Sentinel-1C Launched On Vega C Rocket Delivered First Earth Images

European officials have announced that the Vega C rocket is ready for its return to flight this coming week, even as a minor technical issue has delayed the launch of the Sentinel-1C Earth science satellite by at least one day. Originally scheduled for December 3, the launch is now expected to take place no earlier than December 4 at 4:20 p.m. Eastern, pending further checks. An updated date will be confirmed by November 29.

Sentinel-1C Revealed First Images

Updated on 11th December

Just days after its launch, the Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite, launched on a Vega C rocket, sent back its first radar images of Earth. These images highlight areas like Svalbard in Norway, the Netherlands, and Brussels, Belgium, showcasing the satellite’s potential for tracking environmental changes.

The first image, taken only 56 hours and 23 minutes after launch, shows Svalbard, a remote Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. This snapshot highlights Sentinel-1C’s capability to track ice coverage and monitor environmental changes in challenging, isolated areas.

The second image highlights a section of the Netherlands, including Amsterdam and the Flevoland region, known for its vast farmland and innovative water management. Sentinel-1C’s advanced radar technology reveals detailed insights into the area, offering vital information for monitoring soil moisture and evaluating crop conditions.

The third image highlights Brussels, Belgium, showcasing its dense urban environment. Sentinel-1C’s radar captures it in vivid white and yellow tones, contrasting with the surrounding green vegetation. Darker shades highlight waterways and low-reflective surfaces, such as airport runways, adding depth to the satellite’s city view.

Vega C Returned To Flight

On 5th December, the Vega C rocket successfully deployed an Earth observation satellite, marking its first mission since a failure almost two years ago.

The rocket launched from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, at 4:20 p.m. Eastern time. Initially planned for 4th December, the launch was postponed by a day due to an issue with the mobile launch gantry at the pad.

Precautionary Checks Cause Brief Delay

Arianespace, the launch services provider, explained the delay was due to “precautionary checks and activities” on the rocket. Stéphane Israël, Arianespace’s chief executive, described the issue as having “very limited consequences.” Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio, the Vega C’s prime contractor, echoed this, noting that such checks are part of their commitment to ensuring safety and reliability.

Restoring Confidence After 2022 Failure

This launch marks the Vega C’s first flight since a December 2022 failure attributed to the Zefiro-40 second stage. The motor has undergone significant redesigns, including two successful ground tests, to ensure its performance. Ranzo highlighted improvements in both the vehicle’s design and manufacturing process, stating the team has implemented all recommendations for added robustness.

Critical Payload for Earth Observation

The Sentinel-1C spacecraft, built by Thales Alenia Space, is critical for Europe’s Copernicus Earth observation program. It will replace Sentinel-1B, which was declared a loss in 2022. With advanced radar imaging capabilities and a new Automatic Identification System (AIS) for ship tracking, Sentinel-1C is expected to bolster marine and environmental surveillance. After launch, the spacecraft will undergo three to six months of commissioning before entering regular operations.