Arianespace to Launch EU's Copernicus Sentinel-1D Satellite on November 4, 2025, with Ariane 6
On November 4, 2025 at 6:03 p.m. local time (9:03 p.m. UTC, 10:03 p.m. CET), Arianespace will launch the Sentinel-1D satellite with Ariane 6 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
The mission, designated VA265, will be the third commercial flight for Ariane 6, the new European heavy-lift launcher. The satellite will be placed into Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of approximately 693 km. 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, a joint venture between Thales (67 %) and Leonardo (33 %), 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.
The VA265 launch at a glance:
356th launch by Arianespace
4th Ariane 6 launch and 3rd commercial flight
10% of the satellites launched by Arianespace are Earth observation satellites
7th Sentinel satellite launched by Arianespace
53rd mission for the European Space Agency
109th spacecraft built by Thales Alenia Space launched by Arianespace