Vega-C | CO3D & MicroCarb
Vega-C • Vega
📝 Mission Description
Vega-C Mission: Advancing Earth Observation with CO3D and MicroCarb
On July 26, 2025, Europe's Vega-C rocket is set to lift off from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana, carrying a dual payload that promises to enhance our understanding of Earth's surface and atmosphere. The mission features the CO3D constellation—four small satellites developed by France's CNES in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space—and the MicroCarb satellite, also a CNES project. This launch underscores the growing role of compact, cost-effective satellites in addressing global challenges like climate change and urban development.
The primary objectives of the mission center on high-resolution Earth observation. The CO3D satellites, each weighing about 300 kilograms, will form a constellation in low Earth orbit to generate detailed 3D maps of the planet's surface. Using stereoscopic imaging techniques, they will capture data with a resolution of up to 50 centimeters, enabling applications in agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. This capability fills a critical gap by providing accessible 3D models for both public agencies and private industries, such as insurance firms assessing flood risks or governments planning infrastructure. Meanwhile, MicroCarb, a 170-kilogram satellite equipped with a high-precision spectrometer, targets carbon dioxide dynamics. It will measure CO2 concentrations with unprecedented accuracy, mapping sources like industrial emissions and natural sinks such as forests and oceans. This data is vital for refining climate models and supporting international efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, potentially influencing policies under frameworks like the Paris Agreement.
At the heart of the mission is the Vega-C rocket, an upgraded version of the original Vega launcher designed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Italy's Avio. Standing approximately 35 meters tall and weighing 210 tons at liftoff, Vega-C features four stages: a solid-fueled P120C first stage shared with the Ariane 6 for cost efficiency, followed by two more solid stages (Zefiro-40 and Zefiro-9) and a liquid-fueled AVUM+ upper stage for precise orbital insertion. This configuration allows it to deliver up to 2.3 tons to a 700-kilometer polar orbit, a 50% increase over its predecessor. The rocket's design emphasizes reliability and affordability, with composite materials reducing mass and advanced avionics enabling multiple payload deployments. Its technical prowess lies in the AVUM+ stage's restartable engine, which supports complex missions like injecting
ℹ️ Official Details
CO3D is a CNES-Airbus Defence & Space constellation of four small satellites designed to map the globe in 3D from low Earth to serve public and private sector needs. Microcarb is a small satellite designed to map sources and sinks of carbon dioxide (CO2)—the most important greenhouse gas — on a global scale.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Vega-C mission on July 26, 2025, achieved a successful launch, demonstrating robust technical performance with precise orbital insertion and flawless payload deployment. The CO3D constellation, comprising four small satellites developed by CNES and Airbus Defence & Space, was positioned in low Earth orbit to enable high-resolution 3D global mapping for diverse applications. Simultaneously, MicroCarb, designed to monitor global CO2 sources and sinks, was deployed successfully, marking a critical step in climate research. Key engineering outcomes include the Vega-C rocket’s reliable ascent profile and accurate payload separation mechanisms, reinforcing confidence in its design. This mission validates Vega-C’s capability for multi-payload launches, paving the way for future complex missions. The success also strengthens international collaboration in Earth observation and environmental monitoring, setting a strong foundation for expanded scientific and commercial satellite constellations.