Earth observation satellites Copernicus Sentinel-3C and Earth Explorer FLEX effectively introduced

The Copernicus Sentinel-3C and Earth Explorer FLEX satellites, for which Thales Alenia Space the joint business in between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) is prime specialist, were effectively released aboard a Vega C launcher from Europes Spaceport in French Guiana.

I am pleased with the effective launch of these 2 satellites, which will supply distinct information to researchers and policymakers to assist comprehend environment modification and maintain our communities. They show Europes management in Earth Observation and achieve success examples of cooperation within the European area sector in assistance of environment action. stated Herv Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space.

Sentinel-3C is an important part of Copernicus, the worlds most innovative ecological tracking program. This program is handled by the European Commission, moneyed by the EU and partly by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is collectively run by ESA and EUMETSAT.

Sentinel-3C is the 3rd satellite in the Copernicus Sentinel-3 objective, committed to keeping track of the oceans and land surface areas. The Sentinel-3 satellites include 4 modern instruments which offer necessary measurements on surface area temperature level, color and height of the oceans. The objective likewise provides information on land surface areas, consisting of plants, soil temperature level, inland water quality (lakes, rivers), and fire detection.

With a launch mass of around 1,140 kg, Sentinel-3C will run in low Earth orbit at an elevation of 814 km, with a functional life-span of 7.5 years. It will sign up with the Sentinel-3B satellite in orbit and continue the essential objective of offering images vital to comprehending ocean currents, environment phenomena and the health of environments.

FLEX (FLuorescence EXplorer) is a satellite in ESAs series of ingenious Earth Explorer objectives. It will be the very first to determine plant fluorescence from area with such a high degree of accuracy over huge areas. Information gathered by FLEX and its instrument FLORIS, developed by Leonardo, will even more our understanding of how carbon moves in between plants and the environment, and of how photosynthesis impacts the carbon and water cycles. With international warming and severe weather occasions heatwaves, dry spells, wildfires, winds, and so on ending up being ever more extreme, the FLEX objective will assist us to evaluate how environment modification is affecting photosynthesis and, for that reason, plant health and efficiency. FLEXs observations will assist to enhance environment designs, farming, and biodiversity tracking.

Weighing roughly 400 kg, FLEX will run in an 814-kilometre orbit, flying in tandem with among the Sentinel-3 satellites. The objectives functional life expectancy in orbit is 3.5 years.

FLEX observations will be integrated with those from Sentinel-3s imaging spectrometer to fix for climatic predisposition and exactly measure the level of fluorescence on the ground. Sentinel-3s optical and thermal sensing units will supply FLEX with complementary information on the plants environment. Information from both satellites will enhance measurement precision, increase the temporal protection of greenery, and permit a much better analysis of fluorescence within its environment.

A pan-European collaboration

The Sentinel-3 objective shows the strong collaboration in between ESA, the European Commission, the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), market, provider and information users.

Thales Alenia Space in France, prime professional for the satellites, is likewise accountable for establishing 2 crucial instruments the imaging spectrometer (OLCI) and the radar altimeter (SRAL) along with the platform. Thales Alenia Space entities in Spain, Belgium, and Italy are likewise included. A consortium of more than 100 European business added to the style and building and construction of the satellites, consisting of Leonardo for the imaging radiometer (SLSTR) and Airbus Defence & & Space for the microwave radiometer (MWR).

The FLEX objective highlights the partnership in between ESA and the European area market. Thales Alenia Space in France, prime professional for the satellite, is likewise in charge of establishing the platform, which likewise includes its Harwell and Belfast websites (United Kingdom) for the propulsion module and platform combination, Charleroi (Belgium) for on-board power management, Gorgonzola and LAquila (Italy) for the main computer systems processor board, and Madrid (Spain) for S- and X-band interactions. A consortium of practically 40 European business added to the building and construction of this satellite, consisting of Leonardo, accountable for the high-resolution FLORIS imaging spectrometer that will map plant fluorescence, and Beyond Gravity, significantly in charge of providing the structures and thermal control for the platform and associated satellite engineering.

About Thales Alenia Space

Thales Alenia Space leverages a distinct mix of abilities, technological competence, and commercial abilities to provide ingenious options for telecoms, navigation, Earth observation, defense, expedition, science, and orbital facilities making use of 50 years of tested experience. Organizations, federal governments, and personal market count on Thales Alenia Space to create satellite-based systems that supply anytime, anywhere, connections and placing, monitor our world, boost management of its resources, explore our Solar System, and unlock the secrets of deep space. Embodied by its Space for Life function, Thales Alenia Space sees area as a brand-new horizon, assisting construct a much better and more sustainable life in the world, and beyond. A joint endeavor in between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space likewise coordinate with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which provides a total series of options consisting of services. Thales Alenia Space published combined earnings of 2.36 billion in 2025 and has more than 8,000 staff members in 7 nations with 14 websites in Europe. #spaceforlife www.thalesaleniaspace.com