Facts and figures

Launch
2026

Launcher
Vega-C from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana

Satellite and instrument size
Three-axis stabilised Proba-NEXT satellite platform

Mass
266 kg (including 12 kg fuel)

Instrument
High-resolution 2D spectral limb-sounding imager using three channels: ultraviolet (250–355 nm), visible (440–675 nm) and near-infrared (600–1020 nm) with 1 to 3 km vertical resolution, moderate spectral resolution (between 2.5 nm and 10 nm)

Power
250 W

Orbit
Sun-synchronous, at an altitude of 668 km

Global coverage
Three days

Life
Minimum of three years

Communication
Science data transmitted via X-band downlink to polar ground station(s). Telemetry and command via S-band from ESA’s control centre in Redu (BE)

Mission control
ESA’s European Space Security and Education Centre (ESEC) at Redu (BE)

Data processing
The High Performance Computing Centre of the Belgian Space Pole in Uccle/Ukkel (BE)

Scientific objectives
To deliver profiles of ozone and other trace gases so that concentrations can be seen at different altitudes with high vertical resolution

Project and commissioning
Managed at ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk (NL)

Financing
Developed within the ESA Earth Watch programme and financed largely by Belgium, but with contributions from Canada, Luxembourg and Romania

Prime contractor
Redwire Space (BE)