Sentinel 1C radar satellite begins operations to enhance earth observation

Sentinel 1C radar satellite begins operations to enhance earth observation
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Dec 09, 2024

A major addition to Europe's Earth observation capabilities, the Sentinel 1C satellite, has been successfully launched into orbit. Supported by the UK and launched aboard a VEGA-C rocket from French Guiana at 21:20 GMT on Thursday, December 5, Sentinel 1C will orbit 700 km above Earth to deliver critical imaging for environmental and disaster monitoring.

As part of Europe's Copernicus programme, the satellite uses advanced radar technology to capture continuous land and sea images, functioning day and night under all weather conditions. This capability significantly strengthens efforts to monitor climate change, respond to natural disasters, and manage global environmental challenges.

Science Minister Lord Vallance remarked, "The successful launch of this new satellite will further strengthen the Copernicus programme, which continues to collect vital long-term data allowing us to better understand our planet, respond to natural disasters and tackle global challenges like climate change."

The UK's Earth Observation sector played a key role in the mission. Airbus Defence and Space in Portsmouth developed the electronics subsystem for the satellite's Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instrument, while Enersys ABSL in Abingdon supplied its battery.

"Airbus in the UK has designed and manufactured the entire family of radar electronic subsystems for the Sentinel 1 satellites; this continues the UK provision of key instrument elements for all European Space Agency and European Union SAR satellites in orbit," said Justin Byrne, Head of Earth Observation and Science at Airbus Defence and Space UK.

Once operational, Sentinel 1C will operate in tandem with its predecessor, Sentinel 1A, enhancing the Sentinel-1 mission's capacity to generate vast datasets that feed into Copernicus services. These services aid monitoring of sea-ice extent, land-surface risks, forest management, and disaster response.

Dr. Chandra Taposeea-Fisher, Chair of the EO Committee at the UKspace trade association, noted, "Data from the Sentinel-1 satellites has been used throughout the UK EO Community, by government, industry and academia. We welcome the successful launch of Sentinel-1C, opening a new chapter in the EO world."

The satellite's consistent, long-term data collection supports critical applications, including flood mapping, sea-ice tracking, and climate change assessments. It also aids initiatives such as the National Forestry Inventory and detecting illegal fishing.

Professor Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientific Adviser for Defra, emphasized the satellite's role in improving environmental policy, stating, "Copernicus was a catalyst to the widespread uptake and use of Earth Observation to aid evidence-based policy delivery, monitoring and enforcement activities."

Highlighting its technological advances, Sentinel 1C also carries an Automatic Identification System (AIS) developed by the International Maritime Organisation. This feature enhances global shipping traffic monitoring and can identify piracy and other illegal activities when combined with radar data.

This milestone follows the recent September launch of Sentinel-2C, which provides high-resolution imagery for land and vegetation monitoring. Together, these satellites continue to elevate Europe's ability to address pressing environmental and maritime challenges.