Sentinel-1D Launch Set for November
VA265 Mission Will Be the Third Commercial Flight for Ariane 6
The Sentinel-1D weather satellite is scheduled for launch On November 4 aboard an Ariane 6 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The mission, designated VA265, will be the third commercial launch for Europe’s new heavy-lift booster.
The satellite will be placed into Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of approximately 693 km (≈430 miles). Spacecraft separation will occur around 34 minutes after lift-off.
The Sentinel-1D satellite is part of Copernicus, the Earth observation component of the European Union’s Space Programme. Copernicus is managed and funded by the European Union with a partial contribution of ESA. As the world’s most advanced Earth observation system, Copernicus provides continuous, free, and reliable Earth observation data and services to public authorities, companies and citizens around the globe. Sentinel-1D will carry advanced radar technology to provide an all-weather, day-and-night supply of imagery of the Earth’s surface, delivering data essential to monitoring sea ice, track icebergs and glaciers, subsidence, and oil spills.
Thales Alenia Space is the prime contractor of Sentinel-1D which arrived in French Guiana on September 11th, 2025.
The VA265 mission once again highlights Arianespace’s commitment to space for a better life on Earth, as well as ensuring Europe’s autonomous access to space.