Vega-C • VV27

An Arianespace Vega-C rocket launched Airbus’ four CO3D (Constellation Optique en 3D) satellites into a low Earth polar, Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 502 km (312 mi). They were joined on the rocket by the MicroCarb satellite from the French space agency, CNES, which will operate in a circular SSO at an altitude of 650 km (404 mi). The two missions are designed to operate for six years and five years respectively. CO3D will use its four, small satellites for an Earth observation and 3D mapping mission while MicroCarb works to measure global atmospheric carbon dioxide distribution. The mission was designated as Flight VV27 by Arianespace denoting this as the 27th launch of a Vega-class rocket. This was the fifth flight of a Vega-C rocket.