Serco led consortia plays key role in Sentinel 2C satellite launch under COP-2 operations service contract

Serco, the international provider of services to governments, is proud to announce its first successful involvement in the launch of the Sentinel-2C satellite as part of the Copernicus Operations (COP-2) service contract. The Serco-led consortium, comprising CS Group, Deimos, and Telespazio, has been actively engaged in critical activities since April 2024 to support the satellite’s launch, which took place on the 5th of September from French Guiana, Kourou.

Sentinel-2C, the third satellite in the Copernicus Sentinel-2 series, arrived at the European Spaceport in French Guiana in July, where it was prepared for its mission aboard the final Vega rocket. This satellite continues the legacy of its predecessors by delivering essential Earth observation data for the EU’s Copernicus Programme, which is at the heart of Europe’s efforts to monitor and manage the environment.

As part of the COP-2 operations service contract, Serco, for the first time, took on significant responsibilities, including the participation to the preparation and execution of simulations, as well as the launch and early orbit phase (LEOP). The consortium worked closely with the European Space Agency (ESA) to deliver essential services, including flight control, flight dynamics, collision avoidance, data systems, and ground operations.

The critical launch activities began with pre-simulation campaigns in April, followed by intensive simulation phases, culminating in the successful launch of Sentinel-2C on 5th September. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Serco in the space sector.

Franco Marchese, Head of Sentinels Optical Imaging Missions Operations Unit at ESA-ESOC, said:

“COP2 has shown strong dedication to support the Agency and, despite this was the first Simulation Campaign and Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) for many of them, they managed to overcome the steep learning curve and contribute to this success”

Islam Ali-Zada, Head of Copernicus Operations (COP-2) contract at Serco Europe, added:

"This successful launch, conducted alongside our routine operations supporting other Sentinel missions, highlights the strength of our service organisation and the expertise we've developed over the years. This marks an important milestone for Serco as we continue to support the European Copernicus Programme and contribute to a better future." 

Serco has long been a trusted partner in the space industry, with over 40 years of experience and involvement in more than 50 space missions. The Sentinel-2C launch represents a significant first for Serco, demonstrating its growing capabilities in this critical sector.

With this successful launch, the series of critical activities will not stop. Serco will continue supporting the commissioning of the Sentinel-2C, which will replace its predecessor, the existing flying Sentinel-2A satellite, and continue providing valuable information to the Copernicus user community. These activities will be running in parallel to the preparation of another upcoming Copernicus Sentinels launch – Sentinel 1C! 

Serco. Impacting a better future