Watch Live: Ariane 6 Launches Sentinel-1D Satellite
The Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission is set to enhance its capabilities with the launch of the Sentinel-1D satellite. This satellite will be launched aboard the Ariane 6 rocket from Kourou, French Guiana. The liftoff is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 22:02 CET (18:02 local time in Kourou). Viewers can watch the event live on Emegypt.
Live Coverage Schedule
The live coverage of the launch will kick off on the same day with the following timeline:
- 21:35 – Broadcast begins
- 21:38 – Introductions and mission updates
- 22:02 – Liftoff
- 23:22 – Acquisition of signal
- 23:30 – Press conference
- 00:15 – End of conference and streaming
About Sentinel-1D and the Copernicus Program
Sentinel-1D will join its counterpart, Sentinel-1C, creating a powerful duo to ensure timely data for various users. This mission is part of the Copernicus program, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). The Copernicus program plays a critical role in global environmental management and climate change responses.
Sentinel-1D is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument. This technology will allow the satellite to capture high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, irrespective of weather conditions. Additionally, it features Automatic Identification System (AIS) instruments, enhancing the tracking of ships.
Significance of the Sentinel-1 Mission
The Sentinel-1 mission is crucial for a variety of sectors, including:
- Disaster response teams
- Environmental agencies
- Maritime authorities
- Climate scientists
These sectors rely on the frequent updates and critical data provided by the Sentinel missions to make informed decisions and improve response strategies.
Ariane 6: Europe’s Heavy Launcher
The Ariane 6 rocket is Europe’s heavy launcher and a vital asset for the European Space Agency. Its versatile design supports a variety of missions, from low-Earth orbit to deep space explorations. Standing over 60 meters tall and weighing close to 900 tonnes at launch with a full payload, the Ariane 6 represents a significant advancement in the capability of European space missions.
The forthcoming launch of Sentinel-1D not only contributes to advancing Earth observation technology but also underscores ESA’s commitment to providing open access to space. The data derived from these missions will be essential for addressing global challenges and safeguarding lives.
