ESA prepares Sentinel-3C satellite launch for water monitoring

The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing for the launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite, the third unit in the Sentinel-3 series. The mission is designed to enhance the monitoring of water resources, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and ice, to better understand the impacts of climate change and droughts.

The satellite is scheduled for launch in September 2026 from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, aboard a Vega-C rocket. Currently, the Sentinel-3C and the FLEX scientific satellite are at the European Spaceport undergoing inspections, testing, and fueling preparations before being integrated into the launch vehicle.