On 5 December 2024 at 22:20 CET, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Sentinel-1C satellite successfully launched aboard the Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana (a NEREUS Member Region).
President Thierry Cotelle, on behalf of NEREUS, had the privilege of attending this historic launch alongside Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes and Head of ESRIN at ESA. He highlighted the pivotal role of regions in leveraging space technologies to deliver concrete benefits to citizens and communities.
Key Mission Highlights
- Sentinel-1C extends the legacy of the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellites, delivering high-resolution radar imagery for monitoring Earth’s environment.
- It supplies critical data for environmental monitoring, civil security, and disaster management, while introducing enhanced capabilities for maritime traffic detection and monitoring.
- The mission supports scientific research and helps regions access tools for informed decision-making in sustainable resource management.
Vega-C: Europe’s Return to Independent Space Access
The launch also marked the ‘return to flight’ of the Vega-C rocket, a critical milestone for Europe’s independent access to space. As the next evolution of the Vega family, Vega-C delivers:
- Increased performance and payload capacity.
- Enhanced competitiveness on the global market.
Why Sentinel-1C Matters
The Sentinel-1C satellite plays a key role in:
✅ Enhancing our understanding of Earth’s systems and natural processes.
✅ Monitoring the effects of human activities on the planet.
✅ Supporting European regions in tackling challenges such as climate change, disaster response, and maritime safety.
The successful launch of Sentinel-1C reflects Europe’s commitment to advancing Earth Observation technologies and ensuring a resilient, independent space infrastructure.
NEREUS President Thierry Cotelle
