On August 19, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced that the Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite was fully fueled in preparation for the liftoff of the VV24 mission, currently scheduled on September 4 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, on the last Vega rocket.
The fuel-filling operation was carried out by the propulsion team from AGG Lampoldshausen on Friday 16 August, when 133 kg of hydrazine were loaded in the Sentinel 2-C’s tank, which was subsequently pressurized with Helium up to 21 Bars.
Moreover, after this operation the satellite was switched ON and the Airbus team, from another building, was able to run their automated scripts. Before switching OFF the spacecraft, the commands to close the latch valves were executed successfully.
Finally, today the satellite arrived at Europe’s Spaceport for final preparations and integration onto the rocket.
🛰 @CopernicusEU #Sentinel2C safely arrived @EuropeSpacePort in Kourou. The launch campaign has officially started.
— Arianespace (@Arianespace) July 22, 2024
🚀The launch mission #VV24 will be the final flight for the #Vega launcher, a flight in service of #EarthObservation, the #environment & the planet🌍.#Arianespace pic.twitter.com/R8mjN3YemK
The Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite, developed by Airbus, is now ready to join the other two Sentinel-2 satellites, which are already in orbit.
Advertisement
Sentinel-2 mission
The new satellite will play a significant role in the Sentinel-2 mission, which is part of Copernicus, a component of the EU Space Programme, aimed at providing accurate, timely, and easily accessible Earth observation data.
The mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites, Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B, launched respectively in 2015 and 2017. These satellites operate in the same Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at 786 Km of altitude. However, they are phased 180 degrees from each other to optimize global coverage and reduce revisit times.
Sentinel-2 satellites are outfitted with advanced multispectral imagers capable of capturing detailed optical images across 13 distinct spectral bands, covering both visible and shortwave-infrared ranges. This data is essential for observing environmental shifts, including forest loss, agricultural activity, and water contamination. Furthermore, the information they provide plays a key role in supporting emergency responses to natural disasters.
Copernicus Sentinel-2C will ensure the continuation of the Sentinel-2 mission since it will replace the Sentinel-2A, whose operational lifespan is nearing its end. In addition, the Sentinel-2D satellite will eventually succeed Sentinel-2B to maintain uninterrupted data collection beyond 2035.
Advertisement
Sentinel-2C Technical Advancements
Even though it will replace the Sentinel-2A’s role, the Sentinel-2C satellite brings several technical upgrades over its predecessor, concerning performance and mission longevity. Key among these is the optimized Multispectral Imager (MSI), which offers improved radiometric performance, reduced noise, and better image quality in the visible and near-infrared bands. This enhances data accuracy for monitoring vegetation, coastal zones, and water quality.
Upgraded onboard electronics improve energy efficiency and data processing, enabling faster acquisition and transmission. This supports near-real-time (NRT) applications such as disaster response and precision agriculture. Additionally, the new calibration systems will boost the precision of radiometric and geometric measurements, crucial for long-term environmental monitoring.
Moreover, Sentinel-2C is designed for a longer operational lifespan, extending its mission until at least 2031, ensuring the continuity of crucial Earth observation data.
These upgrades solidify Sentinel’s role in the Copernicus Programme, extending Europe’s continued evolution in Earth observation and providing critical data for environmental sustainability.
Advertisement
Last Vega launch, waiting for Vega C return
VV24 will also be the last mission for the Vega small-lift rocket, developed by the Italian Avio and operated by Arianespace. The subsidiary of ArianeGroup will then rely on the new Vega C vehicle, which is currently grounded from 2022. However, in the fourth quarter of 2025, the management of the launch services will be entirely handed over to Avio.
The development of Vega began in 1998, while the first launch took place in February 2012. Since then the European rocket has launched 22 missions, suffering two failures in 2019 and 2020.
Vega is capable of carrying up to 2,500 kg of payload to polar and low Earth orbits. The solid rocket is powered by the P80 first stage, the Zefiro 23 second stage and the Zefiro 9 third stage. All Vega missions are launched from the ELA-1 pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
Advertisement
