Sentinel-1C: New Radar Satellite Launched into Space
Location: Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana
The third and final satellite in the Sentinel-1 constellation, Sentinel-1C, was successfully launched into orbit on December 6th, 2024, at 00:00 GMT. The satellite was launched by an Arianespace Vega rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
The Sentinel-1 mission is a joint initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission. The mission’s primary objective is to provide timely and accurate information on sea-ice conditions, sea surface topography, land use and land cover changes, and other geophysical parameters.
Sentinel-1C will join its two predecessors, Sentinel-1A and Sentinel-1B, in orbit. The three satellites will work together to provide continuous coverage of the Earth’s surface, ensuring that data is available for a wide range of applications.
One of the Sentinel-1 mission’s most important applications is monitoring sea-ice conditions. The satellites’ radar instruments can penetrate through clouds and darkness, making them ideal for observing sea ice even in the most challenging conditions. This information is essential for shipping, offshore operations, and climate research.
Sentinel-1 data is also used to monitor sea surface topography. This information can be used to improve weather forecasting, ocean circulation models, and coastal erosion studies.
In addition to its applications for maritime and oceanographic research, Sentinel-1 data is also used for a variety of land-based applications. For example, the data can be used to monitor land use and land cover changes, map forests, and assess the impact of natural disasters.
The launch of Sentinel-1C is a major milestone for the Sentinel-1 mission. With the three satellites now in orbit, the mission will be able to provide even more timely and reliable data for a wide range of applications.
Additional Information
- The Sentinel-1 satellites are built by Airbus Defence and Space.
- Each Sentinel-1 satellite weighs approximately 2,300 kilograms (5,100 pounds).
- The Sentinel-1 satellites have a design life of seven years.
- The Sentinel-1 mission is expected to operate until at least 2030.
- The Sentinel-1 data is available free of charge to users around the world.
Sentinel-1C: New radar satellite launched into space
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