Vega rocket launch for Copernicus satellite set for Wednesday night

The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch its final Vega rocket mission, which will carry the Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite into low-Earth orbit. This launch is scheduled for 10:50 p.m. local time on Wednesday from the ESA's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The launch was initially planned for Tuesday but was postponed due to electrical issues that have since been resolved. Once in orbit, the Sentinel-2C satellite will provide high-resolution imagery to monitor land, water, and atmospheric conditions. It will join two other identical satellites, operating at an altitude of 488 miles, to ensure comprehensive coverage of the Earth's land and coastal waters every five days. Each satellite is equipped with a high-resolution multi-spectral imager that captures images across 13 spectral bands, covering 188 miles of terrain with each shot. The Sentinel-2C will replace the Sentinel-2A satellite, while the upcoming Sentinel-2D will take over the role of Sentinel-2B. This transition is crucial for maintaining continuity in the Copernicus Services mission, which relies on consistent data for environmental monitoring. The Vega rocket, designed by Avio and operated by Arianespace, has been in service since its first launch in February 2012. After this final mission, the Vega rocket will have completed 22 launches, deploying over 100 missions into space. An improved version, the Vega-C rocket, is set to take its place, marking a new chapter in ESA's launch capabilities.