Posted: Sat, Apr 16, 2022, 9:39 AM ET (1339 GMT)
ESA will launch the Sentinel-1C radar imaging satellite on a Vega C next year. The selection of the Vega C was expected, although there had been hopes of moving up the launch because of malfunctions disrupting operations of a similar satellite, Sentinel-1B. Sentinel-1C was scheduled to launch in the middle of 2023, but the announcement said only that it would launch some time in the first half of the year. In an interview, Josef Aschbacher, ESA's director general, said six Ukrainian-built engines for the Vega C's upper stage had been delivered, supporting planned launches through 2023. ESA continues to look into options for replacing the engines should that supply be interrupted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  ESA press release