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\nThe third Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, Sentinel-2C, has launched aboard the last Vega rocket, flight VV24, from Europe\u2019s Spaceport in French Guiana. The rocket lifted off on 5 September at 03:50 CEST (4 September 22:50 local time).
Sentinel-2C will provide high-resolution data that is essential to Copernicus \u2013 the Earth observation component of the European Union\u2019s Space programme. Developed, built and operated by ESA, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission provides high-resolution optical imagery for a wide range of applications including land, water and atmospheric monitoring.<\/p>\n
The mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites flying in the same orbit but 180\u00b0 apart: Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B. Together, they cover all of Earth\u2019s land and coastal waters every five days. Once Sentinel-2C is operational, it will replace its predecessor, Sentinel-2A, following a brief period of tandem observations. Sentinel-2D will eventually take over from Sentinel-2B.<\/p>\n
Sentinel-2C was the last liftoff for the Vega rocket \u2013 after 12 years of service this was the final flight, the original Vega is being retired to make way for an upgraded Vega-C.<\/p>\n
Access the related broadcast quality video material.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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