Science
European Space Agency launches two satellites to monitor climate change impact
The European Space Agency launched two Earth observation satellites from French Guiana, according to Deutsche Welle.
The short version
- The European Space Agency launched the Sentinel-3C and Flex climate observation satellites aboard a Vega-C rocket from Kourou, French Guiana.[Deutsche Welle]
- The Flex mission, costing €350 million, measures plant fluorescence during photosynthesis to assess vegetation health and heatwave impacts over three years.[Deutsche Welle]
- The Sentinel-3C satellite gathers oceanographic data and monitors land cover to help manage agricultural yields and avoid potential food crises.[Deutsche Welle]
Key facts
- The European Space Agency launched the Sentinel-3C and Flex satellites on a Vega-C rocket from Kourou, French Guiana.[Deutsche Welle]
- The Flex satellite costs €350 million ($403.5 million) and is scheduled for a three-year mission to track plant fluorescence during photosynthesis.[Deutsche Welle]
- The Sentinel-3C satellite tracks marine temperatures, wave height, ocean currents, and land usage.[Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the Flex mission will meet its primary scientific goals within its planned three-year operational timeframe.[Deutsche Welle]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Europe launches two climate observation satellitesDeutsche Welle