The European Union’s Earth observation satellite was put into orbit on Friday after a successful launch from Europe’s spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana.
The successful launch of Sentinel 1A, the first satellite dedicated to EU’s Earth observation program – Copernicus, was described by the European Commission as a significant achievement, not just for the Copernicus program, but also for European Space Policy and the involvement of the European Union in space activities.
Sentinel 1A is the first satellite of the first of six families of dedicated satellite missions, which will be launched between 2014 and 2021.
Copernicus will ensure the regular observation and monitoring of Earth sub-systems, the atmosphere, oceans, and continental surfaces, and will provide reliable, validated and guaranteed information in support of a broad range of environmental and security applications and decisions.
European Commissioner for industry and entrepreneurship, AntonioTajani said Sentinel 1A’s “brand new eyes will observe our living Earth as never before and these eyes will be European!” “The data provided by this satellite will enable considerable progress in improving maritime security, climate change monitoring and providing support in emergency and crisis situations. Multiplying, in this way, the benefits that European citizens will reap from our space programs,” he added.
This post appeared in thEUnit Digest, Monday 7th April
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