FLEX and Sentinel-3C Earth observation satellites launched successfully
The European Space Agency's FLEX Earth Explorer satellite and Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite were launched together on a Vega-C rocket from French Guiana on 15 September 2026. Sentinel-3C was deployed first, followed by FLEX approximately one hour later. Both satellites established contact with ESA's European Space Operations Centre in Germany, confirming safe release from the rocket. FLEX is designed to measure photosynthetic activity by detecting fluorescence emitted by plants, while Sentinel-3C will observe oceans, land, ice and atmosphere to support Europe's Copernicus Services.
