Arianespace to Launch EU's Sentinel-1D Satellite with Ariane 6 on November 4, 2025
On November 4, 2025, Arianespace will deploy the Sentinel-1D satellite into orbit using the Ariane 6 launcher from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. This mission, designated VA265, marks the third commercial flight of the new European heavy-lift rocket.
Mission Details
- Launch date and time: November 4, 2025, at 6:03 p.m. CET
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 6
- Launch site: Europe’s Spaceport, French Guiana
- Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) approximately 693 km altitude
- Spacecraft separation: about 34 minutes after lift-off
About Sentinel-1D
Sentinel-1D is part of the Copernicus program, the Earth observation initiative of the European Union’s Space Programme. Managed and partially funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), Copernicus delivers continuous, free, and reliable data worldwide to public authorities, businesses, and citizens.
The satellite carries advanced radar instruments designed to provide consistent day-and-night, all-weather imagery of Earth's surface. This data is critical for monitoring sea ice, tracking icebergs and glaciers, detecting ground subsidence, and identifying oil spills.
"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."
Copernicus: Europe's Advanced Earth Observation System
As the world’s most advanced Earth observation system, Copernicus supports environmental monitoring, climate change analysis, and disaster management through its extensive satellite fleet and data services.
This launch continues to strengthen Europe’s capabilities in space-based Earth observation and environmental stewardship.
Author’s summary: The upcoming launch of Sentinel-1D by Arianespace using Ariane 6 will enhance Europe's Copernicus program with advanced radar imagery, boosting global environmental monitoring capabilities.