ESA's FLEX Earth Explorer and the Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite launched together aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, the agency reported on 15 September 2026. The flight, designated VV30, lifted off at 03:21 on 15 September, which was 22:21 local time on 14 September.

FLEX carries a Fluorescence Imaging Spectrometer intended to detect and measure the faint fluorescence plants emit during photosynthesis, a signal invisible to the human eye. Because this fluorescence varies with plant health and environmental conditions, ESA says the data will give scientists new information on photosynthetic activity and vegetation stress worldwide. Sentinel-3C is the third satellite in its series and will continue systematic measurements of Earth's oceans, land, ice and atmosphere, supporting monitoring of large-scale global dynamics and near-real-time information for ocean and weather forecasting.

According to ESA, the flight was Vega-C's first dual launch, using a secondary payload adapter called Vespa. Sentinel-3C was mounted on top of Vespa inside the main fairing; once deployed, the adapter opened to release FLEX for its own injection into orbit. Vega-C can launch 2300 kg, stands 35 m tall and weighs 210 tonnes on the launch pad.