Developing — this story is still being verified
ESA schedules FLEX and Sentinel-3C launch for 15 September 2026
ESA has set 15 September 2026 for the scheduled Vega-C launch of the FLEX mission with Sentinel-3C from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
- FLEX and Sentinel-3C are scheduled to launch on 15 September 2026 at 03:21 CEST.
- The launch will use a Vega-C rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
- FLEX carries the Fluorescence Imaging Spectrometer and flies with Sentinel-3C.
- Sentinel-3C is the third Sentinel-3 satellite and is intended to provide near-real-time ocean and weather information.
- Vega-C is an evolution of the Vega rocket family with a payload figure of 3,300 kg.
What happened
ESA said FLEX and Sentinel-3C are scheduled to launch on 15 September 2026. The mission is set to lift off at 03:21 CEST on a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
The update was provided around an online media briefing held on 2026-09-04.
What we know
ESA held an online media briefing on 2026-09-04 related to the mission update.
FLEX and Sentinel-3C are scheduled for launch on 2026-09-15 at 03:21 CEST.
The launch is set to use a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
FLEX carries the Fluorescence Imaging Spectrometer and will launch together with a Sentinel-3 satellite.
Sentinel-3C is identified as the third Sentinel-3 satellite and carries a suite of cutting-edge instruments. It is intended to provide near-real time information for ocean and weather forecasting.
Vega-C is described as an evolution of the Vega rocket family and has a payload figure of 3300 kg.
Why it matters
For readers tracking space infrastructure, this is a scheduled launch pairing two payloads on a single Vega-C mission, with a firm date, time and launch site now identified.
The mission also combines FLEX, carrying the Fluorescence Imaging Spectrometer, with Sentinel-3C, a satellite described as providing near-real time data for ocean and weather forecasting.
Background
ESA is the European Space Agency.
What's next
The next dated step in the current update is the scheduled launch of FLEX and Sentinel-3C on 2026-09-15 at 03:21 CEST from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
What we are not sure about
- No launch provider beyond Vega-C is stated in the verified facts.
- No mission objectives beyond the listed payloads and Sentinel-3C data use are provided.
- No post-launch timeline or operational milestones are stated in the verified facts.
Sources
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