PRESS RELEASE
This 4 December 2024 will mark a significant milestone for Europe and Belgium in the space sector. Three major events in a single day, illustrating the technological and scientific advances in the space sector: the launch of the Proba-3 mission from India and that of the Sentinel-1C satellite as part of the Copernicus programme, with the return to flight of the Vega-C rocket from Kourou.
As a partner in space research and applications of the Royal Observatory of Belgium and manager of the Belgian contribution to the European Space Agency (ESA), the Belgian Science Policy PPS (BELSPO) is delighted with these cascading successes and major advances for space exploration, science in general and knowledge of our planet and our sun in particular.
A significant impact for the Belgian space industry
Belgium, small on the ground but big in space! Collaborations between Belgian scientific institutes and companies, such as the Centre Spatial de Liège (CSL) and OIP Sensor Systems, demonstrate our ability to contribute to large-scale international projects, with significant economic and technological spin-offs for the country.
Proba-3: an innovative European mission with strong Belgian involvement
Proba-3, a European Space Agency (ESA) mission, inaugurates a new approach to solar observation using formation flying. This project, comprising two satellites flying with millimetre precision, will reproduce an artificial solar eclipse to enable an in-depth study of the solar corona. The Royal Observatory of Belgium is overseeing the scientific operation of the ASPIICS (Association of Spacecraft for Polarimetric and Imaging Investigation of the Corona of the Sun) instrument, which will enable the sun’s flicker to be observed in a way never before possible.
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Sentinel-1C: the latest addition to the Copernicus galaxy
Launched from Kourou at 22:00 (Belgian time) using the Vega-C launcher, Sentinel-1C is dedicated to radar observation of the Earth. Like Sentinel-2C, launched in July, this satellite will strengthen the European Union’s Copernicus Earth observation programme, the most advanced in the world. It will provide vital data for managing natural hazards, monitoring forests, farmland and urban areas, and tracking climate change. Observations that are central to the concerns of citizens and scientists alike.
Several Belgian players have been involved in its development. In particular, Thales Alenia ETCA is responsible for producing major components. Other players are also involved, including RHEA and the Ghent University Astronomical Observatory.
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Vega-C: enhanced European capacity for access to space
After an unsuccessful first commercial flight attempt in 2022, Vega-C will be back, thanks to significant improvements to its propulsion system. This launch from Kourou is vital to guarantee Europe’s strategic autonomy in terms of access to space. Belgium, through its companies, has played a decisive role in this project.
“Belgium is once again positioning itself as a key and solid player in space innovation, thanks to its researchers, partners and industry.” Arnaud Vajda, Chairman of the BELSPO Management Committee.
Main image: credit ESA