FLEX and Sentinel-3C enclosed in Vega-C fairing
- FLEX and Sentinel-3C are enclosed within the Vega-C fairing.
- FLEX is installed in the lower part of the Vespa secondary payload adapter.
- Sentinel-3C is mated to the upper part of the Vespa adapter.
- FLEX is intended to map worldwide vegetation fluorescence at 300 × 300 metres.
- ESA leads the Vega-C programme, and Avio is prime contractor and launch operator.
What happened
FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C have been enclosed within the Vega-C fairing. FLEX is in the lower part of the Vespa secondary payload adapter, while Sentinel-3C is mated to the upper part of Vespa.
What we know
Both spacecraft are inside the Vega-C fairing. FLEX is installed in the lower portion of the Vespa secondary payload adapter, and Sentinel-3C is mated to the upper portion of Vespa.
FLEX carries the Fluorescence Imaging Spectrometer, and its stated product is worldwide vegetation-fluorescence mapping at 300 × 300 metres resolution.
Sentinel-3C is the third satellite in the Sentinel-3 series. Its instruments cover sea-surface temperature, ocean colour, sea level and sea-ice characteristics.
Two vehicle-specification values are listed for Vega-C: 2300 kg and 210 tonnes. The vehicle is described as having three solid-propellant-powered stages and a fourth liquid-propellant stage.
ESA leads the Vega-C programme. Avio is identified as the programme's prime contractor and design authority, and as the launch service operator for this launch.
Why it matters
The update gives a verified snapshot of Vega-C integration work, naming the two spacecraft, the adapter arrangement, ESA's programme leadership and Avio's launch-service role. This is useful for tracking launch-vehicle capability and operator responsibilities.
What we are not sure about
- No launch date, launch site, or next scheduled milestone is stated in the verified facts.
Sources
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