The Sentinel-1D satellite, built by prime contractor Thales Alenia Space, arrived in French Guiana on September 11. Photo: Arianespace

Arianespace will launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Sentinel-1D satellite in early November. The satellite will be the third commercial flight for Ariane 6, Europe’s new heavy-lift launcher. With this launch, Arianespace supports a major environmental mission while supporting Europe’s autonomous access to space. Arianespace announced the launch details, Oct. 6.

The Sentinel-1D satellite is part of Copernicus, the Earth Observation (EO) component of the European Union’s Space Programme. Copernicus is managed and funded by the European Union with a partial contribution of the European Space Agency (ESA). Copernicus provides continuous, free, and reliable EO data and services to public authorities, companies, and citizens around the globe.

Thales Alenia Space is the prime contractor of Sentinel-1D, which arrived in French Guiana ahead of the launch in September.

Interestingly, 10% of the satellites launched by Arianespace have been EO satellites. This will be the seventh Sentinel satellite launched by Arianespace, as well as being the 53^rd mission for ESA. The Sentinel-1D is slated for a November 4 launch.