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Credit: ESA – M. Pedoussaut

A rocket carrying carbon dioxide- and Earth-observing satellites successfully blasted off from South America late Friday.

The Vega C rocket, operated by French firm Arianespace, launched from the Guiana Space Center as scheduled at 11:03 pm (0203 GMT), according to an AFP journalist at the site.

Onboard were five satellites launched on behalf of Airbus Defense and Space and France’s National Center for Space Studies (CNES).

The Earth-mapping constellation is designed to provide three-dimensional, high-resolution imaging of the globe over at least six years.

The other satellite aims to measure “sources and sinks” of greenhouse gas CO 2 , CNES said in its mission description.

Arianespace CEO David Cavailloles called it an important tool to “understand global warming”. It is expected to operate for at least five years.

The latest launch is the third of the year from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and the second for the lightweight Vega C.

The next launch, featuring Europe’s new heavy-lift Ariane 6, is scheduled for August.

© 2025 AFP