26 July 2025 year Fr. 05:03 Kyiv time, from the Kourou Cosmodrome in French Guiana, the launch of the European launch vehicle Vega C is planned. The rocket will launch four CO3D satellites into sun-synchronous orbits, developed by Airbus Defense and Space, and the MicroCarb satellite from the French Space Agency (CNES). Total duration of the mission, from launch to separation of all satellites, will be 1 year 41 a minute.
CO3D satellites
Constellation Optique 3D (CO3D) consists of four dual purpose satellites, each mass is close 285 Kg, built on the basis of fully electric Airbus platforms. The satellites will provide CNES with a global digital surface model (DSM) with resolution 50 cm, providing stereo imaging and 2D imaging for government and commercial clients. The data will be processed through the cloud ground segment, operated by Airbus, with an image processing chain from CNES. This data will support military needs for accurate mapping, as well as civil tasks, such as hydrology, geology, civil security, urban planning and land management.
MicroCarb Companion
The MicroCarb Mission, developed by CNES, aimed at mapping sources and sinks of carbon dioxide (CO₂) - the main greenhouse gas - on a global scale. Satellite, mass 190 Kg, equipped with a dispersion spectrometer, created by Airbus Defense and Space, which will measure the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere with high accuracy. The platform is based on the latest CNES Myriade model, and the integration was performed by Thales Alenia Space UK with the support of the British Space Agency. MicroCarb data will contribute to a better understanding of the global carbon cycle and climate change.
Ukrainian contribution
The fourth stage of the Vega C rocket is equipped with a liquid propulsion system with a RD-843 cruise engine unit, developed and manufactured in Ukraine by the State Enterprise "Southern Design Bureau" and the Southern Machine-Building Plant (Pivdenmash). This engine, which uses environmentally safe fuel (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide), ensures accurate launch of satellites into orbit and their maneuvering. RD-843 is known for its reliability confirmed by numerous launches, which makes it a key element of the AVUM system (Active Upper Module) Vega C rockets.
The history and significance of the launch
This will be Vega C's fifth launch since its debut in 2022 year and the second in 2025 year. One of the previous launches, In December 2022 year, ended in an accident due to a malfunction of the Zefiro solid fuel engine 40 second degree. After revisions, carried out by Avio (Vega C is the main contractor), the rocket successfully returned to flight in 2024 year. Current mission, marked as VV27, is part of a contract between Arianespace and Airbus/CNES, concluded in 2021 year, and highlights Vega C's reliability for launching small and medium-sized satellites into low orbits.
Vega C, designed to replace the original Vega rocket, has improved load capacity (to 2300 kg into sun-synchronous orbit) and reduced start-up costs. Its use in this mission confirms Europe's role in providing access to space for scientific and commercial projects, as well as the importance of international cooperation, in particular, Ukraine's contribution to the European space program.
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