Overview
- The pair launched on November 28 aboard a Falcon 9 Transporter-15 flight from Vandenberg and separated less than 90 minutes after liftoff.
- SSTL confirmed first signals from both spacecraft the same evening, indicating they are healthy in orbit.
- Each satellite carries a delay Doppler mapping receiver that uses GNSS reflectometry to compare direct and surface-reflected GPS and Galileo signals.
- The mission will measure soil moisture, inundation, freeze–thaw state and above‑ground biomass to support flood forecasting, agricultural planning and improved climate models.
- SSTL is prime contractor and will operate and distribute the data, with £26 million from the UK Space Agency; the rideshare also deployed Italy’s IRIDE Eaglet‑II and two ICEYE satellites for Greece.