The European Space Agency says the FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellites have been sealed inside the protective fairing of their Vega-C rocket at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, a final step before the planned September liftoff. The two satellites are to share the ride into orbit.

According to ESA, the pair arrived at the spaceport earlier and teams have since carried out inspections and preparation work. A separate ESA update noted that Sentinel-3 data now reaches emergency services up to three times faster, supporting quicker responses to wildfires in Europe, after ESA and Eumetsat improved how data is transmitted from satellites to ground stations.

The Sentinel-3 mission is part of the Copernicus programme, which ESA describes as monitoring the planet and its environment for the benefit of European citizens.