Two European Earth-observing spacecraft scheduled to lift off from South America on a Vega C rocket will map vital global carbon cycles and improve real-time weather forecasting, according to the European Space Agency. The mission carries the FLEX satellite and the Copernicus Sentinel-3C spacecraft from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
FLEX Satellite to Monitor Plant Photosynthesis from Space
The 875-pound (397-kilogram) FLEX satellite—short for “Fluorescence Explorer”—will detect and monitor vegetation fluorescence to map plant photosynthetic activity. According to the European Space Agency, no other satellite currently performs this specific function.
Data gathered by FLEX will support agricultural management and food security as growing populations demand increased food production, the agency stated in a mission description. The measurements will also provide a clearer understanding of the global carbon cycle.
Sentinel-3C Joins Existing Earth-Observation Constellation
Operating alongside older orbiters, the 2,520-pound (1,1143-kg) Sentinel-3C spacecraft joins the European Union’s Copernicus Earth-observation program. While older satellites like Sentinel-3A and Sentinel-3B—launched in 2016 and 2018 respectively—remain active, the new addition continues the established low Earth orbit line.
“Like its two older siblings in orbit, Sentinel-3C carries a suite of cutting-edge instruments that measure systematically Earth’s oceans, land, ice and atmosphere to monitor and understand large-scale global dynamics,” the European Space Agency reported, adding that it will deliver essential information for weather and ocean forecasting in near-real time.
Did You Know?
Both FLEX and Sentinel-3C are scheduled for deployment at an altitude of approximately 509 miles (820 kilometers), with both spacecraft flying freely by 116 minutes after liftoff.
Vega C Rocket Continues Commercial Flight Schedule
The 115-foot-tall (35-meter-tall) Vega C rocket powers the dual-satellite mission following its debut in July 2022. The launch vehicle has completed seven flights to date, with six successful missions recorded.
Originally developed by the European Space Agency and operated by France-based Arianespace, the rocket is now managed by the Italian firm Avio. Today’s launch marks the second mission overseen by Avio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the FLEX satellite measure?
FLEX detects and monitors vegetation fluorescence to map plant photosynthetic activity, aiding agricultural management and carbon cycle research.
What is the role of Sentinel-3C?
Sentinel-3C measures Earth’s oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere to provide near-real-time data for weather and ocean forecasting.
Who operates the Vega C rocket?
The Italian outfit Avio currently manages the launch operations for the Vega C rocket.
Want to stay updated on upcoming space missions and Earth observation breakthroughs? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore more articles on our homepage.
Worth a look