Copernicus Sentinel-1C arrives in Cannes

The Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite, has arrived safely at Thales Alenia Space’s Cannes plant on the French Riviera after being shipped from Rome, Italy. The satellite successfully completed all integration tests this summer in Rome followed by environmental tests including thermal-vacuum and mechanical vibration. These tests are designed to reproduce in-orbit thermal conditions, as well as the mechanical and acoustic stress Sentinel-1 will experience during launch.

It will now undergo a final series of tests in Cannes, including radiofrequency performance checks in the facility’s anechoic chamber. The satellite is scheduled to lift off on ESA’s new Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana in the first half of 2023. 

Sentinel-1C is the third Sentinel-1 satellite to be launched as part of Europe’s Copernicus programme. It will continue the critical task of delivering radar imagery for a wide range of services, applications and science – all of which benefit society.