Ariane 6 Rocket Launches Sentinel-1D Earth Observation Satellite to Orbit
On November 4, 2025, Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket successfully launched the Sentinel-1D Earth observation satellite from Kourou, French Guiana. The launch occurred at 4:02 p.m. EST (21:02 GMT), marking the fourth flight of the Ariane 6 rocket.
Ariane 6’s Successful Mission
The Ariane 6 completed its mission by deploying the Sentinel-1D satellite approximately 33.5 minutes after liftoff, achieving an altitude of 440 miles (708 kilometers). This mission is significant as the satellite is a part of the European Union’s Copernicus Earth observation program.
About the Sentinel-1D Satellite
Sentinel-1D is designed to replace Sentinel-1A, which has provided data for over 11 years, exceeding its intended operational life. The Sentinel-1 series is known for capturing detailed radar imagery of Earth, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
This satellite plays a critical role for:
- Disaster response teams
- Environmental agencies
- Maritime authorities
- Climate scientists
Technical Specifications
Both Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-1D satellites are equipped with:
- C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments for high-resolution imagery
- Automatic Identification System (AIS) instruments for ship detection and tracking
Ariane 6’s Performance Record
The launch of Sentinel-1D marked the third successful operational flight for the Ariane 6, which debuted in July 2024. The rocket has previously conducted successful missions in March and August 2025. The Ariane 6 succeed the Ariane 5, which was retired in July 2023 after 27 years of service.
2025 Launch Statistics
Today’s launch was Europe’s fifth orbital mission in 2025. The Arianespace-operated Vega C launcher conducted two successful missions earlier this year, enhancing Europe’s presence in space exploration.
In context, SpaceX launched a total of 140 missions in 2025, primarily focusing on expanding its Starlink megaconstellation.
