2019 · Arianespace
Falcon Eye 1
failureVega | Falcon Eye 1
Falcon Eye 1 is a high-resolution Earth-imaging satellite for the United Arab Emirates. Built by Airbus Defense and Space with an optical imaging payload from Thales Alenia Space, Falcon Eye 1 is the first of two surveillance satellites ordered by the UAE’s military.
Overview
- Date / time
- July 11, 2019 at 01:53 AM UTC
- Outcome
- failure
- Launch site
- Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV)
- Mission
- Falcon Eye 1
- Mission type
- Government/Top Secret
- Orbit achieved
- Polar Orbit
FailureAn anomaly occurred shortly after MECO and stage separation. Preliminary findings indicate that super-hot gas from burning solid propellant impinged on the structure of the second stage, causing the vehicle to break apart.