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A Vega C launch vehicle successfully deployed an Earth observation satellite for the European Space Agency (ESA), an endeavor officials described as a test of European space autonomy.
The Launch
The Vega C rocket commenced its ascent on April 29 at 5:15 a.m. Eastern from the European space facility in French Guiana. The payload, ESA’s Biomass satellite, disengaged from the rocket’s Avum upper stage approximately one hour post-launch, achieving its intended sun-synchronous orbit at an elevation of 666 kilometers.
The Payload
The 1,250-kilogram satellite was constructed by Airbus Defence and Space as part of ESA’s Earth Explorer series. The spacecraft’s central instrument is a P-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that will assess the Earth’s forests to quantify the carbon they contain and monitor these changes over time..
Zeitraum mission of 5.5 years includes an initial tomography phase of 18 months, during which the spacecraft will use its radar to map the internal structure of forests. The subsequent four years will focus on a series of interferometric observations to track changes in forest height and biomass.
Scanning Regions of the Earth
The spacecraft will also observe other terrains, such as glaciers and deserts, leveraging the radar’s capability to penetrate sand and ice.EAA has announced intentions to cooperate with NASA and exchange data with the upcoming NISAR spacecraft, which is equipped with its own SAR instrument operating at higher frequencies.
The P-band
The P-band instrument operates at lower frequencies than other SAR instruments. “It demanded the development of cutting-edge technology in the radio frequency
chain,” said Justin Byrne, head of science and Mars programs at Airbus at the pre-launch briefing.
Technological Innovations
Developing a Deployable Antenna
The radar uses a 12-meter deployable antenna made by L3Harris. Deployment of the radar will commence a few days after launch and will take about four days, according to Byrne.
Returning to Flight
This marked the first launch for the Vega C since its return to flight in December 2024, nearly two years after a launch mishap designated VV22. “We are still overcoming the VV22 failure and be rest assured that all necessary measures have been implemented to ensure a secure launch of Biomass,” stated Toni Tolker-Nielsen, ESA’s director of space transportation, at the pre-launch briefing.
Elaborating, he mentioned that ESA is providing the vehicle with meticulous attention. “We are closely examining all aspects of the launcher for any irregularities or weak points,” said Tolker-Nielsen. This scrutiny will continue for five launches of the rocket, beginning with the December return to flight.
Ensuring Launcher Capabilities
Post-launch, officials underscored the significance of having both Vega C and the larger Ariane 6 operational. “In the current context, full of uncertainties and some geopolitical evolution,” said David Cavaillolès, CEO of Arianespace, “the capability to carry out any mission with our two launchers is of paramount importance.”
“In the recent past, we all learned what sovereignty and sovereign access to space mean,” he said, alluding to Europe’s previous “launcher crisis” that necessitated purchasing launches from SpaceX. “Now we are back, and, of course, our primary challenge now is to increase launch frequency.”
Arianespace has conducted two launches this year, one each of the Ariane 6 and Vega C. Themeetings of Ariane space are four more Ariane 6 and two more Vega C launches planned for this year, with the next being another Vega C launch in July.
Arianespace is transitioning Vega C launch services to Avio. They are the rocket’s prime contractor, with Arianespace accountable for the next three Vega C launches before Avio assumes control. At the pre-launch briefing, officials from Arianespace and Avio reported that the transition of responsibilities is progressing smoothly.