25/04/2016 (Agence Europe) -Sentinel 1-B launch postponed for third time. The launch of the Sentinel 1-B binome Earth radar observation satellite working in tandem with Sentinel 1-A (see EUROPE 11053) as part of the European Copernicus space programme (see EUROPE 11535), was postponed for a third time by 24 hours on Sunday 24 April to Monday 25 April at 18H02 (local time). On this occasion, the postponement was caused by a failure in the central inertial unit. This unit enables the Soyuz launcher to position itself in space and establish its flight course, explained one source at Arianespace, the organisation responsible for launch operations at the Guiana Space Centre (CSG). The launcher's ignition was initially planned for Friday 22 April but had to be put back on two occasions due to an altitude wind blowing in the direction of the small town of Sinnamary, to the west of the CSG. In the event of the launcher exploding whilst in flight, the debris could have potentially fallen onto local inhabitants. As we go to press, it is still unknown when the launch will go ahead. (PH)