Just two weeks after its launch, the European Space Agency reported that the Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite returned its first images and measurements from two key instruments. The initial data include views of Italy, the Arctic, and the Caribbean.
Initial Instrument Performance
According to the European Space Agency, the Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite successfully returned its first images and measurements from two of its key instruments just two weeks after launch. The early acquisitions confirm the satellite is working well and preparing for its long-term task of monitoring Earth's oceans, land, cryosphere, and atmosphere.
The initial imagery includes views of Italy, the Canadian Arctic, and the Caribbean captured by the ocean and land colour instrument on September 29 and 30. Additionally, the satellite's synthetic aperture radar altimeter provided measurements of the height of the Greenland ice sheet and sea surface.
Mission Management and Next Steps
The European Space Agency stated that it is still commissioning Sentinel-3C for service, an important and intricate task that will take another five months. Following the commissioning phase, the mission will be jointly managed by the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Eumetsat will be responsible for routine satellite operations and the delivery of marine and atmospheric data, while the European Space Agency delivers land, cryosphere, inland water, and offline atmospheric products.
Key facts and where they come from
- Sentinel-3C returned its first images and measurements just two weeks after launch.
Just two weeks after it was launched, the Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite returned its first images and measurements from two of its key instruments
- The rate of global sea-level rise has averaged 3.64 mm per year since 1999.
global sea-level rise, which has averaged 3.64 mm per year since 1999, with the rate of rise accelerating.
- The European Space Agency's commissioning process for Sentinel-3C will take another five months.
The European Space Agency is still in the process of commissioning Sentinel-3C for service, an important and intricate task that will take another five months