[REVISION HISTORY]

ESA Sentinel-3C and FLEX satellite launch preparations

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2026-09-04 17:52 UTC → 2026-09-07 11:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing for the VV30 mission, a joint launch of the FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellites from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. Initially, preparations focused on the Sentinel-3C satellite, which is designed to monitor water resources such as oceans, rivers, and ice to study climate change and drought impacts. By early September, preparations reached a final stage with both the FLEX and Sentinel-3C satellites encapsulated within the Vega-C rocket fairing. While Sentinel-3C provides Earth observation continuity, the FLEX mission aims to study photosynthesis and vegetation health using the FLORIS spectrometer. The ~~launch~~ FLEX mission will measure plant fluorescence, described as “a subtle red glow emitted during the process that is invisible to the human eye.” By assessing plant health and stress levels, the mission intends to support global food security and the understanding of carbon and water cycles. The FLEX mission is expected to last approximately 3.5 years. The launch remains scheduled for September 15, 2026.

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