Avio S.p.A Sentinel-3C & FLEX Vega-C
Rocket Launch Video Streams
Rocket Launch Timeline
Track every phase of the rocket launch with our detailed mission timeline. From T-minus countdown events and pre-launch preparations through liftoff, stage separation, and orbital insertion, follow each critical milestone in real-time. Our comprehensive launch sequence timeline includes payload integration, propellant loading, engine ignition, and post-launch telemetry tracking.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| T+ 00 : 00 : 00 | Liftoff First upwards movement of the rocket |
| T+ 00 : 02 : 26 | Stage 2 Separation Separation of the second stage from the first |
| T+ 00 : 04 : 31 | Stage 3 Separation Separation of the third stage from the second |
| T+ 00 : 04 : 37 | Stage 3 Ignition Third stage engine ignites. |
| T+ 00 : 04 : 41 | Fairing Separation Separation of the payload fairing |
| T+ 00 : 07 : 17 | Kick Stage Separation Separation of the kick stage from the previous stage |
| T+ 01 : 00 : 51 | Kick Stage Ignition Start of the kick stage engine |
| T+ 01 : 57 : 14 | Kick Stage Cut-off Cut-off of the kick stage engine |
About the Sentinel-3C & FLEX Mission
| Type | Earth Science |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Sun-Synchronous Orbit |
| Launch Cost | $48,000,000 |
Sentinel-3C is the third satellite in the Sentinel-3 constellation, which provides high-accuracy optical, radar and altimetry data for marine and land services.
The Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) satellite is a part of ESA's Earth Explorer program. The satellite will map vegetation fluorescence to quantify photosynthetic activity.
Launch Pad & Location
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV)
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
| Launches | 55 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 55 |
| Total Launches | 335 |
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
Avio S.p.A Vega-C Rocket
Vega-C is a single-body rocket nearly 35 m high with that weighs 210 tonnes on the launch pad. As with Vega, its main elements are three solid-propellant stages, an upper stage powered by a reignitable liquid-propellant engine and a payload fairing. Vega-C's P120C first stage replaces Vega’s smaller P80 to provide a significant increase in thrust at liftoff. It is also used as boosters (2 or 4) for the Ariane 6 rocket.
About Avio S.p.A
Avio S.p.A. is an Italian company operating in the aerospace sector with its head office in Colleferro near Rome, Italy. Founded in 1908, it is present in Italy and abroad with different commercial offices and 10 production sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Sentinel-3C & FLEX launch scheduled?
The Avio S.p.A Vega-C Sentinel-3C & FLEX launch is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where can I watch the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Sentinel-3C & FLEX launch live stream?
You can watch the Avio S.p.A Vega-C launch live stream on this page. The official live video feed typically begins 15-30 minutes before liftoff and includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where is the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Sentinel-3C & FLEX mission launching from?
The Avio S.p.A Vega-C rocket will launch from Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV) at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana. The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the Sentinel-3C & FLEX mission?
The Sentinel-3C & FLEX mission will launch aboard a Avio S.p.A Vega-C rocket. Vega-C is a single-body rocket nearly 35 m high with that weighs 210 tonnes on the launch pad. As with Vega, its main elements are three solid-propellant stages, an upper stage powered by a reignitable liquid-propellant engine and a payload fairing. Vega-C's P120C first stage replaces Vega’s smaller P80 to provide a significant increase in thrust at liftoff. It is also used as boosters (2 or 4) for the Ariane 6 rocket. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could delay the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Sentinel-3C & FLEX launch?
The Avio S.p.A Vega-C Sentinel-3C & FLEX launch can be delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Sentinel-3C & FLEX launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest Avio S.p.A Vega-C launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Sentinel-3C & FLEX mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official Avio S.p.A live streams for the most immediate range updates.
Last Updated
Last Updated:
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GO for launch on September 15 UTC.
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NET September 11
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NET September 9.
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NET September 1st, together with FLEX.
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NET October 2026
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NET September 2026. (see 02:17:55 mark)
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NET June 2026
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NET 2026
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NET Q1 2025.
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Adding launch NET October 2024
