FLEX and Sentinel-3C reach orbit aboard Vega-C.

ESA announced on September 15 that FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C had launched together from French Guiana on Vega-C flight VV30. Ground controllers received signals from both spacecraft after their separate releases.

FLEX will investigate vegetation and photosynthesis, while Sentinel-3C extends observations of oceans, land, ice and the atmosphere. The satellites now enter early-orbit checks; successful launch does not yet mean their scientific instruments are fully commissioned.