ESA launches FLEX and Sentinel-3C Earth observation satellites

On September 15, 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the FLEX Earth Explorer and Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellites from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Carried by a Vega-C rocket, flight VV30 lifted off at 03:21 CEST. Sentinel-3C was deployed first, with FLEX following approximately one hour later. The mission is a significant addition to ESA's Earth Observation Programmes, strengthening the capacity to monitor the environment through scientific research.

The FLEX satellite is designed to measure photosynthetic fluorescence from orbit, offering a detailed look at plant health and the role of photosynthesis in carbon and water cycles. This technology allows scientists to see how effectively vegetation converts sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy. Such data is essential for evaluating the productivity of ecosystems and identifying environmental stressors.

Operating alongside it, Sentinel-3C continues the long-term collection of data on the Earth’s oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere. This work supports various Copernicus Services that track climate change and assist with environmental management. By providing a steady flow of information, the satellite helps maintain a consistent record of the planet's condition.

Putting both satellites into orbit required careful planning and the use of a new launch adapter known as Vespa. Following their successful deployment, the European Space Operations Centre in Germany received the first signals from each satellite, confirming they were operational and in contact with ground control. Mission controllers have now begun the launch and early orbit phase to verify the health and performance of both craft.

The reach of these satellites extends to several practical fields, including ocean forecasting and climate monitoring. The information they collect will support scientific research and provide resources for sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and disaster response. This successful launch reflects the role of international cooperation and technical innovation in addressing global environmental challenges.

As FLEX and Sentinel-3C move through commissioning toward full operation, they will begin contributing to a deeper understanding of the Earth's systems. Eumetsat will eventually take over operational responsibilities for Sentinel-3C, while FLEX remains under the control of ESA. This ongoing collaboration ensures that the data from these missions will continue to benefit users worldwide.