3 days ago
Arianespace launches CO3D constellation and MicroCarb satellite
A partnership between Airbus and the CNES, CO3D comprises four dual-use satellites, each based on all-electric platforms and weighing around 285kg.
Arianespace has completed the VV27 mission, successfully launching four CO3D satellites for Airbus Defence and Space alongside the French space agency CNESs MicroCarb satellite aboard a Vega C rocket from Europes Spaceport in French Guiana.
The CO3D constellation satellites were deployed into a 495 km Sun-synchronous orbit in pairs, 54 minutes after lift-off. MicroCarb, riding as an auxiliary payload, was placed in a higher orbit of 650 km, separating one hour and 41 minutes after launch.
David Cavaillolès, Arianespace CEO, said: 'VV27 is a great example of what our teams do best: delivering complex missions with precision. Vega C successfully placed five satellites into two different orbits, the four satellites composing the CO3D constellation and MicroCarb. This mission shows once again how Arianespace contributes to Europe's autonomous access to space and supports Airbus and the CNES in launching innovative missions furthering our understanding of the Earth.'
The CO3D (Constellation Optique 3D) satellites, built by Airbus in partnership with CNES, are designed to generate global high-resolution 3D digital surface models. Delivering 50 cm stereo and 2D imagery, these dual-use satellites support both military and civil applicationsfrom cartography and hydrology to urban planning and land management. Each 285 kg satellite operates on an all-electric platform and feeds data into a cloud-based ground segment developed by Airbus, with CNES providing the image processing system.
MicroCarb, developed by CNES, aims to map global carbon dioxide sources and sinks using a high-precision dispersive spectrometer. Built on the CNES Myriade platform, the mission will enhance understanding of CO? distribution in the atmosphere. The instrument was developed by Airbus Defence and Space, while Thales Alenia Space UK managed satellite integration under a partnership with the UK Space Agency.
