The final flight of the original Vega rocket carries Sentinel-2C into orbit
The European Space Agency has launched the Sentinel-2C satellite, marking the final mission for the original Vega rocket. This flight concludes a 12-year service period for the launch vehicle, clearing the path for the upgraded Vega-C successor.
Launched on 5 September at 03:50 CEST from French Guiana, the Sentinel-2C satellite represents a critical step for the Copernicus Earth observation program. As part of the EU Space Programme, this mission provides high-resolution optical imagery used for monitoring land, water, and atmospheric conditions.
The mission, designated flight VV24, serves as the swan song for the original Vega rocket design. After over a decade of operational service, the vehicle is being retired to facilitate the transition to the more advanced Vega-C system.
