provided under the Copernicus programme.
LICENCE
ESA Standard Licence